College Testing Information

Please note that the College Board’s SAT and the ACT are both private companies separate from the North Carolina School System.  

Test-Optional Colleges & Universities in NC

Many schools ask you to submit your ACT or SAT scores as part of standard admissions requirements. But did you know that there are also schools that do not? These are considered test-optional schools and while they do not require you to submit your ACT or SAT scores, they will consider them if submitted. Some of these colleges are waiving as part of their COVID response, so it might be temporary. Below is a list of some test-optional colleges and universities located here in NC. This list may change and some colleges may also review entrance scores for institutional scholarships, so be sure to check with your school on their testing requirements.

NC Test-Optional Colleges & Universities 

PreACT and ACT 

North Carolina School System adopted the ACT and PreACT for North Carolina State-Wide testing and now mandate that every student take the PreACT their Sophomore year in FALL and the ACT their Junior year in SPRING.  Due to the ACT and PreACT being State-wide test, the cost is free for students and they do not have to register on their own (school will help facilitate this with the student).

Any student can register, pay, and take the National ACT on their own.  Please register online and note costs and registration deadlines.  

http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

PreACT/ACT Accommodations

PreACT ACCOMMODATIONS for ESL/IEP/504’s are automatically given for the PreACT in October.  

ACT ACCOMMODATIONS for ESL/IEP/504’s for the ACT North Carolina State-Wide Test in February will be applied for by the case manager to the ACT board.  Once accommodations are applied for the case manager will be notified by the ACT board if they are approved/denied/or given partial approval.  Please note that the ACT board determines their own accommodations and they may not match the students school accommodation plan.  If your student plans to take the ACT National Test on their own, you will have to contact the ACT board and let them know you want to apply for accommodations.  If you need help in this process please contact your counselor.    

For more information about the ACT and PreACT, please click on the ACT website below:

http://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents.html

PSAT and SAT

For more information about the SAT or PSAT, please click on the College Board website below:

https://www.collegeboard.org/?navId=aru-c

PSAT

Your Base High School hosts the PSAT one time each year during the fall.  Please note that space is limited due to College Board requiring High Schools order test booklets the spring before. This is first come first serve and once seats are full, no more students are able to sign up.  Announcements for sign-up are made during September Sunday messages as well as on our daily school announcements at the start of second block.  Students register in the counseling office to pay and take the PSAT.

Cost for the PSAT is typically around $17.00.

A Fee Waiver is available for students who qualify for low income criteria or Free and Reduced Lunch.

SAT

Students sign-up for the SAT online at https://www.collegeboard.org/?navId=www-cb

If your student has questions or difficulties, please have your student come to the counseling office for help.  Note that the registration process takes approximately 30-45 minutes.  Announcements for sign-up are made during Sunday messages as well as on our daily school announcements at the start of second block.  

Cost for the SAT: Please see College Board website as cost varies.

A Fee Waiver is available for students who qualify for low income criteria or Free and Reduced Lunch.

PSAT/SAT Accommodations

SAT/AP/PSAT ACCOMMODATIONS for ESL/IEP/504’s will need to be requested by student and legal guardian.  We will not submit an accommodation request for a student unless we are notified (phone call or email are okay) by the guardian or student that you would like accommodations and when you plan to take the PSAT/SAT.  A College Board request form will need to be signed by guardian and turned into school counselor.  Once request form is signed and received, SAT/504 Coordinator, will submit a request for accommodations to College Board.  College Board will then notify SAT/50 Coordinator if the accommodation has been approved/denied/or partially approved.  Please note that the ACT board determines their own accommodations and they may not match the students school accommodation plan and that it is also not a guarantee your student’s accommodations will be approved.