Testing Information

THE BRIMMER AND MAY SCHOOL CEEB CODE IS 220-600. THIS CODE MUST BE USED WITH EACH SAT OR ACT REGISTRATION.

Click here for the ACT Test Dates and Deadlines

Click here for the SAT Test Dates and Deadlines

Test scores are only one facet of the evaluation process in college admissions. Although institutions in the top tiers of the U.S. News and World Report rankings tend to showcase impressive averages due to the competitive nature of their applicant pools, colleges will attach more importance to the strength of the overall academic program and grades. Testing is now optional at over 300 colleges and universities (go to www.fairtest.org for a complete listing) and many no longer require SAT II Subject Tests or Writing Scores. All colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT. If a student takes the test several times, most colleges will use the highest individual score from each test; this is called “superscoring.” Since testing requirements vary widely, it is up to the student to research the specific testing requirements of each school to which he/she applies.

PSAT

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. It also provides students with a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools. The PSAT/NMSQT measures: critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. At Brimmer and May, all students in grades 10 and 11 take the PSAT. For more information go to www.collegeboard.com/psat

SAT/ACT

Brimmer and May recommends taking the SAT or ACT twice (not both), once in the spring of junior year (March, May, or June), and again in the fall of the senior year (August, October, November, or December). The College Counseling team can provide guidance to students about which test to pursue. Even though the number of colleges who require the writing portion of the SAT or ACT is dwindling, Brimmer recommends that students take the writing section at least one of the two times in order to account for any requirements. Brimmer and May is not a testing center. Students should check the list of schools on the SAT or ACT web sites to determine which test center is most convenient for them. Complete registration instructions and services offered are explained in detail on the SAT or ACT web site.

SAT information and online registration: http://sat.collegeboard.com/home

ACTs information and online registration: http://www.actstudent.org/index.html

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

This test measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. An internationally accepted standard of academic English proficiency, it is a required certification for international students by more than 5000 colleges and universities worldwide. TOEFL information and online registration

NONSTANDARD TESTING

Students who normally receive special accommodations for testing at Brimmer and May, such as extended time on exams and classroom tests, may be eligible for special accommodations when taking standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. The student must have current (within the last three years) educational testing information provided by a certified professional on file at Brimmer and May. The student will then complete the application procedures outlined by the College Board Services for Students with Disabilities and/or by the ACT. Nonstandard testing is done at all test centers. For more information about applying for nonstandard testing, families should contact Ms. Bartone, Director of Student Services at Brimmer.

TEST PREPARATION

Test preparation at Brimmer and May begins in grade ten when all students sit for the PSAT in October. In early December, each student receives a Score Report with his/her answers, the correct answers, and specific suggestions for areas that need additional work. This process is repeated in grade eleven.

Some students might choose to take a prep course or have SAT private tutoring. Brimmer partners with the Summit Educational Group to conduct test preparation courses at Brimmer twice a year. Typically, there is a course that begins in September to prepare students who will sit for fall test dates, and a course that begins in January to prepare for spring test dates. Financial assistance is available to students who qualify for aid at Brimmer.

Students are also encouraged to use free online programs for test preparation. After taking the PSAT, all students are assigned login information for Khan Academy, which is a free College Board Program that offers excellent review materials and practice questions. All students are encouraged to use the resources in the College Counseling Office and some form of additional practice/preparation for the SAT and/or ACT.

The following web sites offer test preparation: College Board, Number 2, Review.com, ACT.org, and TOEFL.com.

FEE WAIVERS

Fee waivers are available for both the SAT and ACT registrations for families who qualify under the eligibility guidelines established by the government (i.e. Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program.) Fee waivers are also available for college application fees for students who have qualified for and used the fee waiver program for testing. Please talk to the College Counseling Team for further information.

Brimmer and May School