Admission requirements vary from school to school, and students should check with the individual colleges to determine the policy of each school in which they have a serious interest. The college counseling office can be of assistance to students in determining which examinations should be taken for each particular college or university. With few exceptions, some form of college admission testing is required.

College Admission Testing Definitions

ACT - American College Test. A college entrance exam that measures students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test covers English, mathematics, reading, and science with an optional Writing Test. The ACT with Writing takes 3 hours and 25 minutes to complete. The ACT may be taken in place of or in addition to the SAT Reasoning/SAT Subject tests. See www.act.org

• The Princeton Review: SAT vs. ACT: How do the scores compare?
• SAT & ACT Score Comparsion Chart

AP - Advanced Placement. Three-hour college-level exams offered in over 35 subjects; given in May; scored on a scale of 1 to 5. A high score may earn you advanced placement in college or course credit. Scores earned at the end of the junior year may be taken into consideration by colleges in their evaluation of your candidacy.

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) – This test is an abbreviated form of the SAT Reasoning Test and is designed to give sophomores and juniors an opportunity to practice taking a test which is similar but shorter than the SAT Reasoning. This test measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. It also gives students a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. It is given in October and results become available in December. See http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

SAT Reasoning Test. The SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes long and measures skills in three areas: critical reading, math, and writing. Although most questions are multiple choice, students are also required to write a 25-minute essay. The SAT Reasoning Test may be taken in place of or in addition to the ACT. See www.collegeboard.com

SAT II: Subject Tests – The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. These tests measure knowledge of particular subjects and the ability to apply that knowledge. Many colleges require or recommend one or more of these tests for admission or placement purposes. These tests are offered in subjects such as English, foreign languages, science, history, and mathematics. See www.collegeboard.com

• College Board: About the SAT Subject Tests
• College Board: Frequently asked Questions

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – This test is given to students for whom English is not their native language and, in some cases, to American citizens whose families do not speak English in the home. For non-native English speakers, it is an admissions requirements for those colleges and universities where instruction is in English.

College Admission Testing Timelines

Sophomore Year

The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) is given the fall of sophomore year. This test is only given once a year. The PSAT is not used for college admissions.

Junior Year

• The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) is given the fall of junior year. The junior score is the basis for selection for the National Merit and several other scholarships. The PSAT is not used for college admissions.
• The ACT, SAT Reasoning, and SAT Subject Tests are administered throughout the fall, spring, and summer. It is important for students to take all tests at the time when they are most prepared.

Senior Year

• Seniors may retake the ACT, SAT Reasoning, and/or SAT Subject Tests in the fall of their senior year. (Note: You cannot take the SAT Reasoning and the SAT Subject Tests on the same day. Plan ahead!)

Registering For Tests

• You can register for the SAT and ACT online or by paper form. The paper forms are available in the college counseling office.
• To register online, use the links below.
  • SAT: www.collegeboard.com
  • ACT: www.act.org
• Academy of Notre Dame School CEEB Code is 395-000.
• Use your full, legal name when registering for all tests!
• It is the responsibility of the student to register for the appropriate tests and to submit their scores to the necessary colleges by the application deadlines.

Reporting Scores to Colleges

• Students are expected to keep records concerning their own testing results.
• Students are responsible for reporting their scores directly to the colleges.
• Test scores do no appear on the transcript.
• Note: When students request SAT scores be sent to the colleges, all prior SAT scores will be forwarded to the colleges as well.

Non-Standard Testing
For questions concerning nonstandard testing for students with learning differences please contact the College Counseling Office or the Learning Specialist. (Note: This is a very detailed and lengthy process. Plan ahead!)

Non-Report Testing Options
Over 700 four-year colleges and universities deemphasize the use of standardized tests in making admissions decisions by offering waiver or non-report options. Some schools do not require standardized testing for any students, whereas others exempt those students meeting a particular GPA or use the scores only for research purposes. Always check with the Admissions office at universities of interest to learn their policies.

• For a complete listing of schools with Non-Report Testing Options, go to http://www.fairtest.org/optinit.htm
• Alphabetical Listing of SAT/ACT Optional Colleges: http://www.fairtest.org/optinit.htm

Services for Students with Disabilities

• College Board Services for Students with Disabilities: http://www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/index.html
• ACT Services for Students with Disabilites: http://www.act.org/aap/disab/