Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is top of mind as students begin thinking about applying to college. Standardized tests are designed to measure a student’s academic ability and readiness for college, providing colleges with a common data point to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. 

While many colleges in the US are test-optional, some highly selective colleges and a few state university systems have returned to requiring standardized test scores from every applicant. You can view an updated list of colleges that do not require testing here.

Even though many colleges are now test-optional, submitting strong scores can strengthen a student’s application, especially for selective schools. Prior to your first official SAT or ACT exam, we recommend that students take the PSAT or Pre-ACT (see timeline below) and possibly a few practice SAT or ACT tests. Students may find they prefer one type of test and can use that information to help inform their testing plan. The CCO recommends taking the SAT or ACT at least once, following the timeline outlined below. Students will work with their college counselor during their eleventh-grade year to outline an individualized testing plan.

9th grade

Students should focus on making the most of Andover! There is no need to focus on standardized testing during the 9th grade.

10th grade

Fall

• Lowers who repeated 9^th or 10^th grade may take the PSAT to qualify for National Merit Scholarship consideration

Winter

• Students should take the PSAT or Pre-ACT (or both, if they want to compare the two formats)

Summer

• If students did not take the PSAT or Pre-ACT, they should consider taking mock or practice tests
• Using PSAT/Pre-ACT or practice test results, students should finalize the decision to focus on the SAT or ACT

11th grade

Fall

• Students should take the PSAT (Upper year scores may qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship)
• Students may register for an SAT or ACT test in the winter or spring

Winter/Spring

• Students may take the SAT or ACT
• Students work with their college counselor to develop a testing plan

Summer

• Students should use the results from their Upper year test to help them prepare for a retake if needed. We do not recommend taking any standardized test more than three times.
• Students may take the SAT or ACT again, if needed

12th grade

Fall

• If needed, students may take a final SAT or ACT. Be mindful of registration deadlines to ensure scores will be available to send to colleges on time.

For specific information on testing offerings, dates, and locations, please visit our testing page.