SAT/ACT/Subject Test Information
Recommendations from Mrs. Thomson for the Class of 2025
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 2025 is December 2024, based on application deadlines.
The following schools WILL require testing for Fall 2025: Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, Caltech, University of Texas, Florida public colleges, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, MIT, Georgetown, University of Tennessee, the military academies.
Additional schools have not yet determined their testing policy, but it is expected that most schools will continue to remain test optional (or test blind) for the Class of 2025 and beyond.
Recommendations from Mrs. Thomson for the Class of 2026
PSAT: Students should consider taking the digital PSAT/NMSQT in October 2024, especially if they are likely to be National Merit scholarship eligible OR they want to have a practice digital test in preparation for the digital SAT. 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.
It is expected that most schools will continue to remain test optional (or test blind) for the Class of 2025 and beyond. The following schools WILL require testing: Brown, Cornell (2026), Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, Caltech, University of Texas, Florida public colleges, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, MIT, Georgetown, University of Tennessee, the military academies.
Recommendations from Mrs. Thomson for the Class of 2027
PSAT: We recommend that students plan to take the digital PSAT/NMSQT in October 2024. This is a practice opportunity.
SAT/ACT: We generally do not recommend that sophomores take the SAT or ACT during the Spring of sophomore year. The earliest recommended testing date is August 2025, for students who are in advanced math courses.
Recommendations from Mrs. Thomson for the Class of 2028
PSAT: Students cannot take the PSAT as freshman at HHS. Students should 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 no sooner than the summer before Junior year (August 2026)
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. (currently, the UC system - but there's a lawsuit involved - and a few other places)
Test Flexible - They'll take other tests - but they really want 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 2024. Some schools have announced decisions for the Class of 2025, but most have not.
Who is definitely NOT going to be test optional? The entire Florida and Georgia public college and university systems. MIT. University of Tennessee. Purdue University. The military academies.
If I test, do I have to send my scores? For the most part, no. There is only one school 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.
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? See the chart below for a comparison. When in doubt, do a practice test for both. What are you more comfortable with? You'll need to work faster on the ACT, but many students find the questions more straightforward. Other students find themselves too rushed, or don't want to take a Science section.
It's up to you!
SAT - ACT Conversion -- see which scores are equivalent
SAT vs ACT.pdfPSAT Information
The PSAT will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2023. 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
Click here for the most updated information from the College Board
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)