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. Deciding which standardized testing and when to take them are among the many decisions you will make.
Colleges and universities will accept either SAT or ACT scores. You do not need both. Prior to registering for these tests, students are encouraged to check with the colleges they are considering to determine if either the SAT essay or ACT writing test is also required.
Standardized Testing Presentation (Summit presentation at LHS, January 15, 2019)
Test fees should never be a barrier to applying to college. Fee waivers are available to help students and families who have a lower-income pay for standardized tests. If you think you may qualify for fee waivers, please speak with your school counselor.
Some Colleges and universities do not require students to submit their SATs or ACTs as part of the application process. To find a comprehensive list of the hundreds of institutions that have flexible testing requirements, please visit the Fair Test website.
One of two standardized tests in the U.S. (The other is the SAT.) The ACT is a subject-based exam that evaluates four areas: English, math, reading, and science reasoning; there is also an optional essay.
Please note: LHS is not an ACT test center. LHS students wishing to take the ACT will need to test at another school.
Students with disabilities and students who are English Language Learners may be eligible for testing accommodations. Click here for information regarding accommodations for ACT.
Click here for the accommodations consent form for students who are English Language Learners.
Click here for the accommodations consent form for students with disabilities.
Please contact Danielle Ballou (dballou@lexingtonma.org), SSD Coordinator, for assistance with applying for accommodations.
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 more information regarding accommodations for AP exams.
Click here for the accommodations consent form. Please contact Danielle Ballou (dballou@lexingtonma.org), SSD Coordinator, for assistance with applying for accommodations.
The PSAT is a practice SAT test. Students who take the PSAT in their junior year may qualify to apply for the National Merit Scholarship.
Students with disabilities may be eligible for testing accommodations. Click here for more information regarding accommodations for PSAT.
Click here for the accommodations consent form. Please contact Danielle Ballou (dballou@lexingtonma.org), SSD Coordinator, for assistance with applying for accommodations.
One of two standardized tests in the U.S. (The other is the ACT.) Designed to measure a student's ability to understand and process elements in three subjects: Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, and Math.
As of January 2021, the College Board has discontinued the SAT with Essay. Click here for more information.
Students with disabilities may be eligible for testing accommodations. Click here for more information regarding accommodations for SAT.
Click here for the accommodations consent form. Please contact Danielle Ballou (dballou@lexingtonma.org), SSD Coordinator, for assistance with applying for accommodations.
SAT Subject Tests
As of January 2021, the College Board has discontinued the SAT Subject Tests. Click here for more information.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a near-universal requirement for any student whose native language is not English. Some colleges or universities will waive the requirement, if a student has studied in the U.S. for a certain number of years, or if the student has achieved particular reading and English scores on the SAT or ACT.