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Note: LFC’s CEEB code is 140-996.
Most US colleges and universities require students to submit scores from either the SAT or the ACT. Standardized test scores are one of many criteria that college admissions officers take into consideration when reviewing your application. In addition, some schools may require SAT Subject Tests. You may also wish to take Advanced Placement (AP) exams and, if English is not your first language, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
Test-Optional Schools: Recently, many colleges and universities have been changing their standardized testing requirements, and quite a few no longer require students to submit scores (although you can if you want to). For a list of test-optional schools, please visit www.fairtest.org.
What Tests Should You Take?
What Tests Should You Take?
You should take the SAT OR the ACT twice, in the spring of junior year and again in the fall of senior year. Our students typically score about the same on each test, but each student feels more comfortable with one over the other. ALL universities take either the SAT or ACT. Typically our students have preferred the ACT. You will be permitted to select which results you send to colleges. Talk with your counselor in the spring of junior year about SAT subject tests and AP exams as well.
First, take advantage of the practice tests we offer at school. Each year in October we offer the PSAT (Practice SAT) and in December or January, we offer a practice ACT. Take these tests during secondary school to become comfortable with the tests. Your scores in grade 9-11 will not be true reflections as students are still learning content and will need preparation.
What About Test Preparation?
What About Test Preparation?
The best preparation for scoring well on college entrance examinations is to take a strong high school program, to do your homework diligently and to read regularly for information and enjoyment. However, if your scores on the PSAT or practice ACT suggest that you test poorly or that you have gaps in your knowledge base, you and your family may want to consider some form of test preparation. Many options are available and vary widely in terms of services provided, time commitment, and cost. Choose carefully and make sure that test preparation does not negatively affect your performance in school.
Testing Tips
Testing Tips
Students in Grade 11 should plan to test first between February and June. We do not recommend testing earlier than this in Grade 11. If your Grade 11 scores are not satisfactory, you will want to retake the SAT or ACT early in your senior year.
Test Registration Information
Test Registration Information
To register for the SAT and for all information about the PSAT and SAT: www.collegeboard.org
For information about the ACT: www.act.org
For information about TOEFL: www.toefl.org
Pay attention to deadlines and submission requirements for testing score reports.
Note that not all SAT Subject Tests are offered at each test administration.
Students for whom English is a second language should be aware of the TOEFL or the IELTS requirement for all schools to which they are applying.
For students with disabilities: If you are approved for testing accommodations at LFC, you may be eligible to receive accommodations on the SAT or ACT as well. Learn more about the request process for the SAT here and the ACT here.
Standardized Testing Timeline
Standardized Testing Timeline
Grade 10
Grade 10
September: Speak with your teachers and/or college counselor about whether you should consider taking an AP exam or SAT Subject test in May.
Spring: Consider taking a practice SAT or ACT - many test prep companies offer them for free on the weekends, and there is usually one at LFC in late Spring.
Spring: Spring: Consider taking a test prep course (offered at LFC starting in March) or doing independent preparation - either using the free online resources we recommend or with a test prep book.
May: Take AP exams (if applicable).
Grade 11
Grade 11
October: Take the PSAT at LFC.
Winter: Take a practice SAT or ACT - many test prep companies offer them for free on the weekends, and there is usually one at LFC given in December.
Winter: Take a test prep course (We usually offers an ACT course at LFC beginning in January) or doing independent preparation - either using the free online resources we recommend or with a test prep book. At this point, you may want to considering securing private tutoring. We find the best results are in one-on-one test preparation for strategy and personalized preparation.
January: Speak with your teachers and/or college counselor about whether you should consider taking an AP exam or SAT Subject test in May.
February-June: Take your first official ACT or SAT. If you want to improve your score after you get your results back, you should plan to retake the exam over the summer or in September.
May: Take AP exams (if applicable).
Grade 12
Grade 12
Summer-Early Fall: If you are trying to improve your score, retake the ACT or SAT.
Early Fall: Carefully check the requirements for schools you plan to apply to. If any require a SAT Subject test you haven’t already taken, prepare for that test and take it as soon as possible.
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