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College Testing

Learn about the college testing process and what to plan for.

College Entrance Testing

Students applying to four-year colleges are typically* required to take at least one (but often multiple) entrance tests to qualify for admissions. These tests are long, difficult and should be prepared for. The great news is that your students' classwork is the #1 way to prepare for these exams. Focus on student content knowledge and retention will be very helpful in scoring well on these high stakes exams. There are two widely accepted tests: the SAT and the ACT. Colleges will accept either test interchangeably, but there are differences regarding each test and it's structure, content, scoring, test dates, and more.
*more universities are becoming "test optional". If your student is not a strong tester - looking into test optional schools could increase admissions odds.​

Preparing Your Student: Apart from being fully invested in the learning process in their classrooms - students should spend time outside of school preparing and practicing for these exams. There are a number of different resources that students, typically in 10th grade, can access (and most are free!).
  • All 10th grade students will take the PSAT (or Practice SAT) exam in mid-fall of their 10th grade year at school. Students in 11th grade will have the opportunity to register to take this exam again.
  • Students have access to free, online prep software through their Naviance Accounts (Naviance ACT Test Prep) and through Khan Academy's Free SAT Prep (this is the official CollegeBoard sponsored prep too).
  • Each year, NTHS plans to provide a free, half-day in-person SAT Prep course to 11th grade students (pre-registration required) at NTHS with a professional test prep company.
  • English and math classes at NTHS all support SAT/ACT prep through practice writes and working on problems from released exams.

Suggested Testing Plan: I do suggest almost every student take tests multiple times. Their first sitting is generally not their best. I also suggest students try both tests and take the test their score better on or feel most comfortable with. Scores are typically available about a month following the exam.
A general testing plan that will minimize out of pocket cost and student impact, but allow for strongest scores and options may look like:
Sophomore Year
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall at school. Receive scores in Dec/Jan.
  • Review scores and work over the summer after 10th grade on test prep.
Junior Year
  • Continue test prep efforts through early fall.
  • Take PSAT/NMSQT in the fall at school. Receive scores in Dec/Jan.
  • Register for January or March SAT
  • Register for December or February ACT
  • Review scores and register for at least one more (ACT or SAT) before summer. More if desired. Final administrations are highly recommended.
Senior Year
  • Register for one to two fall SAT or ACT exams if desired or to improve score.
  • Most colleges will limit the final accepted test date to November or December for either test. Check school requirements for exact info (especially for ED/EA applications).
This plan is strictly an example based on typical best practices. It may not fit your needs.

 Compare Your Options Please review the following information and comparison between the SAT and ACT. Links to register for both tests are also available below.

SAT Test

Picture
Official Website and Registration Link:
​https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat

ACT Test

Picture
Official Website and Registration Link:
https://www.act.org/
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  • Home
  • Quick Links
    • Make A School Counseling Appointment
    • SCOIR
    • New Student Info
    • Financial Aid >
      • 2025 TTCF Scholarship App
    • AP Exams 2025
    • Course Requests >
      • Course Catalog
      • Request for Outside Credit Form
      • Sierra College Academic Enrichment Form
      • Coldstream Request Form
    • School Tours
    • NTHS Ski/IS Academy
    • School Profile
    • NTHS YouTube
    • NTHS Counseling Live
    • Transcripts & Registration >
      • Transcripts
      • Registration
    • Counseling Forms >
      • Senior Profile
    • Community Service
    • FAQ
    • About Us >
      • Contact Us
      • NTHS Ski/IS Academy
      • Privacy Policy
  • Counseling Support
    • Academic Counseling >
      • Individual Learning Plans
      • 25 - 26 Course Requests >
        • Class of 2026 Course Requests
        • Class of 2027 Course Requests
        • Class of 2028 Course Requests
        • Class of 2029 Course Requests
        • Video Course Catalog
      • NCAA College Bound Student Athletes
      • Course Catalog
    • Social/Emotional Counseling >
      • Mental & Behavioral Health Directory
      • What's Up Wellness Checkups
    • College & Career Counseling >
      • College App Process
      • College Testing
      • Handbooks >
        • 4 Year College Handbook
        • 2 Year College Handbook
      • Working with a College Counselor
      • Financial Aid >
        • FAFSA
        • CA Dream Act
        • Scholarships
    • Counseling Resources >
      • Book Recommendations
  • Wellness Center
    • Staff
    • Programs >
      • Link Crew
      • Health Workshops
      • Empowerment Groups
      • Hope Squad
      • PRIDE Club
    • Virtual Wellness >
      • Sounds and music
      • Guided Mindfulness
      • Visual Relaxation
      • Relaxation Activities
      • Books Read Aloud
    • Resources >
      • Self-Care and Coping
  • SOS - GET HELP NOW
  • Español