SAT/ACT/Subject Test Information

Recommendations from Mrs. Thomson for the Class of 2026

• SAT/ACT: We recommend that most students who are planning to apply to 4-year colleges attempt the SAT and/or ACT at least once, so they have scores if required, and can otherwise make an informed decision about applying with scores or test optional. The latest possible exam date for Class of 2026 is December 2025 based on application deadlines.

• The following schools WILL require testing for Fall 2026: 

Brown University, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, UPenn, Caltech, Stanford, MIT, Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon University - Computer Science (most other schools w/in CMU will have a test flexible policy), Johns Hopkins University - School of Arts and Sciences and School of Engineering, University of Texas, Florida public colleges, University of Miami, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, University of Tennessee, Ohio State University, Cooper Union - Engineering, the military academies.

Recommendations from Mrs. Thomson for the Class of 2027

• PSAT: Students should consider taking the digital PSAT/NMSQT in October 2025, especially if they are likely to be National Merit scholarship eligible. This provides a practice opportunity and ensures eligibility for the National Merit scholarship program (for very high, near perfect, scorers).

• SAT/ACT: Many students choose to take the SAT or ACT in the Fall of their junior year. Students in Pre-Calculus or Calculus are most successful in the Fall. Students enrolled in Algebra II as juniors are generally better served to wait until Spring of Junior year. 

• Additional Colleges to Restore Test Required Policies in 2027: University of Wisconsin

Recommendations from Mrs. Thomson for the Class of 2028

• PSAT: We recommend that students plan to take the digital PSAT/NMSQT in October 2025. This is a practice opportunity.

• SAT/ACT: We do not recommend that students  take the SAT or ACT unless required by a program you are applying to. Otherwise, the recommended first testing date is the summer before Junior year (August 2026). Students who are taking Algebra II as Juniors would be most successful in taking the SAT/ACT later in the Junior Year.

• Additional Colleges to Restore Test Required Policies in 2028: Vanderbilt

Recommendations from Mrs. Thomson for the Class of 2029

• PSAT: Students cannot take the PSAT as freshman at HHS. Students should plan to take the Digital PSAT/NMSQT in October 2026. This is a practice opportunity. 

• SAT/ACT: We do not recommend that students  take the SAT or ACT unless required by a program you are applying to. Otherwise, the recommended first testing date is the summer before Junior year (August 2027)

Test Optional and Test Blind

Test Optional - Students can choose to submit SAT/ACT scores, or not. It's up to the student.

Test Blind - Scores are not considered, even if submitted. (e.g. the University of California system)

Test Flexible - They'll take other tests - but they require some type of test scores.

Who is test optional/blind/etc?

Fair Test - always has an updated list of test optional schools

Check the college websites carefully to see their policies, and to make sure that there are no caveats (like scores are required for Nursing, or for Honors consideration, etc.). Sign up on the school's mailing list to be sure you receive the announcement as soon as it's made.

Most schools have published policies for the Class of 2026. Some schools have announced decisions for the Class of 2027, but most have not. 

Who is definitely NOT going to be test optional? This depends upon your class year. Check the recommendations above. 

If I test, do I have to send my scores? For the most part, no. There is only one school in the US that seems to say you have to send them if you took them (Georgetown). Otherwise, you can decide for each school what you want to do. Many overseas schools require disclosure of all exams taken.

Students who have very strong scores should send them, and they will continue to provide another piece of information for the admission office.

If I don't send scores, will my transcript matter more? Yes, as will everything else. The information on your transcript, though (not just your GPA), will be the only information the school has about you. If that's strong - this can be helpful for you. If it's not as strong as you'd like, you might consider whether your test scores would be more helpful.

SAT vs ACT

Not sure which exam to take? 

It's up to you!

SAT - ACT Conversion -- see which scores are equivalent

Be sure to check if the schools are you considering require the Optional Science section.

PSAT Information

The PSAT will take place on October 11, 2025. This is the only date for Hillsborough High School students.

Registration will begin in late August.

Click here for information about the PSAT.

SAT Information

2025-26 SAT Test Dates 

Hillsborough is currently scheduled to administer the weekend testing dates for October, December, March and June.  

Click here to register on the College Board site

Students should use their personal email to set up a College Board account, if they have not already done so. Students should use their full legal name.

ACT Information

Hillsborough is not a testing center for the ACT. Most students choose to test at Bridgewater or South Brunswick.

Click here to register on the ACT site.

Free Test Prep Opportunities

Khan Academy (SAT)

Kaplan (ACT)