Standardized Testing

Below is an overview of the standardized testing schedule followed by Portsmouth Abbey students. Unless otherwise noted, tests are administered at Portsmouth Abbey. Students should discuss a testing plan with the college counseling office before signing up to take the tests.

FOURTH FORM

• October – PSAT (mandatory)

FIFTH FORM

• October – PSAT (mandatory)

• December – SAT (recommended)

• December – ACT

• April – ACT 

• May – SAT  (recommended)

• June – SAT (off campus and optional)

• June – ACT (off campus and optional)

• July – ACT (off campus and optional)

• Aug – SAT (off campus and optional)

SIXTH FORM

• September – ACT 

• October – SAT (to be discussed with college counselor)

• October – ACT 

• November – SAT  (optional)

• December – SAT (optional)

• December – ACT 

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):  non-native speakers of English should consult with their counselors about taking the TOEFL. We strongly encourage students to sit for the TOEFL during a vacation rather than missing school to take the test.

                                             ACT                                                             SAT

Reading	Key Ideas and Details   Craft and Structure   Integration of Knowledge and Ideas	Command of Evidence     Words in Context   Analysis in History/Social Studies and in Science
Math	Preparing for Higher Math: Number and Quantity Algebra Functions Geometry Statistics and Probability Integrating Essential Skills   Modeling	Heart of Algebra   Problem Solving and Data Analysis   Passport to Advanced Math   Additional Topics in Math
Science	Interpretation of Data   Scientific Investigation   Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results	Science content is not tested on the SAT, but the test does measure your ability to interpret charts, infographics, and data on scientific topics in other sections. A Science Insight Score, based on these abilities, is provided.
English/Writing and Language	Production of Writing   Knowledge of Language   Conventions of English	Command of Evidence   Words in Context   Analysis in History/Social Studies and in Science   Expression of Ideas
Essay	Optional final section, 40 minute testing time Separate score, not included in composite score Topic presents conversations around contemporary issues Tests ability to argue a point of view in a clear way, using concrete examples	Optional final section   50 minute testing time   Separate score, not included in overall score    Topic comes from a 750-word passage to be read on test day   Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills

It is important to note that the best test prep is built on a foundation of serious scholarship. Learning is a life-long process—not just a sprint in the Fifth Form year. 

Available research indicates that the most effective test prep is long term and is the natural outcome of a strong college preparatory curriculum. Furthermore, research also suggests that the critical reading score can only be increased through significant reading (read early, read carefully, and read often). While the math test was considered more “teachable” through targeted practice, the College Board’s new approach to testing has likely changed that fact. Now, all types of questions will be more interdisciplinary and less formulaic.

Test prep has been found to increase some, but not all, students’ scores; the average gain (around 70 points total across three tests) is comparable to the standard error of measurement (90 points across three tests); in addition, there is an expected gain from repeated testings. That said, some students do raise their scores significantly, and since it is not easy to determine which students will be helped by formal prep, students should consider dedicating some time to the project.

Students should start the test prep process sometime after the Fourth Form academic year. Often, students find school vacations the most accommodating for such work. It is best to consult with one’s college counselor to identify what prep plan is best to pursue.

Resources Available

• Kahn Academy: Their mission is to provide a free world-class education for everyone. College Board brokered an exclusive contract with Khan Academy in preparation for the new SAT. Khan is THE resource for test prep--and, it's free.
• Various books available (in the College Counseling Office)
• Test prep companies and tutors: please note that Portsmouth Abbey is not recommending any of these companies; we are listing several of the better-known companies and tutors that some of our students have used in the past for your convenience. We welcome suggestions for other companies.
  • Advantage Testing 
  • Compass Education Group
  • Kaplan 
  • Method Test Prep
  • Princeton Review
  • Revolution Prep 
  • Summit Educational Group 

“International” may mean different things at different colleges, thus be sure to read the international section on each individual college’s website. Most schools will require proof of English fluency. All schools accept the TOEFL and some require it. Some schools will also accept:

• Studying in an English medium school for a particular number of years

• SAT critical reading scores of a certain score

• An ‘A’ in your Portsmouth Abbey School English class

Bottom Line: Your son or daughter should carefully check each college’s website for its requirements and discuss those with his/her counselor. Please see the International Students page for more information.