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New Providence High School

Standardized Testing

PSAT/NMSQT

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is administered to the sophomores and juniors in October at no charge to the parents. This is meant to be a practice test and scores are not sent to the colleges. As juniors this assessment is also used as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Juniors achieving a certain score may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The digital assessment is broken into two sections Math and Evidenced Based Reading. The assessment is scored on a scale of 320-1520 with each individual test section being scored from 160-760. Any freshman interested in taking this assessment should see their counselor.

 

 

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language is for non- native speakers who have been in the United States a few years and who find the SAT does not accurately reflect their abilities. The TOEFL is used to assess the ability to read college level text instead of the finer points of the English language.

  •  TOEFL:  Test of English as a Foreign Language

 

ACT

The ACT is 2 hour and 55 minute multiple choice test that covers four subject areas:  English, Math, Reading, and Science.  A STEM sub-score is also provided.  The composite score is the average of English, math, reading and science.  There is an optional writing section that is an additional 40 minutes.  The ACT is a curriculum based test.  The top score is a 36.  

 

SAT

The SAT is a digital reasoning test that lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes. The test revolves around evidenced based reading and math. The test is offered 7 times a year. Scores can range from 200-800 in each section with a total possible score of 1600. Most colleges will “superscore” or take the highest individual content test scores even if they were from different administrations.

Please note that the College Board no longer offers the SAT Subject Tests. 

 

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS

AP exams are given in May and are taken with the corresponding AP course. Scores range from 1-5 with 5 being the highest. Each colleges has their own policies and guidelines for accepting scores for credit. AP Test registration is usually held in late October/early November.  Information will be communicated to all students enrolled in an AP course.

 

SENDING SCORES TO COLLEGES

Students are responsible for sending test scores directly from the testing agency. Students can either designate a recipient at the time of the registration or after they receive their scores. College Board offers “score choice” which allows students to send the score from one specific test sitting. Talk to your counselor to see if this is right for you.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Exams can be taken with extended time and accommodations for those students who qualify with an IEP or 504 plan. Very specific guidelines and deadlines are provided by the testing agency. See your counselor for additional information. We encourage students to apply for accommodations as early as the spring of freshman year.

TESTING TERMINOLOGY

Here are some testing policies you may come across…

  • Test-Optional:  A test-optional college doesn’t require SAT or ACT scores from applicants in order to be considered for admission.  Each school’s test-optional policy is different, so do your research to make sure a school is truly test-optional, or if there’s some circumstance that will require you to still submit SAT or ACT scores in order to be considered for admission or scholarships.  For instance, certain majors/programs within a test-optional school may still require you to send scores.
  • Test-Flexible:  A test-flexible college lets students submit other test scores in place of the SAT or ACT, such as one or more SAT Subject Tests or Advanced Placement test scores.
  • Test-Blind:  A test-blind college will not consider test scores, even if you submit them.

The colleges on this “Test-Optional Means Test-Optional” list from NACAC affirm that they will not penalize students for the absence of a standardized test score.  Note:  This is not an exhaustive list, and you should always check the college’s admissions page to verify any/all policies!

SAT/ACT TEST REGISTRATION

Students are responsible for registering for all tests through the appropriate website.

The NPHS School Code (CEEB CODE) is 310999 (use when registering for standardized tests).

FREE TEST PREP

PRIVATE TEST PREP COMPANIES

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INDEPENDENT TUTORING SERVICES

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