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Standardized Testing
New Canaan High School Code: 070465
Part of the admissions process will most often involve the submission of national standardized test results. There are two tests that may be considered. The SAT is intended to measure reasoning ability; the ACT is a content-based assessment. There are a growing number of colleges that have ‘test optional’ policies. To see a list of these colleges, log on to www.fairtest.org.
PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test)
PSAT provides practice for the SAT. The score report for the PSAT. provides detailed SAT prep information designed to help students focus specifically on test questions needing more practice.
In junior year, the PSAT functions as the initial qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship competition.
The test measures critical reading, math, and grammar skills and does not include an essay.
The PSAT is held in October at New Canaan High School. Total testing time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
PSAT results are not sent to colleges nor made public.
Registration information for the PSAT will be available in the fall.
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SAT
The SAT test is a tool designed to assess your academic readiness for college.
There are two sections including Evidence Based Reading and Mathematics.
Most colleges “super-score” from a student’s multiple tests dates, pulling the highest score for each section
Click here for more information regarding the SAT. https://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests
Click here for test dates and registration. www.collegeboard.com
ACT
The ACT is an alternative admissions exam that may be recommended, particularly if the SAT scores do not reflect a student’s learning. It is based on prior learning in English, math and science and students should sign up for the optional writing section.
Total test time is 2 hours and 55 minutes without the writing section and 3 hours and 25 minutes with writing.
All colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT for admission period and some may accept the ACT score in place of the SAT Subject Tests.
Click here for test dates and registration. www.actstudent.org
Score Reporting
It is the student’s responsibility to request test scores to be sent to colleges directly from the College Board or ACT. Scores will be sent directly from the www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org sites.
Standardized Testing with Accommodations
Students who receive testing accommodations at NCHS through an IEP or 504 plan may request accommodations on the PSAT, SAT, and A.P. tests. Students must complete the College Board Services for Students with Disabilities Form (S.S.D.) and return it to the College and Career Center during their sophomore year.
If requesting extended time for the ACT exam, the student must register online to take the ACT and print out the admission ticket. Students must also complete the Application for ACT Extended Time and return the completed application to the College and Career Center, who will provide documentation and verify the student's disability.
Requesting Test Accommodations
Please be advised that for all test accommodations it is the College Board or ACT that decides whether or not a student qualifies for accommodations. Approval from the testing agency can take up to 12 weeks.
If you have any questions about eligibility decisions, please contact either College Board Services for Students with Disabilities or ACT Services for Students with Disabilities.
Advanced Placement (A.P.) Exams
Students enrolled in A.P. courses will take A.P. exams at NCHS in May. Tests are used to demonstrate a student's proficiency and achievement in a particular subject.
Registration for the Advanced Placement examinations will take place at the start of each semester.
Test Preparation
A wide variety of test preparation options are available, including test preparation booklets, online practice testing, individual tutoring or group preparation classes.
For more information about SAT/ACT prep courses or support, please see your counselor or stop into the College and Career Center.
Practice tests are available at the following links: