Here is a summary of when to take each test. Please note that all Class III and Class II students are automatically registered for the PSAT and it is administered at BLS.
Students are responsible for scheduling and registering for all other testings on their own.
| Timing | Test | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class III Fall | PSAT | Test administered at BLS. All 10th graders are automatically registered. | ||
| Class II Fall | PSAT | Test administered at BLS. All 11th graders are automatically registered. | ||
| Class II Spring | SAT and/or ACT | Testing dates and registration information for the SAT can be found here. The same can be found here for the ACT. | ||
| Class I Fall (August - December) | SAT and/or ACT | Testing dates and registration information for the SAT can be found here. The same can be found here for the ACTT. | ||
Please note that each student has a unique testing plan. Please see your guidance counselor to share your plan and ask for advice.
Should I take the SAT or the ACT? How do I know which test is right for me?
BLS students typically take the SAT, because the SAT historically has been more popular on the East Coast. Students are also welcome to take the ACT. The two exams are similar, but they have a few salient differences in terms of content and test approach:
Summit Test Prep has published a more detailed comparison of the SAT vs. ACT which can be found here.
If possible, we recommend that students take a practice SAT and a practice ACT. If you score more than 50+ points higher on one exam or the other, that is the exam to pursue. If your test scores on either exam are about the same, you can choose.
Students can take a full-length practice SAT Exam at Khan Academy.
A full-length ACT practice exam is available at ACT Academy.
If you've taken both the SAT and the ACT, and you need to compare your scores to see which score is higher, you can use this concordance table.
What about test optional admissions policies?
It is our recommendation that all BLS students take a standardized test in preparation for college applications. Historically, standardized testing scores have been an asset to compliment the college applications of the majority of BLS students. On the other hand, many colleges have already stated that they will consider applicants on a test-optional basis for the upcoming admissions cycle and others in the future. See a list of those colleges here. Students are encouraged to discuss it with their counselor if they feel as though they may not send their scores to colleges. Score reports are not automatically sent to colleges but are submitted by the student.
Are there fee waivers available?
While we would like to be in a position to assist all students with the significant fees involved in taking college admission tests and applying to college, we are only allowed to offer fee waivers to members of Classes I and II who meet the standards set by the testing organization. There are no SAT or ACT test fee waivers available to members of Classes III and IV. Students who believe they are eligible for a fee waiver must have a parent complete the application and return it with a parent signature to their guidance counselor as soon as possible. Students or parents who have questions should speak with their counselor.
Should students take an SAT prep course?
Over the years, BLS has tried offering SAT prep classes after school and on weekends. Each year they were offered we compared the score results for students who took the course with those who did not. Despite the fact that these classes were offered in different years by Princeton Review, Kaplan and Summit Educational Group, all reputable and well-respected in the field, we did not see significant differences in the results.
Also, excellent free SAT and ACT test preparation is available online. Khan Academy has teamed up with the College Board to create personalized SAT practice for anyone, anywhere for free. In fact, this prep program links to your PSAT score report to help you target those areas where you may have weaknesses. Students are given personalized practice recommendations and instant feedback on how they’re doing. ACT has also launched a free test preparation tool called Act Academy.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please see your teacher or counselor.
