Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is an integral part of the college application process. For some colleges, it is the second most important part of the student evaluation for admission. For many other colleges, testing is optional and not required to be sent in as part of the application. All Nichols students are expected to develop a testing plan, and the individual work we do with each student and family will allow us to discuss and decide what is best for each student.

	PSAT	SAT	ACT	SAT Subject Tests	AP Exams
Seniors	No	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes*
Juniors	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes*
Sophomores	Yes	No	No	No***	Yes*
Freshmen	No	No	No	No	No

* If necessary and/or appropriate
*** It is possible for sophomores who excel in Chemistry to attempt the Chemistry Subject Test at the end of their sophomore year. The content of that test, however, is broader than our sophomore curriculum and will require additional review by the student.

List of 6 items.

PSAT

Nichols students first encounter college-related standardized testing with the PSATs (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) in October of their sophomore year and then again in October of their junior year. The sophomore administration is purely to prepare students for future tests. The junior score on the PSAT is used to qualify for National Merit Scholarships. PSAT results are returned in December. For more information on the PSAT please click here.
SAT

We recommend that most juniors take their first administration of the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) between October and March. Again, this is an individual process and you should speak with a counselor to make sure when the right time to take this test is. Additionally, we recommend that all students take the SAT with Writing. Students must register through the College Board website.
SAT Subject Tests

Many students may also require SAT Subject Tests that evaluate knowledge in specific fields (e.g. US History or Biology). These tests are offered at the same time as the SAT Reasoning Test and cannot be taken at the same administration. Please check specific college application requirements to see if subject tests are required. We recommend students take subject tests at either the May or June administration. Click here to learn more.
ACT

We recommend that most juniors take their first administration of the ACT (American College Testing) between October and March. Again, this is an individual process and you should speak with a counselor to make sure when the right time to take this test is. Additionally, we recommend that all students take the ACT with Writing.

There are many local sites to choose from when registering for the ACT. Students must register through the ACT website. Click here to learn more.
AP

All students enrolled in an Advanced Placement course are required to take and AP exam. Please consult your advisor, dean, college counselor or AP Coordinator (Mrs. Jacobson) about proper sectioning or questions about the administration of these exams.
Test Preparation

We do offer test prep classes throughout the year which take place before each scheduled administered test. The workshops are taught by Brian Eldridge, a leading SAT/ACT tutor who has worked with our students for the past 9 years. Learn more about Brian and his College Prep classes here.