College Readiness Exams
Tests To Prepare For College
PSAT/NMSQT Test (Pre-SAT test):
PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is a standardized test that provides first hand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives students an opportunity to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills and writing skills. The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
To receive feedback strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study, learn how performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college, To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11), to help prepare for the SAT and to receive information from colleges with the Student Search Service.
The PSAT is a state mandated test for freshmen and sophomores and will be administered in the spring of 2026. Juniors wishing to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship will need to take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year.
For more information about PSAT/NMSQT visit College Board.
College Entrance Exams
SAT Test:
The SAT measures higher-level logical and reasoning skills in reading writing and math. The reading uses passages with emphasis on vocabulary in context; command of evidence; constructing logical arguments and scientific reasoning. The writing tests grammar and writing logic. The writing is combined with the reading section for a total of 800 points. The Math section includes multi-step problems that ask the student to take multiple mathematical steps. The emphasis is on data interpretation and graphs; algebra and solving equations; realistic scenarios as prompts for questions. The math section is scored out of 800 points. There is an optional essay component to the SAT.
The optional essay will also be scored separately and based on three criteria in reading, analysis and writing. This section of the new exam measures how students can understand, analyze and convey the elements of someone else’s argument. The SAT was revised and the new test debuted in March 2016. The SAT is a state mandated test for juniors and will be administered in the spring of 2026.
SAT Subject Tests (May be required by some colleges and universities):
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as ability to apply that knowledge. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.
For more information, visit College Board.
Student Athletes
If a student plans to participate in athletics at the college level, it is important to understand the requirements of the National College Athletic Association Clearinghouse. The NCAA has specific guidelines for athletes to be eligible to play college sports. For information, visit NCAA Clearing House.
Important Testing Dates:
- October 11, 2025
- October 28, 2025
| Test Date | Late Deadline |
|---|---|
| August 23, 2025 | August 12, 2025 |
|
September 12, 2025 |
September 2, 2025 |
| October 4, 2025 | September 23, 2025 |
| November 8, 2025 | October 28, 2025 |
| December 8, 2025 |
November 25, 2025 |
| March 14, 2026 | March 3, 2026 |
| May 23, 2026 | April 21, 2026 |
| June 6, 2026 | May 26, 2026 |
Two Weeks in May 2026: May 4-8 and May 11-15. Learn more.