Standardized Testing Information
Standardized Testing Information
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💎SCHOOL CODE: 393287 (The City School)
The Latest News (Updated September 2025):
Approximately 80% of higher education institutions have remained test-optional for admissions, but...
Some colleges are currently studying testing data and will be making decisions about requirements for future classes (2026, 2027, etc.)
Some colleges require a test score to be considered for their merit-based scholarships.
Some colleges have returned to requiring test scores (i.e University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, MIT, etc -- see a sample list here.) ALWAYS check the college's website for most updated information, though!
TCS will still aim to prepare students for the SAT (or ACT), usually to be taken in the spring/summer of junior year and/or the fall of senior year.
IN SCHOOL: Aiming to master concepts in regular coursework (particularly in English and math) is some of the BEST test preparation there is!
KHAN ACADEMY: Students of any year can begin and continue official SAT practice on Khan Academy. You should join Mrs. CR's SAT Practice "course" on Khan Academy so that she can help you monitor your progress!
PRACTICE TESTING: Students in Grade 11 take the PSAT/NMSQT, a practice SAT test, in school in October of their junior year. This will give students a baseline test score and provide guidance on what they individually need to practice to get a higher score.
HOW TO ACCESS PSAT SCORES
HOW TO ACCESS PSAT SCORES
When your PSAT/NMSQT scores are ready online, you'll get an email with instructions on creating your College Board account, going to your online score report, and using your access code to view your scores.
From your account, you can also print your online score report by clicking the Download Your Score Report button.
- FIRST, KNOW YOUR BASELINE!
If you took the PSAT, your scores provide a baseline and diagnostic -- where are you right NOW? Otherwise, consider taking Khan Academy's "diagnostic test" to measure your skills!
Read above for how to access your scores and interpret what you're reading!
If you've taken practice tests, be sure to score them and study your incorrect answers for topics to relearn or review.
🎯 NOW... SET A TARGET SCORE!!
Now that you know where you're starting, you'll want to decide on a realistic target score range. For more on how to do that, check out this helpful article from PowerScore!
Click the video to help understand what you can be looking for and how you can use these scores to target your practice and mastery of these skills.
2. NEXT, GROW YOUR SKILLS!
To see growth and to achieve a higher target score, you'll need to PRACTICE! Using Khan Academy and other quality test prep tools, practice to gain understanding of concepts on the test, by building on and mastering what you know!2. NEXT, GROW YOUR SKILLS!
Pay closest attention to what your previous scores and practice tests indicate to be YOUR target areas -- what you've learned already and just needs practice in order to get those questions correct more often and more quickly each time!
On Khan Academy, you'll find the Official SAT® Practice course, with real SAT questions and formatting!
To maximize your practice, remember to connect your College Board account to your Khan Academy account so that you can get PERSONALIZED practice, based on your performance on the PSAT this year. You'll get targeted practice sessions, tailored to the questions and topics you'll want to review most!
To maximize your practice, remember to connect your College Board account to your Khan Academy account so that you can get PERSONALIZED practice, based on your performance on the PSAT this year. You'll get targeted practice sessions, tailored to the questions and topics you'll want to review most!
CLICK the DIAGRAM for more information on test preparation routines!
3. THEN, SHOW what you KNOW!
3. THEN, SHOW what you KNOW!
Before you take the "real" thing -- the SAT or the ACT -- you can test your progress repeatedly with the PSAT and full-length, timed practice tests. Your goal is to get comfy with the test itself to battle anxieties and make it easy to prove what you know.
- Take full length practice tests. Use these timed experiences to practice timing, pacing, and other test-taking strategies.
- Review the question(s) you get incorrect or skip to see if you need to relearn that material.
- Practice those concepts again to master the content in hopes of getting those questions correct the next time.
- Set up a regular practice routine for yourself -- this is NOT a test that you can "cram" for!
Q: SAT OR ACT? BOTH?!
Q: SAT OR ACT? BOTH?!
Here are some key things to know:
- No college has a preference between the two tests.
- Both tests are challenging -- one is not "easier" than the other.
- As of December 2022, only 4 percent of colleges require test scores.
Q: DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE SAT/ACT TO GET INTO COLLEGE?
Q: DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE SAT/ACT TO GET INTO COLLEGE?
A: Well, that depends...
There is a growing movement to de-emphasize (or even eliminate) college admissions tests -- amongst all types of colleges, nationwide. Some feel that admissions tests like the SAT or ACT are not adequate or helpful measures in their decisions; others have temporarily suspended the requirements due to the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This isn't a new conversation, but it has certainly accelerated out of necessity. Even as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic...
Schools that were test-optional before the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be test-optional
Schools that provided test-optional admissions as a result of the pandemic will continue to remain test-optional, either permanently or as a trial/pilot program
Schools that temporarily went test-optional may choose to return to requiring admissions tests like the SAT or ACT once testing can continue with some regularity
Schools that decided to go test-free -- removing standardized testing as ANY part of the admissions consideration
At The City School, we wish to prepare you for any possibility, while also maintaining an understanding and posture that NO TEST will fully or adequately capture your full potential. We will help provide you with the tools and resources to prepare, but as with most things college-related, YOU are in the driver's seat of your own college process! Consult with Mrs. CR if you have questions about what happens next!
Q: How do I register for the SAT/ACT test?
Q: How do I register for the SAT/ACT test?
First, decide which test(s) to take and when.
Check out the PrepScholar article linked here to help you decide between the tests. They are different in some of their topics, formatting, and timing. Of course, you can and should consult with your college counselor directly. This topic will be discussed in a timely fashion in your college guidance class! Most of the in-school prep is geared towards the SAT and it is a more popular option with TCS students, but we can strategize for you uniquely.
Once you decide, you can find the scheduled test dates and registration deadlines for the SAT and ACT on their websites. Typically, they're offered on Saturday mornings, approximately every 4-6 weeks.
Check out the PrepScholar article linked here to help you decide between the tests. They are different in some of their topics, formatting, and timing. Of course, you can and should consult with your college counselor directly. This topic will be discussed in a timely fashion in your college guidance class! Most of the in-school prep is geared towards the SAT and it is a more popular option with TCS students, but we can strategize for you uniquely.
Once you decide, you can find the scheduled test dates and registration deadlines for the SAT and ACT on their websites. Typically, they're offered on Saturday mornings, approximately every 4-6 weeks.
Then, register for the SAT or ACT test (at least 6 weeks prior to the test)
1. CREATE/LOG INTO THE REGISTRATION SITE on your own:
For the SAT, create and/or log in to your College Board account.
For the ACT, create and/or log into your myACT account.
DO NOT CREATE MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT ON EACH SITE!
2. COMPLETE REGISTRATION FOR YOUR DESIRED TEST DATE AND LOCATION, if available. Registering early can help ensure your likelihood of getting a seat. SAT Registration Help Page / ACT Registration Help Page
3. PAY FEE or SUBMIT FEE WAIVER CODE.
If you're taking the SAT, you can fill out information to automatically qualify for fee waivers. You'll enter a parent email for verification purposes. Make sure you try to register approximately a week before the deadline, just in case you run into technical issues with this part.
If you're taking the ACT, prior to submitting your registration, you can talk to Mrs. CR to try to secure a fee waiver. To know if you are eligible, make sure that you've filled out the Google form below to see if you fit the criteria. Looking for college application fee waivers? Click here.
Not eligible for fee waivers? The cost of the tests is $55 (SAT) or $63-$88 (ACT) and can be paid for using a credit or debit card on the online registration system.
SAT/ACT Preparation Presentation (2021)
SAT_ACTPreparation.pdfMORE LINKS!
MORE LINKS!
The College Board National Recognition Programs These are academic honors that can be included on college applications. They're not scholarships, but colleges use them to identify academically exceptional students. Learn more!
Scholarship Partners See how the PSAT/NMSQT can help your teen pay for college—including access to more than $350M in scholarships. Learn more.
College Planning Support for Sophomores & Juniors: Students can kick start their college planning by searching for colleges and scholarships on BigFuture. You can build and save a college list and also opt in to let the colleges on your list know that they’d like to learn more about their programs.
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