College Entrance Tests
Northern Highlands offers students several options to take college entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT. These tests purport to measure college aptitude, and are a requirement for admission to certain colleges and universities. For schools that are test optional, these assessments provide admissions officers with an additional measure of student academic ability, which may help to distinguish students from other applicants. Additionally, these scores may be used as an alternative pathway to fulfill state and federal high school graduation requirements. To provide students with an opportunity to sample these tests, Northern Highlands hosts both the PSAT and PreACT, practice tests intended to simulate these college entrance exams in a low-stakes setting.
ACT vs. SAT?
Most colleges and university that require a college entry exam accept either SAT or ACT scores, but students should always be sure to verify admission requirements for any school they plan to apply to. Students who elect to take a college entry exam should choose the test that will best reflect their academic ability. For students and parents seeking to understand the relationship between scores on these two assessments, information on SAT/ACT concordance can be found here. With the SAT transitioning to a digital ONLY test, students may wish to consider their preference for digital or paper-based tests when choosing which assessment is best for them.
The College Board's Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a college entry exam required by some colleges and universities. It purports to measure college aptitude through three tests: (1) the Reading Test, (2) the Writing and Language Test, and (3) the Math Test. Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some of the math questions require a write-in response. Starting in March 2024, the SAT will be given only as a shorter digital test. More information about this transition affecting students in the Class of 2025 onward can be found here.
When should I take the SAT?
Most high school students take the SAT, the ACT, or both during their junior year or fall of their senior year. Students can make a more informed choice if they take the practice tests (described below) to see which assessment best showcases their academic ability. The SAT is offered nationally every year in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. Highlands hosts the test in October, December, March and June. View all upcoming SAT test dates here.
How is the SAT scored?
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score combines the scores for the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test. The Math section score is derived from the Math Test score, including the calculator and no-calculator portions. Each section of the SAT is scored on a 200 to 800 point scale. The total SAT score is the sum of the section scores. The highest possible SAT score is 1600. More details about SAT scoring can be found here.
How do I register?
SAT registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each test date. Students must register pay for the test online on the College Board website.
Is there practice/review?
YES! The good news is that the College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide FREE, online test prep. Please visit this website for more information.
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. There are four ACT sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science. The ACT also includes an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Students should verify whether the colleges they are applying to require the Writing Test. Currently, the ACT is a paper-and-pencil test requiring 2 hours and 55 minutes of testing time. For students who choose to take the ACT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.
When should I take the ACT?
Most high school students take the SAT, the ACT, or both during their junior year or fall of their senior year. Students can make a more informed choice if they take the practice tests (described below) to see which assessment best showcases their academic ability. The ACT is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. Highlands hosts the test in September and June. View all upcoming ACT test dates here.
How is the ACT scored?
On the ACT, the number of correct answers converts to a score that ranges from 1 to 36 for each of the four tests (English, Reading, Math and Science)—and the overall composite score is the average of those four scores. ACT also provides students with a STEM composite score and an ELA composite score. Students taking the Writing Test receive a score from 2 to 12 that does not factor into the overall compositie score. More details about ACT scoring can be found here.
How do I register?
ACT registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each test date. Students must register pay for the test online on the ACT Registration website. If you are not seeing Northern Highlands as an option, be sure to enter test center 245780 in your search.
Is there practice/review?
YES! The ACT provides several review options on their official test review website.
Practice Tests: The PSAT/NMSQT and PreACT
Both the PSAT and PreACT offer shortened versions of the college entry tests described above. These tests are administered once each year, so it is critical to pay attention to testing dates and registration deadlines. This information is publicized on the Northern Highlands Testing website, the Northern Highlands Facebook page, the NH Testing Remind App group, the NH Testing Google Calendar, and the Northern Highlands Twitter page.
About the PSAT/NMSQT
Starting in October 2023, the PSAT will be FULLY DIGITAL. The PSAT/NMSQT is offered to 10th and 11th grade Highlanders every October. The PSAT simlulates the SAT experience by assessing all three SAT subjects (Reading, Writing/Language and Math) within a shorter testing window. Scores on the PSAT may also be used as an alternative pathway to fulfill the graduation testing requirement for students who do not pass the NJGPA. Additionally, for 11th grade students, this test doubles as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, providing students with exceptional scores with access to college scholarships. Detailed information about the National Merit Scholarship Program can be found here.
How do I register?
PSAT Registration for the October 14, 2023 exam begins at the end of the school year prior. Students in 9th and 10th grade (rising 10th and 11th graders) may register during this "early bird" period by paying the assigned registration fee in PaySchools. There was also a late registration before the start of the school year for a small surcharge. Be sure to check your Highlands email regularly for more details. Please be advised that registration for this year's PSAT has now closed.
For more information about the digital PSAT/NMSQT, please watch this short video.
The PreACT is offered only to 10th grade Highlanders every April. The PreACT simulates the ACT experience by assessing all four ACT subjects (English, Math, Reading, Science) within a shorter testing window. Results of the PreACT do not appear on a student’s transcript. Highlanders frequently take the PreACT and the PSAT in order to compare their experience and choose to pursue preparations for either the SAT or ACT based on their scores on each practice test.
How do I register?
Registration for the 4/13/24 PreACT will be open for 10th graders through PaySchools Central between January 5 and February 9, 2024. Sophomores and their parents should be looking for an email with more details about registration in January 2024.
For more information about the PreACT, please review the ACT, Inc. flyer, Why Take the PreACT.