SAT/PSAT & ACT Information
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTING OVERVIEW
Who needs to take college admissions tests?
-
Many 4-year colleges require the SAT or ACT.
-
Most colleges that require an SAT or ACT score will accept either one interchangeably.
-
Most 2-year community colleges DO NOT require the SAT or ACT for admissions.
- We recommend that college-bound students take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of their junior year, and retake the exam(s) in the fall of their senior year, if necessary.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, many colleges (including all SUNY colleges and universities) have adopted test-optional admissions policies. Some schools will remain test-optional beyond the current admission cycle, and others may again require an SAT/ACT score for admissions in the coming years. Please check carefully with the schools that you plan to apply to in order to fully understand each school's admission criteria for your cohort.
PSAT EXAM INFORMATION
Taking the PSAT is typically recommended for juniors who are planning to attend college. Sophomores enrolled in English 10 Honors and/or Algebra II Regents Honors are also encouraged to take the exam.
The 2023 PSAT is Saturday, October 14th @ ESM.
More information about registration will be made available to students in September!
SAT Exam Information
ESM plans to administer the SAT on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, and Saturday, May 4th, 2024.
For additional test dates, information on fees, access to practice tests, score reporting, or to register for the exam, please visit the College Board's SAT web page.
SAT Prep
Khan Academy offers testing strategies, practice questions, and full-length practice tests.
Our building will be offering an SAT review class to interested students. The class is offered at a cost of $25, which covers the cost of the required book. Registration is done through the Main Office with Mr. Martino. Classes will run after 4:00pm from March 4th through the end of April. A more detailed schedule will be sent by Ms. Trivison at a later date.
ACT EXAM INFORMATION
ESM does not host the ACT Exam. Our students are welcomed to take this exam at one of the local testing sites.
For test dates, information on fees, access to practice tests, score reporting, or to register for the exam, please visit the ACT website.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
-
ESM DOES NOT send SAT/ACT scores to colleges. Students must send their scores to colleges from their College Board (SAT) or ACT accounts.
-
If you are a student who receives free/reduced priced school meals, then talk with your school counselor about the possibility of obtaining a fee waiver before registering for the SAT/PSAT/ACT.
-
If you received a fee waiver for the PSAT, then you have likely already qualified for an SAT fee waiver. If you attempt to register for the SAT and your fee is not waived, then see your school counselor.
-
Students with disabilities:
-
SAT: The College Board makes all decisions about testing accommodations. See your school counselor at least two months before registering to ensure that a request for testing accommodations has been submitted. When testing accommodations have been approved, you will be assigned an SSD Identification Number, which you must enter when you register for the SAT.
-
ACT: When registering for the exam, indicate that you require testing accommodations. Forward the email that you receive from ACT to your school counselor, along with the signed release form that ACT will prompt you to complete.
-
