Standardized Testing: ACT/SAT

By the end of Class 11, we recommend that each of our students have taken the SAT or ACT. Chapin's College Guidance team guides students about the appropriate time to take these tests.

We strongly recommend that students take tests when they feel ready and not before. We also recommend that the SAT or ACT not be taken more than three times. Create an account now at www.collegeboard.org and/or www.actstudent.org for resources and registration deadlines. Please note that it is important to register for these exams several months prior to the test date in order to secure a convenient testing location. Fee waivers are available for students who recieve financial aid.

The latest date for a senior to take a test for the early decision deadline is October. The latest date for a senior to take a test for the regular decision deadline is December.

It is the student’s responsibility to report or send test scores to colleges. When sending scores, the rules of each college must be followed. Some colleges have a Report-All testing policy and some colleges offer Score Choice, which allows students to only send their best scores. There are colleges that allow a student to Superscore, which means the highest scores can be obtained from multiple testing dates. Sending can be done by self reporting scores, which is free on the application and/or requesting sending through College Board and ACT, which includes paying a fee. Given the very real possibility that all scores will need to be sent, we strongly suggest that students only take tests they are prepared for.

AP exams are not a requirement for college admissions in the United States. There are a few International schools that do require AP exam scores to gain admission. These scores may be self-reported and then officially sent once you decide where you will matriculate. Exams are offered on specific school days in May. The Chapin School does not offer AP courses nor the exams.  If a student is sure they want to attend a college that requires AP scores, they will need to secure a testing site and prepare for the exams independently. 

There are many colleges/universities that DO NOT require scores. These schools are test optional programs. A full list of test optional schools can be found at Fairtest.org.