Academic (PSAT, SAT, ACT) & AP Testing
Advanced Placement (AP) Tests are three-hour exams given at the high school based on college level courses. AP Tests are given once a year in May. Registration will take place in the fall. In most cases, there is no need to send official AP scores from College Board to the college until after the student has made his or her final decision where to enroll. The scores are primarily used for college placement, credit, or advanced standing. Students may choose to self-report scores on their applications. Check with each individual college regarding their policy.
It is the student’s responsibility to send his/her AP scores to the college he/she will attend, once enrolled/deposited.
In the spring, all junior students will participate in the Connecticut SAT School Day here at NMHS. In the meantime, any student (not just juniors!) can register online to take the SAT and/or to take the ACT throughout the year - as many times as you choose. Click on the buttons below to see available testing dates. Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you'll get!
Testing Information
PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
The PSAT/NMSQT test is normally administered in October to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. The PSAT is a useful indicator of scholastic aptitude as well as the basis for eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program. Also, the PSAT is the source of some college mailings that you will receive. Students receive scores in Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing and Math, a total (sum) score, and Selection Index, which is used exclusively for National Merit competition. PSAT scores are not used in the college admission process.
PSAT Testing for freshman and sophomores for the 2020-21 school year is still undetermined at this time.
The SAT consists of tests in the areas of Evidenced-Based Reading & Writing and Math. The SAT also offers an optional writing test, which some colleges may require. Through Score Choice, students may choose their best Math section score and their best EBRW section score to send to colleges if they have taken the SAT on more than one occasion, creating the highest possible composite score (thereby creating a ‘superscore’). However, each individual college has its own policy and may require ALL scores to be submitted. Often those schools will automatically ‘superscore’ your test results.
Check with your individual colleges to understand their policy. And/or follow these steps:
Visit Bigfuture.collegboard.org and fill in ‘Look up a college by name’
Enter the college you're interested in and click ‘enter’
On the left panel click on ‘Applying’
Select the Application Requirements tab
Scroll down
View "SAT Score use policy" and "Test Policies" information
The ACT consists of tests in the academic areas of English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. The ACT offers an optional writing test, which some colleges may require. Students receive a separate score for each section plus a composite score (average of the four required sections, rounded to the nearest whole number). Students are able to choose which test administration date or dates to send to colleges. Check with individual colleges to understand their policy.
SAT Test Preparation: Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors can get FREE Customized SAT Prep
Khan Academy, in conjunction with College Board, is offering free customized SAT prep based on a student's performance on the PSAT. Generated SAT practice is tailored specifically to focus on those areas in which the student requires the most practice.