Standardized Tests

Standardized tests are used in the college admissions process at the majority of colleges and universities both in the U.S. and abroad. The test is intended to assess students' readiness for college. The test was redesigned in 2016 to align with high school curricula and to more closely reflect what students learn with the common core standards.

The ACT or SAT are accepted at colleges and universities; you do not need to take both assessments.

Fee Waivers
Test fees should never be a barrier to applying to college. Fee waivers for standardized tests are available for students with economic need. College Board allows for two SAT fee waivers and two SAT Subject Test waivers. ACT allows for two test fee waivers. Students who qualify may also receive waivers for college application fees. If you think you may qualify for fee waivers, speak with your school counselor.

Test-Optional Colleges and Universities
As part of the application process, some colleges and universities do not require students to submit their SAT or ACT test cores. To find a comprehensive list of the hundreds of institutions that have flexible testing requirements, please visit the Fair Test website.

Extended Time Testing and Other Accommodations
Students with IEPs or 504 plans may qualify for accommodations on the ACT and/or SAT. It is the student’s responsibility to request special needs accommodations for any standardized testing administration (in other words, simply being approved for accommodations here at BHS does not automatically allow you the same accommodations on standardized tests). Please note a student’s request must be made at least eight weeks in advance of the desired testing date.

For more information and submission details, speak with your liaison or Celia Dill the SSD Bedford High School Coordinator you can reach her at celia_dill@bedfordps.org.

Preliminary Test for Underclassmen

P S A T / N M S Q T

This test is a practice SAT, but also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Its sections and approach are based on the SAT (see below). The score ranges are 320–1520 for the total score, 160–760 for each of two section scores, and 8–38 for sub-test scores. There is no essay section. PSAT scores are not sent to colleges nor used for college admissions. Scores from the junior year are used for the very selective National Merit Scholarship Qualification (NMSQT).

This test is offered annually in October. Registration is through the Counseling Office (not College Board). Information will be shared in September with details. PSAT scores are usually available the first or second week in December and can be accessed through students' Collegeboard.org account.

College Admissions Tests

ACT
This test has four multiple-choice sections – English, Reading, Math and Science, as well as an optional Writing section that is scored separately. Composite scores in ELA and STEM are also calculated. Some colleges require the ACT with the optional essay. We recommend students look at individual college requirements to see if the essay is required. The ACT is generally thought to be preferred by students who do better applying what they already know, as it is subject-based. The composite score ranges between 1 and 36, and the Writing ranges between 2 and 12.

Students with disabilities may be eligible for testing accommodations. Click here for information regarding accommodations for ACT. Please contact your School Counselor or Cia Dill, SSD Coordinator, for assistance with applying for accommodations.

SAT
This test is administered by College Board and has two broad sections – Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math, as well as an optional Essay section that is scored separately. Seven sub-scores and two cross-test scores are provided to colleges in subject and skill areas. The College Board has a complete explanation of the scoring. Some colleges require the SAT with the optional essay. We recommend students look at individual college requirements to see if the essay is required. The SAT is generally thought to be preferred by students who do well in general reasoning and problem solving, in addition to content. The composite score ranges between 400 and 1600 (200 and 800 per section), and the Essay ranges between 2 and 8.

SAT Subject Tests
As of January 2021, the College Board has discontinued the SAT Subject Tests. Click here for more information.

Please contact your School Counselor or Cia Dill, SSD Coordinator, for assistance with applying for accommodations.

Copy of SAT_ACT COMPARISON - Google Docs.pdf

TOEFL

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a near-universal requirement for any student whose native language is not English. Ideally, a student will take the test twice, in the spring of the junior year and again in the fall of the senior year. Some colleges or universities will waive the requirement, if a student has studied in the US for a certain number of years, or if the student has achieved particular reading and English scores on SAT and ACT respectively.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement examinations (AP exams) are exams offered by the College Board and are taken each May by students. The tests are the culmination of year-long Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP exams (with few exceptions) have a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. Advanced Placements exams allow students to tackle college-level work while still in high school with the possibility of earning college credit.

Students with disabilities may be eligible for testing accommodations. Click here for information regarding accommodations for AP exams. Please contact your School Counselor or Cia Dill, SSD Coordinator, for assistance with applying for accommodations.

Page updated

Report abuse