SAT, ACT,

& PSAT exams

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What are the PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT Subject or AP exams?

PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test)

First up is the PSAT – also known as the Pre-SAT or the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. Generally taken by sophomores or juniors in high school, this is a practice test designed to get students ready for the experience of taking the ACT and SAT examinations the following year.

Taking this test also puts you in the running for a National Merit Scholarship.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

The SAT is one of the most commonly required college entrance exams. Chances are the majority of the colleges and universities you’re looking to apply to will want to see your score from the SAT. This test has three sections: Reading, Writing and Language; Math; and an optional essay section. Each section is scored from 200-800, meaning students can score anywhere from 400-1600 on the whole test (the optional essay is scored separately).

ACT (American College Test)

The ACT is a standardized aptitude test similar in content and importance to the SAT. The ACT is multiple choice and has sections in English, Math, Reading, and Science. Like the SAT, there is an optional Writing section. Check to see if the colleges and universities on your list require the writing section as well – as a majority of universities will require it. Each section is scored on from 1-36, and the final score is generated as the average of all four subject areas. Students who opt to take the Writing Test will receive a Subject-Level Wring Score and an ELA score, which is the average of the scores received from English, reading, and writing)

SAT Subject Tests

The SAT Subject Tests (formerly called SAT II) are standardized tests in particular subject areas. Five such tests are offered in English, History, Mathematics, Science, and Languages. The subject tests are not as commonly required as the SAT itself, but some schools will require students submit scores from these tests in one or more subjects. The tests are multiple-choice and taken in a one-hour session.

AP (Advanced Placement)

AP Exams are standardized tests taken by high school students to measure mastery of specific subject matter. Specifically, that learned in AP courses (which are deemed college-level). While AP Exams are generally taken after the completion of such a course, not all schools offer AP courses and students can opt to take the test without having taken the course. AP exams are scored from 1-5 and scores are based on a student’s performance relative to all other students who have taken that particular exam. Scoring a 4 or 5 will count as college credit at many colleges and universities.

How do I register to take each exam?

How do I register for the PSAT?

The only way to register for the PSAT is through the high school administering the test. Sophomores are automatically registered to take the PSAT at NEST+m in the Spring.

Additional information: Not all schools offer the PSAT, but you can find a local school that does by using the College Board’s PSAT High School Search Tool. You’ll receive the name and location of the school and info about how to register for the test. Read More: PSAT

How do I register for the SAT?

Registration is facilitated through the College Board, meaning students can register for the test either on the College Board Website or by mail. To register online, simply click here.

Additional information: There is a $45 registration fee which must be paid by credit card for online registration or by check for registration by mail. The cost of taking the SAT plus the essay section is $57, and an additional $28 must be paid for late registration (typically the deadline for late registration is two to three weeks before the test date).

If you are eligible for Free/Reduced lunch status or a reduced fare Metro Card, then you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Email your guidance counselor or college counselor for fee waivers.

How do I register for the ACT?

Students can register online. Registering online also allows students to print their admission ticket immediately after registration is complete. To register online, go to the ACT website and create an ACT Account. You will fill out a registration form which includes basic questions about your background, family, interests, academic history, as well as identifying information. When you’ve filled out this form, you can register for the test. The registration fee for the ACT is $42.50 for the test without the writing test and $58.50 with the writing test. For more on the ACT click here.

How do I register for the SAT Subject exams?

SAT Subject Tests are generally offered six times a year in January, May, June, October, November, and December on the same days that the SAT is offered, but students planning to take these tests should check the College Board Website to make sure of specific dates. Students can take up to three Subject Tests on each test day. To register online follow this link to the SAT Subject Information page.

How do I register to take an AP exam?

The NEST+m AP testing coordinator will send out information to students taking AP courses in the fall. Students will need to fill out the online form and make payment if they choose to take an AP exam. Students will need to pay a $92 registration fee for each AP exam. Questions regarding fee waivers should be addressed to the AP Coordinator or AP Services.

If you are a student who has an IEP or a 504 for this school year, you can request testing accommodations for all of the above exams.

Requesting testing accommodations through College Board for the SAT, PSAT, SAT Subject and AP exams. Please complete the following form, Consent Form , and send a signed copy to your guidance counselor.
Requesting testing accommodations for the ACT exam. Please visit ACT Accommodations Request for complete instructions on the accommodations request process, policies for documentation, and test preparation.

If you have questions, please contact your guidance counselor:

Katherine Silva 9th &10th grades Ksilva@schools.nyc.gov

Stephanie Glickman 11th-12th Grades SGlickman6@schools.nyc.gov

Nancy Alba College Office NAlba@schools.nyc.gov

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