Welcome, ECFS families

For many students, the pressure to achieve a certain SAT or ACT score and the perceived correlation with selectivity make standardized testing one of the most stressful components of the college application process. It is important to keep standardized tests in perspective: They are only one of several factors used in the evaluation of students and, in most cases, far less important than the transcript of grades from 9th–12th Grade. By the middle of senior year, most ECFS students will have SAT or ACT scores commensurate with their grades and ability, so their scores will neither enhance nor detract from their application. As research has consistently proven that standardized testing perpetuates inequity and bias across various socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups, many colleges and universities have de-emphasized — or altogether eliminated — the use of test scores in the application process. Again, in almost all cases, admissions decisions depend more heavily on the transcript because it provides more concrete and revealing information. 

I hope the compilation of information here serves as an informative guide as you begin to look at standardized testing. It is our goal to help dispel some myths regarding how standardized testing is used and emphasize the importance of character, consistent academic performance, and commitment to community. Thank you for taking the time to read.

Sincerely,

Akosua A. Yeboah
Director of College Counseling

Testing Center Contact Information: Adaury Rodriguez
ECFS Testing Coordinator: Raquel Maldonado

ECFS CEEB Code: 333 628

Why do colleges use standardized testing?

The SAT was developed in 1926 as a standardized indicator of aptitude to help college admissions officers evaluate high school students across the country. Because high school curriculums vary widely, a standardized metric allowed admissions officers to gauge how qualified a student was without having to rely solely on grades. As such, the SAT was intended to identify students who deserved serious consideration in spite of not having attended a well–resourced high school.

Due to ongoing efforts to make standardized testing a more accurate and equitable indicator of academic potential, the tests themselves have evolved significantly. The ACT was developed in 1959 as a rival test that aimed to assess learned achievement rather than innate aptitude. Over the years, both the SAT and ACT have had entire sections restructured. In their current iterations, the SAT and the ACT are more closely aligned than they were in the past, assessing similar indicators of reading, writing, and math proficiency. While differences remain between the tests, both are universally accepted among colleges that require standardized testing for admission.

How important are test scores in the college admissions process?

Standardized tests are but one of several factors admissions officers used to evaluate students; in most cases, they are far less important than the transcript of high school grades. By senior year, most ECFS students will have SAT or ACT scores commensurate with their grades and ability, so test scores will neither enhance nor detract from their admission to college.

In the rare case that a student’s test scores are lower than their grades would predict, admissions officers will consider several possible reasons. They may determine that the student is an overachiever who works very hard to earn good grades — this does not imply any particular critical judgment and may in fact be an asset. Alternatively, admissions officers may feel that the way the student thinks is not measured well by standardized testing. Some institutions and programs place more emphasis on athletic achievements and creative portfolios than on test scores. Finally, if the student chooses to disclose a learning difference, colleges that require standardized testing will consider lower scores within the appropriate context. The decision to disclose information regarding learning differences should be discussed with the College Office.

It is worth noting that in the case that a student has higher test scores than their grades would predict, admissions officers will also ask questions: Is the student bright but unmotivated by the rigid structure of high school? Do they have a behavioral or organizational problem? Have they devoted more time and effort to learning material outside of class? As with test scores that are lower than expected, scores that are higher than expected do not imply a particular critical judgment and are considered in the context of the whole application.

What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT, and which test should I take?

The SAT consists of two sections — Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing — scored between 200 and 800 points. The lowest possible SAT score is 400, and the highest possible score is 1600. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so your raw score is directly correlated with the number of questions you answer correctly.

The ACT currently consists of four separate sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and an optional Science section*. Like the SAT, it also does not deduct any points for incorrect answers. The ACT calculates a score ranging from 1 to 36 for each section, as well as a composite score that is the average of the three required section scores. The ACT also has an optional writing section.

ECFS administers a combination PSAT/ACT practice test for all sophomores in the spring. Students can use the results from these tests to determine whether the SAT or the ACT is a better fit.

The Enhanced ACT

In April 2025, the ACT implemented significant changes to its test format, including:

• Reduced number of questions
• Shortened test time
• More time per question
• Reduced answer choices for Math questions (from 5 to 4)
• Optional Science Section*

*Although the Science Section is now optional, we strongly encourage students to take it. Some colleges recommend or require it, so completing this section can help maximize college opportunities.

What are the details about test-optional schools?

In recent years, many colleges have begun implementing test-optional admissions. At these schools, test scores are not required, though they will still be considered. Over 900 liberal arts colleges and major research universities have now adopted some form of this policy.

Test-optional policies have continued to be common for a variety of reasons. Firstly, because research has demonstrated that high school grades are more reliable than test scores in predicting a student’s success, some colleges prefer to focus on a student’s transcript. Secondly, test optional policies allow colleges to expand their efforts in regard to diversity, access, and inclusion. Finally, from a marketing standpoint, adopting test-optional policies allows colleges to accept more applications while maintaining the same number of open seats, thus increasing their selectivity.

Some colleges have a test-flexible policy in lieu of a test-optional policy. These schools will consider a range of testing options for admissions, including SAT or ACT scores, International Baccalaureate scores, and Advanced Placement scores. Some test-flexible institutions even allow the submission of a formal research paper, graded class paper, or additional writing samples in lieu of testing. A few institutions, including the entire University of California system employ a test-blind policy and do not accept any standardized testing for consideration.

A complete list of test-optional institutions is available on the National Center for Fair and Open Testing website at https://www.fairtest.org/university/optional. While many colleges remained test optional after the COVID-19 pandemic, some colleges will require an SAT or ACT for the 2025-26 application cycle.

What is the PSAT?

The PSAT is modeled after the SAT, and the same organization that administers the SAT administers it. While PSAT scores do not play a role in college admissions, they are required for qualification for a National Merit Scholarship and may predict how well a student does on the SAT. The PSAT has two sections — Math, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing — and each section is scored on a scale of 160–760 with a total score range of 320-1520.

Will the PSAT be digital as well?

Yes, the digital, adaptive PSAT replaced the paper-based assessment in the fall of 2023, with the Class of 2025 being the inaugural cohort to take the computer-based PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for national merit qualification. The digital PSAT/NMSQT has the same structure as the digital SAT. The exam will include a Reading and Writing section and Math section, and the total time is just over two hours.

When is the PSAT administered and how do students register?

ECFS administers the PSAT to 10th Graders in the spring during the school day.

What are National Merit Scholarships?

The National Merit Scholarship program awards National Merit Scholarships, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships, and college-sponsored Merit Scholarships to students who score highly on the PSAT and have a demonstrated record of high academic achievement. Special scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who are not finalists but meet a corporate sponsor’s criteria.

How important are the PSATs and National Merit Scholarships in the college admissions process?

PSAT scores are not considered in college admissions and serve exclusively as practice for the SAT and as a qualification for the National Merit Scholarship program. While being recognized as a National Merit Scholar is nice to have on a student’s resume, it is in no way a critical component of the application. The amount of money the National Merit Scholarship program awards is comparatively minimal, and for those who qualify for need-based financial aid, it will usually be deducted from the financial aid award a student receives.

Please note that as of January 19, 2021, SAT Subject Tests are no longer offered.

Should I register for AP testing?

Given that ECFS does not teach an AP curriculum, we do not recommend that students sit for AP exams. The only exception is for students applying to certain international colleges and universities. Some of these institutions will require that students submit AP exam scores. Students who wish to take an AP exam(s) must locate a testing center and register for the exam on their own. ECFS will not coordinate AP exam registration.

What is the TOEFL, and should my child take it?

The TOEFL is designed for students whose first language is not English. Students who regularly speak another language at home and may have lower verbal scores on the SAT or ACT may benefit from taking this test.

Should I sign up for it?

Many students at ECFS are enrolled in outside test preparation courses and tutoring. The College Office and Form Deans recommend test prep for some students every year; some students who are not initially identified by the College Office and Form Deans may also benefit from test prep. On the other hand, test prep also comes with some risks. For example, it may require some students to spend less time on their studies, thereby negatively affecting their grades, or it may add to the stress of a rigid schedule that a student already feels. Before making the decision about whether to sign up or not, it is important to consult with the Form Dean and College Office.

ECFS has an established partnership with test prep company, Bespoke Education. If you decide to choose a different preparation organization or tutor, you should interview them first. Do they seem concerned with your child’s individual issues? Are they willing to tailor individualized tutoring to your child’s needs rather than adhering to a set curriculum or number of hours? You will be paying a substantial amount for tutoring, so make sure you have confidence in the tutors and the program.

How do I decide between a test prep course and individual tutoring?

For students who experience generalized test anxiety or are unfamiliar with the format of standardized tests, a test prep course may be enough to reduce stress and teach some test-taking skills. For students who have a particular weakness in a specific subject area or have more specialized learning needs, an individualized tutor may be more effective. Again, this discussion should happen with the Form Dean or College Office, depending on the progress of the student.

Are there special considerations for students with learning differences?

Students with a documented learning difference are not singled out in any way if scores are reported to colleges and universities. Students with learning differences may choose, with the advice of their college counselor, whether or not to reveal their disabilities to colleges. A description of students’ learning styles often explains discrepancies between standardized testing and the transcript of grades and may be very helpful in the process. Parents/guardians of students with learning differences should call either the Learning Center or the College Office in their child’s 11th Grade year if they desire more information about this aspect of standardized testing.

What dates are the tests offered?

The SAT is usually offered in March, May, and June of junior year and in August, September, October, and December of senior year. The ACT is generally offered in September, October, December, February, April, and June. ECFS administers a practice ACT test in the fall.

When and how many times should my child take the SAT/ACT?

The SAT or ACT should usually be taken twice: once near the end of junior year and once more at the beginning of senior year. Some students may feel prepared to take the exam twice during the spring of their junior year. If a student performs extremely well at the end of junior year, they do not need to repeat the test.

Here is a timeline below for suggested testing dates:

PSAT
Spring of sophomore year (ECFS will register students and announce to the class)

ACT Practice Test
Spring of sophomore year (ECFS will register students and announce to the class)

ACT
Junior year: April and/or June
Senior year: once in September or October

SAT
Junior year: March and/or May/June
Senior year: once in August, September, or October

Testing timelines and strategies vary significantly among students. It is important to consult with your college counselor in regard to best practices with registration, test dates, and score submission.

How does registering for the SAT/ACT work?

Students must register themselves for the ACT and SAT. They can register online, over the phone, or by mail; registering online is easiest. All facts about registration not found in these pages can be found online at collegeboard.org and at act.org. Students with a documented learning difference should check with the Learning Center to begin the process of applying for appropriate accommodations.

The published deadlines are earlier for students requiring testing accommodations, and applications must be submitted separately to the ACT and the SAT.

Currently, ECFS serves as a test site on all official dates except the January test date. If a student registers late, they may be assigned to a different test center; in these cases, students may wish to indicate an alternate center close to where they live. Students should remember to bring a picture ID with them to any test center; this is a strict requirement for entrance.

If you begin to explore your college options and are thinking about attending a college or university outside the United States, you will need to familiarize yourself with the institutions’ admission requirements for students who attend high school in the United States.

Here are some examples:

The University of Edinburgh requires three standardized test scores — one of which can be the SAT or ACT — to apply to study any subject.

King’s College London ties its entry requirements for applicants from high schools in the United States to scores on SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement (AP) tests. One may qualify by scoring at least a 4 on five AP tests, or alternatively scoring at least 4 on three AP tests in combination with an SAT or ACT score that meets their minimum threshold.

McGill University has returned to requiring the submission of testing ACT/SAT for all US applicants, except for those applying for music. University of St. Andrews, unlike almost all other international universities, is on the Common Application, and like many institutions in the U.S., has remained SAT and ACT test optional for the application cycles 2024-2025, and 2025-2026 (September 2025 and September 2026 entry).

The University of Toronto, like many institutions in the U.S., has remained test-optional since the 2021 2022 admissions cycle, but requires submission of the SAT or ACT for Engineering applicants. But University of Toronto does have the expectation that successful applicants will have taken Calculus in high school.

In the event that the university a student is interested in applying to has an Advanced Placement test requirement, a plan will need to be developed to take the necessary tests. AP tests are taken in May, but the registration deadline is November 15 the preceding fall, because that is when schools administering the tests must order them. Fieldston does not offer AP classes and has not for almost two decades; following our lead, many other independent schools have also adopted curricula that do not include AP courses. Therefore another school must be found that offers the relevant AP exam and permission must be requested from the AP coordinator to take the test alongside its students. Given that it may take some time to find a suitable test site, it is necessary to begin this process sooner rather than later.

Students can search for a test site within the College Board’s database of schools authorized to provide AP courses. Once a suitable test site where permission has been granted to take the test has been secured, it is the students’ responsibility to register for the test as well as prepare for the test. There is no expectation that the curriculum of Fieldston classes will cover the material on the exams. Since the AP exams are administered during the school day, students are responsible for communicating with their teachers and making up any work missed during their absence from Fieldston.

Please note this information will only apply to the very small percentage of Fieldston students who intend to apply to colleges or universities internationally. The overwhelming majority of our students will not need to prepare or take an AP exam for college admission.
Please feel free to contact collegeoffice@ecfs.org with any additional questions.