Standardized Testing Information

Standardized testing can be an essential part of the college application process, with many colleges and universities requiring at least one form of standardized testing. Students should talk with his or her college counselor about an individualized testing plan prior to registering for any test. As a general guideline, we recommend that students take the SAT or ACT in the winter and/or spring of their fifth form year. Sixth formers will have the opportunity to retest in the summer and fall of sixth form year based on their individual needs.

Click on the links below to learn more about the different standardized tests. You will also find a comprehensive list of all available test dates and testing reminders on this page.

If you have questions about the logistics of taking standardized tests, please contact Samantha Lopez, assistant testing coordinator, at 267-684-5641 or slopez@thehill.org. For accommodation questions, please contact our Learning Support Coordinator.

1. How to Register for a Standardized Test

PSAT: The PSAT/NMSQT test is given only in October, and every student is automatically registered by Ms. Lopez to take it. A nominal fee is billed to a student's Hill School account. Paper scores are given to the students in late December; students also will receive an email from the College Board when their scores are available online.

SAT: It is the student's responsibility to register online and create a College Board Account. Your college counselor and Ms. Lopez are here to assist you but cannot not register you for the test. www.collegeboard.com

CEEB Code: 394080
Test Center Number: 39594
Support for SAT 1-866-756-7346

ACT: It is the student's responsibility to register online and create an account with ACT. Your college counselor and Ms. Lopez are here to assist you but cannot not register you for the test. http://www.my.act.org

CEEB Code: 394080

Test Center Number: 185650
Support for ACT 1-319-337-1270

2. About PSAT

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT occurs every year in October.
Every student is automatically registered by Ms. Lopez.
This test is administered to all fourth and fifth form students and serves as preparation for the SAT Reasoning test; it can be an early indicator of potential results on standardized tests. The test is modeled after the SAT and includes three sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.
In the fifth form, the test results identify those students who qualify for National Merit Scholarship consideration.
PSAT/NMSQT test results can assist in designing a test preparation plan for the SAT test as they help students identify strengths as well as areas that need improvement.

3. About SAT

The SAT is administered at Hill multiple times throughout the academic year.
The SAT is a three-hour exam. The test is broken down into three sections: Evidence Based Reading and Math.
The Hill School is a private testing site for the SAT. While the test is also administered at other locations throughout the country and abroad on additional dates. During the academic year we ask that students test at Hill unless there is an extenuating circumstance.

4. About ACT

The ACT is administered at Hill multiple times throughout the academic year.
The ACT contains five separate sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional essay.
The ACT is an alternative to the SAT and is accepted by all colleges and universities.
The Hill School is a private testing site for the ACT. The test is also administered at other locations throughout the country and abroad on additional dates. During the academic year we ask that students test at Hill unless there is an extenuating circumstance.

5. TOEFL Test

The TOEFL test measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand English as it is read, written, heard, and spoken in the university classroom. Students may choose to test in their home country or here in the United States. If testing during the academic year, we ask that students choose a test site in the Philadelphia area. Students should speak with Mrs. Johnson ahead of time so she can help arrange transportation.
Score requirements are set by individual colleges and universities.
Students will receive a score from 0 to 30 for each section: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The maximum score for the entire test is 120.
Scores are valid for two years after the test date. For the college process, this would mean scores from the summer before a student's fifth form year should be valid to submit to colleges.
It is the student's responsibility to register online. Your college counselor is here to assist you, but does not register you for the test.

To learn more about the TOEFL and register for the exam visit:
www.ets.org
Test Center: Your Home Country or Philadelphia

The Duolingo English Test is a convenient online alternative for international students looking to fulfill English proficiency requirements. The Duolingo English Test is an English proficiency assessment used to evaluate your ability to read, write, speak, and listen to English. For more detailed information about this exam, please click here.

6. Advanced Placement (AP) Tests

We often receive requests from students wishing to register for an AP exam without having taken the AP course itself. AP examinations are valuable in the context of the AP curriculum; colleges want to see students engage in collaborative classroom learning as opposed to demonstrating achievement on a single test. Therefore, students must be enrolled in an AP course at Hill in order to sit for the examination. Students who believe they have extenuating circumstances must seek the approval of the Director of College Counseling.
Students considering taking any AP exams should talk with the individual teacher in his or her AP courses to determine if it is appropriate to take the exam.
Exam sign-ups and registration will be through the teacher and Ms. Lopez by the end of the fall term.
Students' Hill School accounts will be billed for each AP test taken. The fee for each test is $94.

7. Standardized Test Prep Options

Every year, the College Counseling Office is asked to recommend tutors for SAT and ACT testing. Because preparing for standardized testing is a very individual decision based on many factors (learning style, costs, convenience, etc.) we do not recommend one tutoring service over another. However, given the residential nature of The Hill, it often is difficult for students to arrange for test prep on their own. To that end, we will continue our partnership with Franklin Yard to provide classroom instruction on campus during the winter and spring terms as a fee based program. Franklin Yard will also offer online services this fall. We also have continued partnership with Revolution Prep, a nationally known tutoring program which offers different online test prep options.

In addition, Khan Academy offers free online tutorials for the SAT which students are strongly encouraged to use.

Students should contact their college counselor by email or phone with any questions regarding test prep.

8. Accommodations and Fee Waivers

Accommodations: If a student believes he or she may qualify for accommodations for standardized testing (such as extended time, extra breaks, etc.), the student must contact our Learning Support Coordinator at least two months prior to testing. Any accommodations a student receives must be in place in school prior to the test date. Please note that accommodations are granted by the testing agency (College Board or ACT) and not The Hill School.

Fee Waivers: Students are to contact Ms. Mary Vassallo in the College Counseling Office to determine fee waiver eligibility. Ms. Vassallo can be reached at 610-705-1276 or mvassallo@thehill.org.

9. Test Options and Test Flexible Information

A number of colleges and universities have modified their standardized testing requirements to include the option of not reporting test scores (test optional) or to report a combination of test scores to satisfy the requirement (test flexible). FairTest is an organization which has compiled all of this information into one website for an easy reference for students and families. When students meet individually with their college counselor, we will discuss whether applying to a college or university under a test optional or test flexible policy makes sense for that individual student. Please visit www.fairtest.org for more information.

ACT and SAT Test Dates

2022-23 ACT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines: Please note registration deadlines and score release dates may change at the discretion of the testing companies. There is a 3-8 week window for ACT results.

Test Date
September 9, 2023 Registration Deadline: August 4 Late Registration: August 18
October 28, 2023 Registration Deadline: September 22 Late Registration: October 6
December 9, 2023 Registration Deadline: November 3 Late Registration: November 17
February 10, 2024 Registration Deadline: January 5 Late Registration: January 19
April 13, 2024 Registration Deadline: March 8 Late Registration: March 22
June 8, 2024 Registration Deadline: May 3 Late Registration: May 17
July 13, 2024 Registration Deadline: June 7 Late Registration: June 21

2023-24 SAT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines: Please note registration deadlines and score release dates may change at the discretion of the testing companies.

Test Date
August 26, 2023 Registration Deadline: July 28 Late Registration: August 15
October 7, 2023 Registration Deadline: September 7 Late Registration: September 26
November 4, 2023 Registration Deadline: October 5 Late Registration: October 24
December 2, 2023 Registration Deadline: November 2 Late Registration: November 21
May 4, 2024 (Digital) Registration Deadline: February 23

Testing Reminders by Form

Third Form

Students, not parents, should be the ones to create and maintain their College Board account. Please do not establish multiple College Board accounts.
Keep your user name and password in a safe, secure place. You will need this information regularly throughout testing and your college process.
You will need a clear updated headshot photo for registration.
A valid credit card is necessary for payment.
Registration is complete when it is paid for and you have printed your admission ticket.
Please do not register for any off campus tests without speaking to Mrs. Johnson first.
It is your responsibility to register online. The College Counseling Office is here to assist you, but does not register you for tests.
To learn more about the SAT and ACT Tests and register for any exams visit www.collegeboard.com | CEEB CODE: 394080 | Test Center: 39594

Fourth Form

Some fourth form students may already have a College Board account if they have previously taken SAT Subject tests.
Students, not parents, should be the ones to create and maintain their College Board account. Please do not establish multiple accounts.
Keep your username and password in a safe, secure place. You will need this information regularly throughout testing and your college process.
You will need a clear updated headshot photo for registration.
A valid credit card is necessary for payment.
Registration is complete when it is paid for and you have printed your admission ticket.
Please do not register for any off-campus tests without speaking to Mrs. Johnson first.

1. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

The PSAT/NMSQT test is given only in October, and every student is automatically registered by Mrs. Johnson to take it.
Testing for 2022-23 School year PSAT is Wednesday, October 12.

2. Advanced Placement tests (AP)

If you are taking an Advanced Placement course, sign-ups for the exam will be through your teacher and Mrs. Johnson before spring break.
Your Hill School account will be billed for each AP test taken. The fee for each test is $94.
Please note that taking an AP exam without completion of the AP course is strongly discouraged

Fifth Form

Students, not parents, should be the ones to create and maintain their College Board account. Some fifth formers will already have a College Board account. Please do not establish multiple accounts.
Keep your username and password in a safe, secure place. You will need this information regularly throughout testing and your college process.
You will need a clear updated headshot photo for registration.
A valid credit card is necessary for payment.
Registration is complete when it is paid for and you have printed your admission ticket.
Please do not register for any off-campus tests without speaking to Mrs. Johnson first.

1. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

The PSAT/NMSQT test is given only in October, and every fifth form student is automatically registered by Mrs. Johnson to take it.
Testing for 2022-23 School year PSAT is Wednesday, October 12.

2. Register for the SAT Reasoning Test and/or the ACT plus Writing beginning in the winter and/or spring of your fifth form year.

You will begin individual meetings with your college counselor in January. Testing needs vary from student to student and as we begin our individual meetings, we will discuss a testing schedule which makes the most sense for each student individually.
It is your responsibility to register online. It also is helpful to check your athletics schedule to avoid potential conflicts with any games. Your college counselor is here to assist you, but does not register you for the test.
To learn more about the SAT and register for an exam visit www.collegeboard.com | CEEB CODE: 394080 | Test Center: 39594
To learn more about the ACT and register for an exam visit www.actstudent.org | CEEB CODE: 394080 | Test Center: 185650

3. TOEFL Exam

All non-native English speakers are strongly encouraged to take the TOEFL exam in the summer prior to their fifth form year.
Score requirements are set by individual colleges and universities.
It is your responsibility to register online and speak with Mrs. Johnson to arrange transportation to the test if you are taking it during the academic year.
To learn more about the TOEFL and register for an exam visit www.ets.org (test center: your home country or Philadelphia)

4. Advanced Placement test (AP)

If you are taking an Advanced Placement course, sign-ups for the exam will be through your teacher and Mrs. Johnson before spring break.
Your Hill School account will be billed for each AP test taken. The fee for each test is $94.
Please note that taking an AP exam without completion of the AP course is strongly discouraged.

Sixth Form

1. Register for the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT plus Writing in the fall term as needed.

As you discuss your potential college list with your college counselor, pay attention to deadlines as well as the last testing date from which an individual college will accept scores. When registering for tests, it is also helpful to check your athletics schedule to avoid potential conflicts with any games.
It is your responsibility to register online. Your college counselor is here to assist you, but does not register you for the test.
It is your responsibility to send your test scores directly from the testing agency to the colleges and universities to which you apply in order for them to be considered official scores. Your college counselor is here to assist you with this step of the process, but The Hill School does not send scores.
Registration is complete when it is paid for and you have printed your admission ticket.
Please do not register for any off-campus tests without speaking to Mrs. Johnson first.
The website for SAT and Subject Test registration is www.collegeboard.com | CEEB CODE: 394080 | Test Center: 39594
The website for ACT registration is www.actstudent.org | CEEB CODE: 394080 | Test Center: 185650

2. TOEFL Test

All non-native English speakers are strongly encouraged to take the TOEFL exam in the summer prior to their fifth form year and at the very latest, fall of sixth form year.
Score requirements are set by individual colleges and universities.
It is your responsibility to send your test scores, directly from the testing agency to the colleges and universities to which you apply in order for them to be considered official scores. Your college counselor is here to assist you with this step of the process, but The Hill School does not send scores.
It is your responsibility to register online and talk with Mrs. Johnson to arrange transportation to the test if you are taking it during the academic year.
To learn more about the TOEFL and register for an exam visit: www.ets.org (test center: your home country or Philadelphia)

3. Advanced Placement (AP) Test

If you are taking an Advanced Placement course, sign-ups for the exam will be through your teacher and Mrs. Johnson before spring break.
Some colleges and universities may use AP exam results for placement in certain courses. Please talk with your college counselor when making the decision about which AP tests to take.
Your Hill School account will be billed for each AP test taken. The fee for each test is $94.
Please note that taking an AP exam without completion of the AP course is strongly discouraged

Standardized Testing Information

1. How to Register for a Standardized Test

2. About PSAT

3. About SAT

4. About ACT

5. TOEFL Test

6. Advanced Placement (AP) Tests

7. Standardized Test Prep Options

8. Accommodations and Fee Waivers

9. Test Options and Test Flexible Information

ACT and SAT Test Dates

Testing Reminders by Form

Third Form

Fourth Form

1. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

2. Advanced Placement tests (AP)

Fifth Form

1. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

2. Register for the SAT Reasoning Test and/or the ACT plus Writing beginning in the winter and/or spring of your fifth form year.

3. TOEFL Exam

4. Advanced Placement test (AP)

Sixth Form

1. Register for the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT plus Writing in the fall term as needed.

2. TOEFL Test

3. Advanced Placement (AP) Test

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