Comet Breakdown: Testing Prep and Planning
Your heartbeat quickens as the proctor slides the answer form onto the desktop in front of you. You double check: pencil sharpened, calculator has batteries, eraser at the ready. You take a second to locate the clock before bubbling in your name. You flinch as the kid across the room sneezes. Great. Twenty minutes pass, but it feels like four. Sweat pours down your forehead. You’re so thirsty! The proctor is scribbling something on the whiteboard, but their writing is hard to read: 10 minutes? 12 minutes?!? You don’t have time to figure it out so you bury your nose in the test booklet. CLONK. You jump and gasp as someone drops their calculator on the tile floor. You settle your heart rate and ease back into the test. Wait, there can’t be five “C”s in a row, can there? As you hit the last page of questions, it’s taking every iota of self-control to resist punching the kid behind you who insists on bouncing their leg against your chair. Time’s almost up, but you still have to go back and check that answer! “Pencils down!” Oh no.
Ahh, the sweet trauma of test taking.
Unfortunately, we can’t be there to bubble in those answers for you (or stop that kid from kicking your chair). But we can answer your questions about testing. What role do tests play in college admissions? Which tests do you need to take, and which are cancelled? When do you need to worry about this?
We know testing isn’t the most fun thing to talk about, but we hope the info in this article will take a little bit of the stress and pressure away from preparing for and taking standardized tests.
Why do standardized tests exist?
Standardized testing has long been seen as the most efficient way to fairly evaluate students from various high schools. Since high school curriculum varies by state and even by school, standardized tests were created to compare students directly against one another, making it easier for colleges to identify the most qualified students.
What role do tests play in the college admissions process?
College is an academic institution, so your academic profile is a key component of your application. Without your academic ducks in a row, you are going to have a hard time getting the attention of admissions officers. Your academic profile includes your GPA, the classes you take, and your test scores.
GPA will always be the most important factor because it shows your ability to sustain a consistent performance over time despite ups, downs and challenges. The classes you take are important to show how you performed within the context of your high school: did you challenge yourself by taking available honors courses? Did you take all the classes that were relevant to your intended major?
GPAs and course selections make it easy to compare you to other students from your high school. However, every high school is different. An easy teacher or a less rigorous curriculum can make it easier to get that coveted high GPA. So how do colleges compare students from different high schools?
Test scores. Everyone has to know the same material and take the test in the same amount of time, so it’s easy to compare results across the board.
Wait, I thought testing was optional now?
There have been many changes to testing, but nothing is permanent...yet. We’ll explain!
Because of the pandemic, students were not able to readily access the SAT or ACT. Testing sites were closed, test dates were cancelled, students with disabilities were not able to receive appropriate accommodations, and students in strained financial situations were forced to forgo testing. Colleges collectively decided that it was not fair to penalize students who were unable to take the test, and made testing optional for the Class of 2021.
Test optional means that students with scores could choose whether to submit them, and students without scores could still apply. The test optional policy is likely to extend to the Class of 2022, and some colleges have already made this announcement. But since we do not know the policy for all colleges, and since we do not know the policy beyond 2022 in any case, we are still advising students to play it safe and take the tests traditionally required for college admission.
Hold up, didn’t the UCs cancel testing?
Kind of! In early 2020, the UCs announced a plan to gradually phase out the SAT/ACT requirement by 2025 and develop their own admissions test that would hopefully be less biased against marginalized groups.
Then, in the summer, the UCs announced that due to the pandemic (and a pending lawsuit), the system would be test blind starting for the Class of 2021. Test blind means test scores will not be reviewed or considered at all in the admissions process.
The UCs will remain test blind for the Class of 2022, and likely longer as they work to determine and develop their own admissions test.
Okay, okay, I get it. I still have to take tests. Which tests are important to colleges?
Great question! Here’s a chart of the common tests students encounter in high school, when you may take them, and how colleges view them. We’ll go into more detail about each test later in the article.
| Name of Test | Is This Test Required by Colleges? | When Do Students Take This Test? | Why is This Test Important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name of TestSAT or ACT | Is This Test Required by Colleges?Yes* | When Do Students Take This Test?Junior OR senior year of high school. | Why is This Test Important?Used by many colleges to evaluate students’ readiness for college coursework. These scores provide a common data point by which colleges can compare all applicants. |
| Name of TestPSAT | Is This Test Required by Colleges?No | When Do Students Take This Test?Both sophomore and junior year of high school. | Why is This Test Important?This test gives students a chance to practice the SAT in a test-taking environment (sophomore year) and determines eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship (junior year). The PSAT score is not used in the admissions process. |
| Name of TestAP or IB Exam | Is This Test Required by Colleges?No | When Do Students Take This Test?Sophomore, junior, and/or senior year of high school. | Why is This Test Important?These tests correspond to academic courses and evaluate mastery of academic subjects. Passing these exams earns college credit. AP/IB scores are reported in college applications as evidence of academic ability, but are not used as criteria for admission. |
| Name of TestTOEFL | Is This Test Required by Colleges?For some students | When Do Students Take This Test?Junior OR senior year of high school | Why is This Test Important?These tests are used to determine a student’s ability to complete college-level coursework in the English language. Colleges set minimum scores for admission. |
*Reminder that for the Class of 2021, SAT/ACT exams were optional or excluded from admissions review due to accessibility issues caused by the pandemic. This test-optional status will likely extend to the Class of 2022 and possibly beyond. More details about how going test-optional or test-blind can affect admission can be found later in this article.
Wasn’t there another test? SAT Subject something?
Yes, for a long time colleges required or recommended SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT/ACT. However, colleges started to realize that these tests were costly and time consuming, and didn’t add much to a student’s application. As they decreased in popularity, CollegeBoard decided to discontinue administering SAT Subject Tests.
So the only test I have to take is the SAT or ACT?
Correct! Unless you need to prove your English fluency, you only need to take one test in order to be eligible to apply to college. Therefore, the bulk of our testing advice is centered around the SAT/ACT. Here are the basics about each one:
SAT
Stands for: Scholastic Aptitude Test.
Administered by: The CollegeBoard.
When is the SAT offered? On the first Saturday of the month in August, October, November, December, March, May and June. The test begins at 8:30am; however, students are asked to arrive by 7:45am.
How and when do I sign up for the SAT? You will need a CollegeBoard account and about an hour to complete your registration. The deadline to register is approximately five weeks before the test date. However, since testing sites fill up quickly, it is best to register far in advance.
Where do I take the SAT? At various high schools and community centers across the country. When you register, you will be able to map the testing site closest to your home.
How much does the SAT cost? $46. You will receive 4 free score reports to send to colleges. It will cost $12 to send your score to each additional college. Fee reductions are available for low income students.
How many times can I take the SAT? There is no limit to the number of tests you can take.
How long is the SAT exam? The test is about three hours long, but you will need to budget more time on test day for breaks and delays.
What does the test cover? The test has three* sections: Evidence Based Reading, Writing + Language, and Math. The content covers material typically taught in English 9 + 10 as well as Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.
How is the test scored? The maximum score is 1600. The Evidence Based Reading section is combined with the Writing and Language section in the scoring (sometimes referred to as your EBRW score); together, the maximum score is 800. The math section is also scored out of 800. Here is a more detailed breakdown.
*Note that although you may still see articles and information about the essay section of the SAT, as of early 2021 the SAT has discontinued the administration of the essay.
ACT
Stands for: American College Testing
Administered by: ACT
When is the ACT offered? One Saturday per month in September, October, December, February, April, June and July. The test begins at 8:30, but students are instructed to arrive by 7:45.
How and when do I sign up for the ACT? You will need an ACT Student account and about 30 minutes to complete your registration. The deadline to register is approximately 2-3 weeks before the test date
Where do I take the ACT? At various high schools and community centers across the country. You can use the Test Center Locator to find the site nearest to your home.
How much does the ACT cost? $55 for the basic test, or $70 if you elect to take the essay portion of the test (optional). You will receive 4 free score reports to send to colleges; it will cost $15 to send your test score to each additional college. Fee reductions are available for low income students.
How many times can I take the ACT? There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test.
How long is the ACT exam? The test is about 3 hours long (4 if you choose to take the optional essay section). However, you will need to allot more time on test day for breaks and delays.
What does the ACT cover? There are five sections on the ACT: English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing (optional). The content of the English, Math, (optional) Writing, and Reading sections cover material typically taught in English 9 + 10 as well as Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. The Science section is more about a student’s ability to comprehend and analyze data than it is about the student’s knowledge of a particular science subject.
How is the ACT scored? Each section is scored from 1-36. The composite, or total score, is the average of the first four sections (English, Math, Reading and Science).
They seem pretty similar. What are the key differences between the ACT and SAT?
There are lots of little differences between the tests, and there are many charts out there on the internet that break down ACT and SAT in intricate detail so you can compare and contrast. We put together a chart of the bigger differences that seem to influence students’ ability to succeed on these tests.
ACT vs. SAT Comparison
I think I understand the differences, but I’m not sure which one would be best for me. How do I decide whether to take the ACT or SAT?
Colleges accept and evaluate the ACT and SAT equally, so it’s up to you to choose the one you prefer. Comet recommends that you take a practice ACT and a practice SAT. We think it is important to try out both tests to see which one feels better in terms of the timing, format and content.
There are free practice tests available on each test’s website (here is ACT, here is SAT). Take each test on a different day in a quiet place. Try to simulate a testing environment -- don’t get up and wander around or chew on a snack while you work. Use a timer so you can get an accurate experience and estimation of your score.
Alternatively, you could sign up to take the PSAT at your school during sophomore year. We will go into more detail about the PSAT later in this article, but it’s essentially a chance to take an unofficial SAT in a controlled environment with professionals scoring.
Okay, I took both practice tests. What next?
Before you score and compare your practice tests, think about how each test felt: which one seemed easier? Did you have to go back and check a bunch of answers? Did you run out of time? Which math problems felt more familiar? Which reading passages were more accessible? If you had to, which would you rather take again?
Now, see if your thoughts line up with the results. When you score the practice tests, you can compare your scores using a concordance chart like this one. Which score is higher?
If one test felt better and the score was higher, that’s the one to choose!
If both tests felt the same, choose the test with the higher score.
If you felt better about one test, but the score on that test was lower, it might be worthwhile to take another practice test and see if your score is consistent. Sorry!
If you need a bit more discipline and support to take the practice tests, you can contact a local test preparation center for a diagnostic test. They will usually score it for free and provide feedback on your next steps.
So when should I take these practice tests and start preparing for my ACT/SAT?
We recommend that you wait until you have finished English 10 and Algebra 2 before you begin preparation for the test. That way, you can focus on learning strategies and time management rather than learning content. It’s also a lot easier to focus on a test when you’re older -- maturity and self-control go a long way!
Once you start preparing, you should set a goal score for yourself. You can determine your goal score by looking at the average scores for a college or university that interests you. So, for example, if you wanted to apply to UNC Chapel Hill, you could check their website and see that the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1320-1500. That means 25% of admitted students scored HIGHER than 1500, and 25% of admitted students scored LOWER than 1320. In order to be competitive at UNC, you would need at least a 1320; however, you should set your goal score at the top 25% to be safe (1500+).
Keep taking practice tests until you get close to your goal score, then schedule an official test.
If I do okay on both practice tests, should I just prepare to take both official tests?
In the interest of time and cost, it makes more sense to choose one test and stick with it. There is no evidence of an advantage to sending scores from both tests to colleges.
However: if you choose one test but you find yourself stuck or plateauing at a score that is below your goal score, sometimes it helps to switch to the other test. Since the tests are scored differently, sometimes it is easier to gain points on one than the other.
And, if you do end up taking both and scoring well, there’s no reason to hold back the scores -- send both!
What are Comet’s tips on how to prepare for the SAT or ACT?
Use free resources as much as possible! We highly recommend getting an account on Khan Academy, where you can take a diagnostic test, enter your planned test date, and get a tailored lesson plan to follow as you prepare! They will even send you email reminders to get back on track.
The ACT website also offers some free resources, but their free content is not as comprehensive as the content on Khan Academy. We recommend a preparation guide (an actual, physical book!) that you easily find used online OR check out from your local library. Your high school may have some books around for you to borrow, as well.
Some students are not self-directed or disciplined enough to stick to a test prep schedule on their own, and trust us, we get it! If this is you, look into test preparation centers in your local area that offer one-on-one or group instruction. Often, these centers will have tailored instruction for students scoring at your level so you don’t have to feel like you’re behind or that you’re not doing enough.
How many times should I take the test, and when?
If you have the time and means, it would be ideal to take either the SAT or the ACT twice, three times at the most. This may sound like a lot, but knowing you are going to take the test a few times takes the pressure off.
Most students are ready to take their practice tests at the end of sophomore year. They will take their first official test in fall or spring of junior year depending on how much progress they make during the summer. They will take a second test (if necessary) in spring of junior year or fall of senior year.
If you are behind this timeline, don’t sweat it! Do your best to take your first test before senior year hits -- you’ll have a lot going on and you don’t need the extra headache!
Isn’t there a deadline for taking these tests?
If you are applying on the regular deadline (usually January 1), all you need to do is make sure you will be done with testing by December of senior year.
However, in order to be eligible to apply on the early deadline (November 1), you should aim to complete testing by the end of junior year.
Additionally, it helps to be done with testing as early as possible so you can focus on academics, build your college list, and free up your time to build your resume and work on essays. Push yourself to start and finish testing as quickly as possible.
If the ACT Essay is optional, should I take it?
As of 2021, there are only 7 colleges that require the essay portion of the test (which is a big reason why the SAT discontinued their Essay section in 2021). However, many colleges still recommend that students submit the essay score. You should check the admissions websites for the colleges you are interested in; if any of them recommend the writing test, you should try it in order to be competitive.
Since the SAT no longer offers the essay, Comet’s guess is that the ACT essay is not going to play an important role in admissions moving forward.
I’ve heard about “Super Score”. What does it mean and should I use it?
Colleges want to give you the best possible chance of being accepted. They understand that when it comes to testing, it’s possible to have a bad day or get unlucky. Therefore, CollegeBoard (the SAT people) created Score Choice and Super Score.
Score Choice means that you get to choose which of your scores you want to send to colleges. If your first test was...not great...you can opt to keep it to yourself. However, just because Score Choice exists doesn’t mean that colleges approve. Different colleges have different testing policies. Some colleges want to see ALL of your test scores; other colleges want to see your best single test date. Many colleges will Super Score.
Super Score means that if you did really well on the reading section in April, and really well on the math section in June, you can send both the April and June scores to colleges so they can create one super (!) great score.
For example:
April Test: 500 Math, 700 EBWR = 1200 Composite
June Test: 650 Math, 650 EBWR = 1300 Composite
April EBWR Score (700) + June Math Score (650) = 1350 Composite (Your Super Score!)
In the case above, if the college’s policy is to evaluate your single best test date, you’ll submit your June score. If the college’s policy is to Super Score, you will send both tests for evaluation.
This article from CollegeBoard summarizes Score Choice and Super Score, and explains how to tell which college uses which policy.
Does ACT Super Score?
Yup! It’s a new feature as of 2021, but they will apply it to any score students have received since 2016.
If I’m unhappy with a test score, can I cancel it?
The “cancel” policy only works before you see your score. So if you had a bad day and completely botched the test, you can cancel your score as soon as you get home and plan a date to retake the test.
Remember, colleges are going to look at your best test date or your Super Score, so it’s not a big deal if you have to submit a score you’re not happy with. Looking on the bright side, including a worse score can show colleges that you worked hard to improve! And in the worst case, you can use the Additional Information section of your college application to explain what went wrong (maybe that kid who sneezed distracted you and you skipped a page?!).
Remind me: besides the SAT or ACT, what tests should I prioritize?
If you’ll recall from our handy dandy chart at the top of this article, the only required test is the SAT or ACT. But in order to be a competitive applicant, it’s a good idea to provide additional evidence of your academic ability. Therefore, besides the ACT/SAT, the most important tests are the AP and IB exams.
Never heard of them? Great, we’ll explain!
AP
Stands for: Advanced Placement
Administered by: The CollegeBoard
When are AP exams offered? During the first two weeks of May each year. The schedule is announced for morning and afternoon tests each weekday; students could take multiple tests in one day.
How and when do I sign up for AP exams? Your teachers should notify you of deadlines to register in each of your AP courses.
Note: If you are taking an AP course outside of your high school (e.g. an online course, self-studying), it is important to ask your administrators early in the fall semester to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines to sign up for the exam. If your high school does not offer an AP test you want to take, you must call or email other schools to inquire if you can take your exam on their campus.
Where do I take my AP exams? While computer-based testing was made possible during the pandemic, it is likely that AP testing will return to normal and testing will take place on your high school campus.
How much does an AP exam cost? $95-143 depending on the test. This seems expensive, but passing each test will earn college credits which typically cost upwards of $1,000 to earn in a typical four-year college. Fee reductions are available for low-income students.
How many times can I take an AP exam? You should plan to take each exam only once, at the end of the school year during which you took the corresponding course. If you are unhappy with your score you can opt to cancel it and retake the test the following year. However, it is unlikely that you will do better one year down the road!
How long is an AP exam? Each test is 2-3 hours long when taken in person. There are some exams that are simply submitted to the reviewers and do not require students to sit for the exam (for example, in AP Studio Art, students compose and submit a portfolio of pieces for scoring).
What does an AP test cover? Each of the 38 tests covers information from a pre-set, standardized curriculum. The corresponding course you take will follow this curriculum, so theoretically you will be prepared to succeed on the exam if you are passing the class. Most exams require students to answer both multiple choice and free response questions
How is the test scored? Students are awarded an overall score between 1 and 5. A score of 3 or above is considered a passing score. A 3 is the minimum score required for a student to earn college credit for the course. Students who take a certain number of exams and achieve a certain average are eligible for AP Awards, which can look fancy on your college application. A more detailed breakdown of scoring can be found here.
IB
Stands for: International Baccalaureate
Administered by: International Baccalaureate
When are IB assessments offered? Exams are offered each April and May. You can find a detailed schedule on the IB website.
How and when do I sign up for IB assessments? Each high school is certified to administer IB assessments so you will need to register early in the school year (usually November) with the help of your high school teachers and administrators.
Where do I take my IB assessments? You will take your external and internal assessments at your high school.
How much does an IB exam cost? $119 per exam.
How many times can I take an IB assessment? Since there are multiple assessments used to assess your score in each subject, you will not be able to retake individual assessments; however, you can sign up to retake all the assessments required for a given subject in the next exam period (the next year).
How long is an IB exam? IB assessments usually take multiple days to complete. This is because they consist of 2-3 “external” assessments (multiple choice, short answer, free response) and “internal” assessments (like a presentation, community service project, essay or lab report).
What does an IB assessment cover? IB assessments are done by subject. There are six core subjects: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Students may take the standard or honors level assessments in each subject. The assessments correspond to coursework taken in high school; therefore, if you are succeeding in your class, you should theoretically be able to score well.
How are assessments scored? External exams are graded by official scorers, like the AP exam. Internal assessments are graded by your teacher. The scores are combined and the overall IB assessments are graded on a scale of 1-7. A 6 or 7 is considered an A, although most colleges give IB credit for scores of 5 and higher. There isn’t an official “passing” score.
How are AP and IB exams used in the application process?
Unlike SAT/ACT, AP and IB scores are not used to determine your eligibility for admission. Instead, they are an additional component in your academic profile.
AP and IB courses are rigorous, and will be weighted in your overall GPA calculation. Additionally, since AP and IB courses are college-level courses, passing the exams proves that you can handle college-level coursework. Lastly, because these tests are standardized, colleges can more easily compare your scores to the scores of students from other high schools.
So I don’t get much out of taking an AP or IB, huh?
Well, that depends.
Colleges want to see that you are willing to challenge yourself, and AP/IB coursework is a great way to demonstrate that.
If there are 10 AP/IB courses offered at your high school and you’ve taken all of them, you are obviously going to look really good compared to students at your school who only took one or two. The more As and passing/strong scores you get, the more competitive your profile becomes. This is why it helps to self-study or take an outside course: if you exceed the maximums at your high school, you are truly above and beyond colleges’ expectations.
If you challenge yourself and you don’t do well, that’s another story. Colleges want to see that you know yourself and you can make wise decisions. If you get three Cs in your first three AP classes and fail the exams, yet choose to take 4 AP courses the following year...well, that doesn’t look like sound decision making to us.
Didn’t you say something about college credit?
Yup!
Students in the IB program who take assessments in the 6 core subjects and score 4 or higher on each one earn an IB diploma, which some colleges will use to excuse students from General Education requirements. IB students may also take individual assessments and earn college credits. Colleges will decide individually how to recognize and apply those credits, so there is no guarantee that you’ll be exempt from any general or introductory curriculum despite your hard work.
Like IBs, each AP exam earns college credit. Again, colleges will choose how to award this credit, and whether to excuse students from general education or introductory level classes as a result.
College credits are valuable even if they don’t exempt you from courses. For one, they can advance your class standing. Let’s say a normal freshman in college is expected to earn 16 credits. You come in with 4 AP or IB exams, and the college awards you 16 credits. Now even though you’re a baby freshman, you will look like a sophomore in the college’s scheduling system. This means you can register earlier, take upper division classes earlier, and even graduate more quickly.
My school offers APs, but not IBs (or vice versa). Is this a problem?
Nope! It’s just important that you take advantage of whichever system your school offers and maximize your opportunities to take weighted classes and for-credit exams.
FYI, in the US, the majority of high schools use the AP system. The IB system is more commonly seen internationally and in private high schools.
How should I study for APs and IBs, and when should I start preparing?
We suggest that you pay attention in class, keep all your notes, and review along with your teacher. Usually, teachers will schedule the course so that you stop learning new things around March and begin preparing for the assessment in May.
If you need extra support (or you would like to self-study for an AP exam), you can always purchase (or rent, or check out) an AP/IB preparation book. Additionally, due to their partnership with CollegeBoard, Khan Academy hosts curriculum and preparation resources for many of the AP exams. Lastly, there are really cool sites like Quizlet where AP/IB students of yore have uploaded their notes to create flashcards you can use for free! Save yourself some time and practice with digital flashcards!
Remember that for IB courses, part of your assessment will take the form of an assignment that your teacher will grade. Therefore, it is important to build a relationship with your teacher and consistently turn in high quality work. By the way, it doesn’t hurt to always build a relationship with your teacher and consistently turn in high quality work.
Yeah yeah, will do. APs and IBs, check. I think you said something about a PSAT?
Oh yeah!
PSAT
Stands for: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
Administered by: The CollegeBoard
When is the PSAT offered? Annually in mid-October. The test takes place during the school day, so you get to miss class (hoorah!). Some schools also offer make-up dates on the following Saturday.
How and when do I sign up for the PSAT? You will sign up through your high school; unfortunately each high school has a different process, so you’ll need to pay attention to announcements. You can find out whether your school offers the PSAT here; if they don’t, you can contact another local school and see if you can attend their test.
Where do I take my PSAT? At school! You don’t have to go anywhere.
How much does the PSAT cost? The standard cost is $17, but many high schools will cover the cost for all students.
How many times can I take the PSAT? You should plan to take the exam twice: once in 10th grade and once in 11th grade. We’ll explain why this is important in the next section. Some schools let freshmen take the PSAT, as well.
How long is the PSAT? About 3 hours.
What does the PSAT cover? The test is formatted in two sections like the SAT (Evidence Based Reading + Writing/Language, and Math) and covers all of the same content.
How is the test scored? Each of the two sections is scored out of 760 for a maximum score of 1520. Why is it different from the SAT? We don’t know. We think just to make things more complicated.
Will colleges use my PSAT score?
Nope, they won’t even see it.
Cool, I’m skipping to the next section.
Wait! It’s important for other reasons.
The PSAT in 10th grade is totally optional. It’s more just for you to practice the SAT, and the scores don’t go anywhere. Signing up will get you on the CollegeBoard’s data system which means you will start receiving boatloads of college propaganda in your inbox. Get ready!
The PSAT in 11th grade is important because scoring well makes you eligible for a scholarship called the National Merit Scholarship.
I have so many other tests to worry about. Do colleges really care about this?
We agree that this isn’t the most important test, but we know that being a National Merit Semi-Finalist or Finalist definitely gets the attention of colleges. 1.6 million students participate in the PSAT, and only 50,000 become semi-finalists. As a semi-finalist, you’ll need to write an essay and send some additional materials to the program to qualify as a finalist or a commended student. If you are a finalist, you are 1 of only 16,000 students in the whole country! That’s a stand-out honor. From there, you’re likely to get a few dimes for tuition.
Fine. I’ll take the PSAT. Is this something I should study for?
Not if you are taking it in 10th grade. Just show up and do your best!
In 11th grade, you should have already started preparing for the SAT or ACT by the time the PSAT rolls around.
If you haven’t started studying yet by October of 11th grade, it may be worth it to head to Khan Academy or take a couple of practice tests before the PSAT -- if not to score highly on the test, then at least to kickstart your SAT prep!
Will do! Anything else I need to worry about?
If you are a US student and English is your first language, that’s it! No more testing for you, go get a snack.
If you are an international student OR you moved to the US within the last few years, you may be required to take the TOEFL.
TOEFL
Stands for: Test of English as a Foreign Language
Administered by: ETS
When is the TOEFL offered? The test is offered 60+ times per year, so it’s easiest to visit their website.
How and when do I sign up for the TOEFL? You should sign up on the website about 4 months before your desired test date to make sure you get a seat at the time and location you prefer. You need to have your test scores in time to apply to college, so ideally you will finish the TOEFL before senior year begins. Scores are ready about 6 days after you take the test.
Where do I take my TOEFL? The test is offered at various community spaces, schools and offices. The test is computer-based, but in most cases you cannot take it from home because the testing center needs to validate your identification.
How much does the TOEFL cost? $180
How many times can I take the TOEFL? There is no limit.
How long is the TOEFL? About three hours, but you will need to arrive about 30 minutes before the test begins.
What does the TOEFL cover? Reading, listening (comprehension), speaking and writing in English. The test is meant to ensure students are prepared to succeed at an institution where the primary language is English.
How is the test scored? Each section is scored from 1-30. The scores are combined into a composite score out of 120.
How do I know if I need to take the TOEFL?
You will need to check requirements at individual colleges.
Generally, if English is not your primary language (the language you speak/read/write in on a daily basis) OR if the primary language of instruction at your school is not English, you will likely need to take the TOEFL.
You may be exempted from TOEFL if you scored in a certain percentile on the EBRW section of the SAT. Again, you’ll have to check the websites for individual colleges.
What is a good score on the TOEFL?
A score of 100/120 will qualify you for admission to the Ivy League, so aim for that -- if 100 is good enough for Yale it’s probably good enough for everybody else so aim for that! Other colleges have less stringent requirements, so you’ll have to check the websites for the colleges that interest you.
Can I ask some general questions about all these tests?
You bet!
Are there any accommodations available for students with disabilities?
Yes! If you have a documented disability (for example, if you are on a 504 plan or you have an IEP), you may qualify for extended time or other accommodations on any of these exams.
You should speak to the SSD (the Services for Students with Disabilities) Coordinator at your high school or contact the testing agency directly for instructions on how to apply for accommodations. Make sure to get started on this process early, because you may need to jump through some paperwork hoops to get everything in order.
If testing is going to be optional, why should I take the tests at all?
Good question!
If testing is optional, that means you have a lot of power in this process. There is no downside to trying a test, because if you don’t do well you don’t have to send your score. If you do well, your score will help your academic profile. And, you can choose school-by-school whether to include your scores; so, if your score is in the top 25% of admitted students at GWU but around 50% at Boston U, you can send the score to GW and hide it from BU.
As of the writing of this article, we aren't positive that testing will be optional everywhere. We recommend you plan to take the SAT or ACT at least once to be safe.
What if I have test anxiety?
Testing is high pressure, especially for tests that play a big role in determining your future. Therefore, test anxiety is a common problem for our Cometeers. Unfortunately there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The Mayo Clinic offers a series of recommendations that essentially boils down to developing strong study skills, establishing consistent routines, and using relaxation techniques. There are many articles and videos you can watch to get an idea of the best way to support yourself, or you can talk to your school counselor to get some tips and tricks.
Overall, we hope this article helped you understand the testing landscape and how to navigate your way through it.
