As noted in the start of this section, the USA is home to many standardized testing options for potential applicants.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities important in doing college work. It is designed for college-bound students presently in Grade 10 or 11 and is given once a year in October. When taken in Grade 11, the test qualifies you for National Merit Scholarship if you are a US citizen or resident.
TASIS registers all 10th and 11th graders for the PSAT as a way to practice taking a standardized test generally and to determine if the SAT could be a test suitable for highlighting their academic strengths.
The SAT is a multiple choice test designed to test verbal, written, and mathematical reasoning skills that students have developed over the years. It is used widely for university admissions in the United States and abroad. The SAT is broken down into two sections, each scored out of 800: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Mathematics (Math). The two SAT section scores are added together for a total out of 1600.
The ACT format will change in the spring of 2025 for tests taken in the USA. The changes will take effect for tests taken internationally in the fall of 2025. The information below is current for the ACT available through the February 2025 test. The major changes to the ACT starting April 2025 (for those taken in the USA) is that the Science section will be optional and the test length will be 2 hours for those not electing to take the Science nor Writing sections. Further details about the change are available here.
The ACT is another standardized test used for university admissions in the United States and abroad. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and scientific reasoning. It also offers an optional direct writing test. Your Composite score and each test score (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite score is the average of your scores in the four individual sections, rounded to the nearest whole number.
ACT vs. SAT: How Do I Choose?
The best way to decide which test is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test in each. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. For example, the pace of the SAT gives you a tad more time to think through problems, while the ACT can be more of a time crunch. Some students really thrive under the pressure of the clock, while others prefer the extra time to ponder a question. Consider your results on the PSAT and practice ACT's. Compare the percentile results which you achieved to see if you scored significantly better on one of these two tests.
SAT dates for the 2025-26 academic year is listed below. You can check College Board's SAT Dates and Deadlines page for further details. All SATs with the exception of the June 2026 are available at TASIS.
2025-26 Test Date Registration Deadline
August 23, 2025 -> August 8, 2025
September 13, 2025 -> August 29, 2025
October 4, 2025 -> September 19, 2025
November 8, 2025 -> October 24, 2025
December 6, 2025 -> November 21, 2025
March 14, 2026 -> February 27, 2026
May 2, 2026 -> April 17, 2026
June 6, 2026 -> May 22, 2026 *Not available at TASIS but possible to take at other test centers
International ACT dates for the 2025-26 academic year is listed below. You can check ACT's Test Registration Page for further details. You can take most of the tests at TASIS, with the exception of the October and July administrations.
2025-26 Test Date Registration Deadline
September 6, 2025 -> August 8, 2025
October 17-18, 2025 -> September 19, 2025 *Not available at TASIS but possible at other test centers
December 13, 2025 -> November 14, 2025
February 7, 2026 -> January 9, 2026
April 11, 2026 -> March 13, 2026
June 12 or 13, 2026 -> May 15, 2026
July 10 or 11, 2026 -> June 12, 2026 *Not available at TASIS but possible to take at other test centers
TASIS cannot register students for these tests (but will only do so for the PSAT). The student should create and maintain an account with the specific company. Students must go to the following sites to register and pay for the test(s).
SAT: www.sat.org
ACT: www.act.org
Details for Test Registration
To have the official scores sent to TASIS England, please use our school code when answering the registration question of where you attend high school: 724736. This code is used to identify students as attending TASIS, so test scores will be sent to our office.
SAT Details:
TASIS England is a closed testing center. Therefore, TASIS England will only be listed as an available testing site when using our Test Center code, which is 57270. If you have further questions about test registration, contact the TASIS Test Supervisor and School Exam Officer Mr. Holdham or speak with him in the Science Building.
ACT Details:
Once creating an ACT account, select international school-based testing and use 866120 to identify yourself as a TASIS England student. TASIS England is an open test center, so no additional codes are needed. We recommend registering early as fewer spaces are available. If you have further questions about test registration, contact the TASIS Test Supervisor and School Exam Officer Mr. Holdham or speak with him in the Science Building.
Note: For anticipated SAT international test dates for the following school year, refer to this page. Anticipated ACT international test dates for the following school year will be published in late spring each year on this page. The tests available at TASIS England are always published in the LMS calendar.
Testing providers’ websites contain full-length practice tests and test prep books. Students can also use the PSAT to aid in reviewing for the SAT. TASIS England also organizes a test preparation class during the academic school-year for the SAT and ACT; see the Test Prep Course for further details. There is sometimes a test prep course offered during the TASIS England Summer Program as well.
The best review websites include:
CompassPrep (for both ACT and SAT)
Number2 (for both ACT and SAT)