Testing Resources
College Entrance Exams
There are two college entrance exams, the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), which are used for admission, placement, and scholarships.
Check with colleges which you are interested in attending to see if they require the ACT or SAT. Registration forms are available online (see links below). Students who must test on a Sunday for religious reasons should check websites for required documentation, locations, and dates of offered exams.
Which Test Should I Take?
Should You Take the ACT vs. SAT? (Kaplan)
ACT vs. SAT Comparison (Princeton Review)
Test Waivers
*Eligible for free or reduced lunch? You could be eligible for a fee waiver to take the SAT and/or ACT for free! See your counselor or Ms. DeCruise-Brown for more information.
Test-Optional Schools
During the pandemic, colleges have introduced more flexibility and choice into the admissions process. Many have decided to adopt a “test-optional” policy regarding college entrance exams, either temporarily or permanently. This means you would not be required to submit an SAT or ACT score as part of your application. As you are doing research about colleges and applications, make sure you stay up-to-date with the school's latest requirements. You may want to check their website or reach out to an admissions representative for the latest information.
Please note:
Understanding test-optional policies can help you make informed decisions about whether to take the SAT, the ACT, or both.
Some schools only exempt students who meet minimum grade or class rank criteria; others use test scores solely for placement purposes.
Be sure to read each college’s policy carefully so you understand what you need to do to qualify for admission, scholarships, financial aid, etc.
Testing Information
SAT Info & Practice
📝 SAT Registration & Information: www.collegeboard.org
Khan Academy (FREE SAT Test Prep): www.khanacademy.org/lohp/learner (scroll down to Test Prep)
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
www.march2success.com - Free SAT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; 🕹️interactive games; great resource!
Saturday School - SAT Prep Courses; discount available to students eligible for FARMs
Montgomery College - SAT Prep Courses; in-person and online (via Zoom); Self-Study option also available
ACT Info & Practice
📝 Registration & Information: www.act.org
Full-length practice tests on the student’s MyACT account. Click Here
🕹️ QuizMe, a fun and engaging gaming experience with practice ACT test questions in a quiz format. Click Here
📖 The updated 2026-27 Preparing for the ACT Test booklet. Check Here
ACT Academy (FREE ACT Test Prep): academy.act.org
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
www.march2success.com - Free ACT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; interactive games; great resource!
Saturday School - ACT Prep Courses; discount available to students eligible for FARMs
Montgomery College - ACT Prep Courses
Advanced Placement (AP Testing) - Click Here
AP gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they're still in high school and earn college credit and placement.
AP Students - information, resources, and more.
EML/ESOL Students - Click Here
TOEFL or DuoLingo tests are designed to determine the English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. Students may be required to take the TOEFL if they have not completed four years of English courses. Please note that there is a fee associated with testing. For more information, go to: www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ or https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.
EML Students - Practice your English speaking skills. Go online and get practice tests for free. Help build confidence in speaking and practice at your own speed. To learn more, go to: www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare or https://englishtest.duolingo.com/register.
If you have any questions, reach out to Mrs. DeCruise-Brown or your counselor.
Students may also receive academic credit for high scores earned on IB examinations, depending upon individual colleges' policies. Students taking IB exams should research if colleges they are interested in accept IB credits.
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a two hour and ten minute exam that measures academic abilities important in college work. It is administered only once during the school year and consists of two 25 minute math sections, two 25 minute verbal sections, and one writing skills section. The test provides an excellent practice for students preparing for the SAT I, and scores on the PSAT can be used in predicting what a student will do on the SAT I.
In order to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Achievement Scholarship Program, and the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program, the PSAT must be taken in the JUNIOR year.
The PSAT is administered at all Montgomery County High Schools in October. While 9th and 10th grade students take the PSAT at NO COST through a partnership between MCPS and Montgomery College, juniors must pay a fee to register through their individual high schools. Contact the College & Career Center or Guidance Office for additional registration information.
The CLEP is designed to waive courses and grant college-level credit by examination. For fees and registration information, go to the Clep Registration page. Locate a CLEP Testing Center on the College Board website.
Students with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations on the SAT, AP, PSAT and the ACT. To receive accommodations for testing, reach out to your counselor to start the process. Students must submit documentation and be approved before testing.
SAT website: http://www.collegeboard.com/ssd
ACT website: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html