Standardized Testing
The range of college admission and advanced placement (AP) test options can feel overwhelming.
Not understanding which test to take and when to take it sometimes causes confusion. Below, you will find summary information about each of the tests, our recommendations regarding which test to take and when, who registers for the test and how, the test calendar, and preparation information. During the academic year, NMH is a test center offering the college tests an NMH student needs to take right here on campus.
Test Overview
Most colleges require applicants to submit a combination of the SAT, ACT, and SAT subject tests.
All colleges look at both the ACT and SAT without a prejudice for one or the other. Advanced Placement (AP) tests are not required for admission; however, some colleges will use the results of the AP tests to determine course placement. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is typically required for students whose native language is not English.
Some colleges are "test optional," meaning applicants do not need to submit test scores as part of their application. Some colleges are "test flexible," meaning applicants can submit a nontraditional blend of test scores taken from a range of test possibilities specified by the college. Please see the National Center for Fair and Open Testing for a listing of test optional and test flexible colleges. For the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, many schools have moved to be test optional in response to the limited testing opportunities during the coronavirus pandemic.
As a general rule, we encourage students to take both the SAT and ACT in the winter of junior year. The tests differ, although not as much as they once did, and sometimes a student does significantly better on one of the tests. Students whose native language is not English are also encouraged to take the TOEFL or Duolingo in their junior year.
Some colleges require SAT subject tests (usually two; sometimes three). We recommend literature, math I or II, and a subject of the student’s choice (science, history, or language). Please refer to the Test Sequence section for a listing of the best time to take subject tests. College counselors can work with students to help create a testing plan targeted for individual needs.
Most colleges “super score” test results. That is, they take the best scores from different testing dates in the distinct sections of the test to make a single set of scores for evaluation purposes.
Students are responsible for submitting their test scores to colleges through the College Board and ACT websites. NMH cannot submit official test scores for students. The self-reported scores on the application are not usually considered official. We recommend that students do not elect to have test scores sent automatically to colleges when signing up for the test until fall of their senior year. Students will then be able to control submitting official score reports to colleges at their discretion.
Here is general information about each of the tests.
| Test Name
|
What it is
|
How To Register
|
When Taken
|
| PSAT/NMSQT Preliminary SAT, National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, and PSAT 8/9
|
A standardized test administered
|
NMH automatically
signs students up.
|
Taken in 9th & 10th grade as practice for the SAT. Taken in 11th grade as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship competition.
|
| SAT Sometimes referred to as SAT I or SAT Reasoning Test
|
A standardized college admission test administered by the College Board. |
The SAT is offered at NMH, but students must register for the test themselves through the College Board.
|
Typically late fall/winter of junior year then again fall of senior year. Often students retake the SAT in spring of junior year.
|
| SAT Subject Tests Sometimes referred to as SAT II
|
Some colleges require subject tests (usually two; sometimes three). We recommend the literature, math I or II, and a subject of the student's choice (science, history, or a language). |
SAT subject tests are offered at NMH, but students must register for the test themselves through the College Board.
|
When a student takes them depends on their individual course load. Please refer to the Test Sequence section.
|
| ACT
|
Some colleges require subject tests (usually two; sometimes three). We recommend the literature, math I or II, and a subject of the student's choice (science, history, or a language).
|
The ACT is offered at NMH, but students must register for the test themselves directly with ACT.
|
Typically late fall/winter of junior year then again fall of senior year. Often students also retake the ACT in spring of junior year. |
| TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language
|
Measures one's ability to use and understand English at the university level. Students whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL. It is administered by ETS, the Educational Testing Service.
|
NMH offers the iBT
several times a year, and students must register in the Academic Dean's Office.
|
Students whose first language is not English typically take the TOEFL in junior year and fall of senior year. |
Test Calendar
The 2020-21 schedule for SAT and subject tests, ACT, TOEFL, PSAT is posted here.
NMH School Code Number: 220730
Test Sequence
NINTH GRADE:
- At this point, students want to work hard in classes to create a foundation for future testing.
- Students who qualify for accommodations should complete the required form with the Academic Dean’s office well in advance of testing. Parents must also sign the form for students under the age of 18.
tenth Grade:
- NMH sophomores are required to take the PSAT in October. NMH signs students up for the PSAT; parents/students do not register themselves.
- Students who qualify for accommodations should complete the required form with the Academic Dean's office well in advance of testing. Parents must also sign the form for students under the age of 18.
- Begin test preparation the summer between 10th and 11th grade.
- There are a handful of sophomores enrolled in advanced courses who should consider taking SAT subject tests if they are taking any of the courses listed on the chart below.
- When signing up for tests, we recommend that you do not elect to have your results sent automatically to colleges. Students will then be able to control submitting official score reports to colleges at their discretion
eleventh Grade:
- NMH juniors are required to take the PSAT in October. NMH signs students up for the PSAT; parents/students do not register themselves.
- Most students take the SAT and ACT in the winter of their junior year and then again in spring. NMH offers a limited number of administrations of each exam. For SAT, students register for the weekend exams through SAT. For the School Day administrations, students register with the school. For ACT, students register themselves and need to input the NMH code.
- Students who qualify for accommodations should complete the required form with the Academic Dean's office well in advance of testing. Parents must also sign the form for students under the age of 18.
- Some colleges require SAT subject tests; usually two, sometimes three. We recommend Literature, Math Level 1 or 2, and a subject of the student’s own choice (science, history, or language). See the chart below to determine if you are ready to take an SAT Subject test.
- Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL or Duolingo. We recommend they do this prior to the start of their senior year. NMH does not administer either exam. If students decide to take the TOEFL, they should do so during the summer prior to the senior year. If they decide to take Duolingo, they can do this on their personal computer.
- NMH offers AP exams in May. Students must sign up for AP exams using the AP Classroom code provided by their teacher. For students wanting to take the exam when they are not enrolled in the course, they should contact the AP Coordinator.
- Continue test preparation during junior year and over the summer between 11th and 12th grade.
- When signing up for tests, we recommend that you do not elect to have your results sent automatically to colleges. Students will then be able to control submitting official score reports to colleges at their discretion.
twelfTH GRADE:
- Most seniors retake the SAT and ACT in the fall of their senior year. NMH offers a limited number of administrations of each exam. For SAT, students register for the weekend exams through SAT. For the School Day administrations, students register with the school. For ACT, students register themselves and need to input the NMH code. Students can take the tests at NMH, but must register themselves for the SAT and the ACT.
- Students who qualify for accommodations should complete the required form with the Academic Dean's office well in advance of testing. Parents must also sign the form for students under the age of 18.
- Some colleges require SAT Subject Tests; usually two, sometimes three. We recommend the Literature, Math Level 1 or 2, and a subject of the student’s own choice (science, history, or language). See the chart below to determine if you are ready to take an SAT Subject test. Students should take the subject tests near the end of the semester when they complete the relevant course.
- Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL or Duolingo. We recommend they do this prior to the start of their senior year. NMH does not administer either exam. If students decide to take the TOEFL, they should do so during the summer prior to the senior year. If they decide to take Duolingo, they can do this on their personal computer.
- NMH offers AP exams in May. Students must sign up for AP exams using the AP Classroom code provided by their teacher. For students wanting to take the exam when they are not enrolled in the course, they should contact the AP Coordinator.
- When signing up for tests, we recommend that you do not elect to have your results automatically sent to colleges. Students will then be able to control submitting official score reports to colleges at their discretion.
Test Preparation
It is helpful to utilize 10th grade test results from the PSAT, or winter term junior year SAT and ACT results to help students analyze which test best suits them. Once a student decides which test they will concentrate on, there are multiple ways to prepare:
Test preparation options include self-study, tutoring, online prep, and prep courses. NMH partners with Summit Test Prep to offer optional SAT and ACT preparation courses on campus in the fall and spring. Our college counselors are available to offer advice to students on standardized test preparation plans.
We encourage students to begin preparing for the SAT and ACT as early as the summer between sophomore and junior years. Listed below are some free, online SAT preparation options: