Standardized Testing
Overview
Our counseling efforts are focused on introducing possible career and college options to students and introducing students to college admissions testing. All members of the sophomore and junior classes take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. This allows students to familiarize themselves with the SAT, and identify areas of strength and weakness that will help them prepare for the exam. Moreover, the detailed score report from this test should provide some idea of what students can expect on the SAT when they take it during late Junior and early Senior year.
NHS students may take the SAT or ACT, and can register for these exams individually. The two exams are similar, but they have a few differences in terms of content and test approach (The Princeton Review has published a more detailed comparison of the SAT vs. ACT which can be found here).
Please note that each student has a unique testing plan. Please see your school counselor to share your plan and ask for advice.
It is our recommendation that NHS students take a standardized test in preparation for college applications. Historically, standardized testing scores have been an asset to compliment college applications. 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*. Students are encouraged to discuss it with their school 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.
*If you are interested in colleges with test optional applications: Test Optional Schools
PSAT
SAT
- SAT Information & Registration
- SAT Test Dates & Deadlines
- FREE SAT Practice
- Paid Tutoring Opportunities
- Tips
- SAT Calculator Policy
SAT Information & Registration
All students will register for the SAT through the College Board. Click below to register today!
College Board Registration College Board Home
Students must register online through the College Board website and make sure to print out the Admissions Ticket once signed up as it's required to have for entry on the morning of the exam.
SAT Test Dates & Deadlines
FREE SAT Practice
Khan Academy offers free, personalized SAT practice in partnership with the College Board. Students can access full-length practice tests, interactive practice questions, video lessons, and tailored study plans based on their PSAT or past SAT results. This resource helps students strengthen skills, track progress, and improve their scores at no cost.
Practice with SAT Suite through the College Board
Practice with online peer-to-peer tutoring with Schoolhouse
Revolution Prep: Offers free practice tests & student events with paid group options
Paid Tutoring Opportunities
Revolution Prep: Offers free practice tests & student events with paid group options
Each school year, Greater Newburyport Adult & Community Education offers SAT preparation classes for Newburyport High School students (for a fee). Announcements with details are typically shared in the fall. For more information, please visit their website.
Please Note: Newburyport High School does offer opportunities for PSAT, SAT, and ACT tutoring courses and support. When such courses become available, they will be posted here.Tips
- Print the Admissions Ticket found in your College Board account. This is required in order to be allowed into the testing site on exam day.
- Double check the test site location when you register. DO NOT wait until the day of the exam to check this information.
- For issues with your College Board account or exam placement, call the SAT STUDENT HELPLINE (866)756-7346.
SAT Calculator Policy
You can read more details on this policy update from the College Board by clicking here: SAT Calculator Policy Update
"Effective for the August 2025 SAT Weekend administration and the October 2025 testing window, calculators with CAS functionality will no longer be allowed for tests within the SAT Suite of Assessments. We regularly review our calculator policy to ensure fairness to all students who take the SAT. As usage of CAS calculators evolves, their functionality provides users with distinct advantages over non-users for tests within the SAT Suite of Assessments. This policy update reflects both changes in calculator usage and the feedback of educators, students, and families."
ACT
ACT Information & Registration
Create an account and login to the official ACT website to register for an exam here: ACT registration
Learn more information about the ACT test by visiting their website here: ACT Website
Free ACT Practice Resources
ACT National Test Dates
Accommodations
AP
AP Testing
In addition to standardized testing, Newburyport High School offers AP exams to students who are enrolled in AP courses. Taking the AP exam is a required component of each AP course at NHS.
Please note that AP exams are only available to students currently enrolled at Newburyport High School.
For more information: AP Information