b'28ADDITIoNAl SAT ASSESSMENTS WhAT IS TEST oPTIoNAl?The College Board, which administers the SAT,Many colleges have chosen to place less emphasis oers several other important standardized tests. on standardized test scores. Some no longer requireThe PSAT/National Merit Scholarshipstandardized tests; others exempt students who meetQualifying Test (NMSQT) certain academic standards, such as a specific GPA assesses reading, math, or class rank.and writing skills, and provides practice for the SAT.If you take the SAT or ACT at least twice and believe Why take it: Your report provides feedback about your score does not indicate your college readiness,your test results and customized SAT study plans.consider whether applying test optional is a goodIn addition, your score on the PSAT/NMSQT choice for you. Remember: check each schools could qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship definition of test optional and make sure applicants or other scholarship programs. who apply test optional are still considered forWhen to take it: In the fall of 9th and/or 10th merit-based financial aid. For more information grade. Check with your school to see when theabout schools that allow you to apply test optional,test will be administered. To learn more, visit visit www.fairtest.org/university/optional/state.www.collegeboard.org.SAT Subject Tests measure your knowledge ofTEST ACCoMMoDATIoNSspecific subject areas. There are 20 SAT Subject Tests Students with documented disabilities are eligible within five subject areas: mathematics, English,for accommodations on both the SAT and ACT, languages, history, and science. Each multiple-choice as well as the PSAT and SAT Subject Tests. test is one hour long.Learn more about eligibility requirementsWhy take them: Most selective colleges requireand how to request accommodations at you to take at least two SAT Subject Tests. For the accommodations.collegeboard.org or visitmajority of colleges, they are optional. www.act.org and search accommodations. When to take them: As soon as possible after finishing your class in that subject area. If you areFUTUREconsidering applying Early Decision (p. 31), youshould aim to take your SAT Subject Tests beforeDecember of your senior year.yourTo learn more, visit www.collegereadiness.collegetoboard.org/sat-subject-tests. To Test or Not to Test:The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of colleges thatno longer require SAT/ACT scores for admission.However, the safest option is to be prepared to takethe SAT/ACT and obtain a strong score, which will provide more college options. You are requiredto submit test scores to obtain institutional merit-based financial aid. Community College of Philadelphia'