Standardized Testing

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• Q: What should I take and when should I take them?

  Each student should take two SAT and two ACT with Writing during the junior year. Generally, students take 2 of each test in the junior year and then once again in the fall of the senior year. See Recommended Calendar below.

• Q: What is the recommended testing schedule for Canterbury students?

  WHILE YOU CAN TEST ON ANY NATIONAL TEST DATE, BELOW IS THE CANTERBURY RECOMMENDED TEST SCHEDULE.
  
  

  Freshman Year
  PLAN (ACT Predictor/Career Assessment)  No Sign Up: All Students take in October 
  
  

  Sophomore Year
  PSAT (SAT Predictor & Practice)-No Sign Up: All Students take in October
  
  

  Junior Year
  PSAT/NMSQT-October (No Sign Up: All Students take in October)
  ACT with Writing-February
  SAT-March
  ACT with Writing-April or June
  SAT-May or June
  Subject Tests (3 in One Day) May or June
  *Subject Tests may not be taken on the same date as you are taking SAT.
  
  

  Senior Year
  ACT with Writing-September
  SAT or Subject Tests-October/November
  ACT with Writing-October (if needed)
  *All students should plan to take at least one SAT and one ACT in senior year, prior to Nov. 1.

• Q: Why should I take the SAT and ACT?

  Some students score better on the ACT than the SAT, and vice versa.  There are differences between the tests that may be favored by individuals.  By taking one of each, a student can compare success relative to each score scale, and then submit the best scores to the colleges for consideration.

• Q: Do colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT?

  Colleges allow students to choose to submit the SAT and/or the ACT for admission.
  
  

  Some colleges do not require testing: www.fairtest.org for a listing.

• Q: SAT and ACT Prep: When and Where?

  SAT and ACT prep should be done prior to February of the junior year. Canterbury School offers superb SAT and ACT prep. For more information, visit the Test Prep Programs page under Academics on the Canterbury web site. Princeton Review and Kaplan are large, national companies offering courses and tutoring. There is also a free tutorial available through the College Board and Khan Academy for the redesigned SAT. For local tutoring options, please contact the Director of College Guidance for additional references.

• Q: Subject tests...who needs them?

  Some colleges require two or three subject tests, in addition to the SAT or ACT.  These are one-hour tests and three can be taken on one day, on the same national test dates for SAT (except March). 
  
  

  Students should check the requirements for their chosen colleges. Generally, excellent students who will apply to some competitive colleges should take 3 Subject Tests in May or June of the junior year. This guarantees that you are prepared for any college you may find interesting!
  
  

  You can take subject tests in any subject of your choice. If you will declare a major on your application for admission, it makes sense to align the subject tests with that major. For example, Pre-Med applicants would want to take at least 2 science subject tests and Math Level 2.
  
  

  Some colleges accept the ACT with Writing in place of Subject Tests, so be sure to check on the websites of your chosen colleges for requirements.
  
  

  Sophomores typically take the Bio Subject Test if they have taken AP Bio. You can take a subject test during any year of high school, at the time that you complete your highest level in a subject area, prior to November of the senior year.

• Q: Special circumstances and standardized tesing...what to do?

  If you need special testing circumstances (untimed testing or extended time) there are forms that must be filled out in advance of your taking the exams. If you already have registered forms with the school, please make sure they are current (testing done within the last three years). Also, if you feel that you may be a candidate for special needs testing and would like to arrange for psychological testing, contact Julie Corbin, US Guidance Counselor, for recommendations to local psychologists to provide necessary testing and assessment. This process can be lengthy. In short, contact Peggy Fiala for help.

• Q: How do I send ACT and SAT scores to colleges?

  All standardized test scores must be sent online, direct from ACT or SAT/College Board to your chosen colleges. For ACT, go to The ACT and for SAT, go to College Board.  Credit card is needed to send scores.

• Q: How do I send AP scores to colleges?

  The number to call for AP Score Reporting is 1-888-308-0013. You will need a credit card to send scores.