
Standardized Testing at SI
While the majority of colleges remain test-optional, SI encourages students to explore whether standardized testing may strengthen their applications. All students take the PreACT and PSAT as practice and to gauge if pursuing further testing is a good fit for their college process. Juniors and seniors also have the opportunity to take the SAT during our SAT School Day on campus. Please see below for more details about these assessments.
- PSAT/NMSQT for Juniors at SI: October 8, 2025
- PreACT for Sophomores at SI: Wednesday, October 8
- Optional SAT for Seniors at SI: October 8, 2025
- Optional SAT for Juniors at SI: March 12th, 2026
PSAT/NMSQT for Juniors at SI: October 8, 2025
All juniors will take the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Before Test Day
Download Bluebook
- Download the Bluebook app on your iPad (App Store or bluebook.org).
- If you have trouble, check in with your counselor.
Technology Checklist
- Password – Make sure you know your SI login password by Monday, Oct. 6. If not, visit the librarians or technology office.
- Update Device – Update your iPad the night before the test (check in Settings).
- Charge – Fully charge your iPad and bring your charger.
Practice
- Bluebook has practice tests available.
On Test Day – Wednesday, October 8
Bring:
- Fully charged iPad with Bluebook
- Charger
- Pen or pencil
- Calculator
- Student ID
Cell Phone Policy:
- Students are not allowed to have a cell phone in the testing room.
- Ideally, please leave your phone at home.
- If you bring your phone, it must be powered down and given to the proctor for the duration of the test.
Important: No food or drink is allowed during testing. Eat a good breakfast before you arrive.
Schedule:
- Report to your assigned room by 8:15 a.m. (Cowell Gym or 1st floor Academic Building).
- Testing begins at 8:30 a.m.
- Ends around 11:00 a.m. for standard time, or 12:00 p.m. for extended time.
- Room assignments will be emailed to students and parents/guardians on Monday, Oct. 6.
After the Test
- Scores will be released on the College Board website in about 4–6 weeks.
- We encourage you to set up a College Board account at collegeboard.org with a personal email address (non SI email) to access test scores and college resources.
- Learn more about the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Program at collegeboard.org/PSAT.
We are Mrs. Ohanessian and Ms. Sarah Merrell, your PSAT/NMSQT Co-Coordinators. We look forward to seeing all juniors on Oct. 8 at 8:15 a.m.!
PreACT for Sophomores at SI: Wednesday, October 8
Sophomores will be taking the PreAct on Wednesday Oct. 8 at Saint Ignatius.
**The Practice ACT is simply a low stakes test to prepare students for a standardized testing experience if they decide to take the ACT in their junior year. Exam scores are not nationally qualifying nor are scores recorded and sent to colleges.
All students need to be in their assigned room by 8:30am - test begins promptly at 8:45am (room assignments will be emailed the week of the exam).
Test Subject Format:
English: 30 min
Mathematics: 40 min
Break: 15 min
Reading: 30 min
Science: 30 min
Testing will end at 11:45am. (ending times may vary)
Extended Time (email update sent from Cats to students)
English: 45 min
Mathematics: 60 min
Break
Reading: 45 min
Science: 45 min
Testing will end at 1pm (ending times may vary)
What to Bring on the Test Day?
Required:
- FULLY CHARGED IPAD
- Install/Download Testnav
- Photo ID
- No. 2 pencils (non-mechanical)
Optional:
- Bring your own approved calculator- ACT-approved calculator- *calculators will not be provided the day of the test*
- Basic analog (non-digital) watch only
- Examinees may bring snacks and beverages (including water bottles) into the test room, but may only consume them outside of the room during break.
What NOT to Bring
Prohibited Items:
- Cell phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, or any other device with recording, Wi-Fi, internet, or communication capabilities
- Backpacks
- Study materials (books, notes)
- Highlighters
*All such devices must be powered off and placed out of sight. You may not handle or access your devices until you leave the test site. If you can, please store such devices in your car, locker, or somewhere outside of the test room before check-in.
Resources
- TestNav Tools - TestNav displays tools for students to use during online testing.
- ACT-approved calculator- *calculators will not be provided the day of the test*
- Why Take PreAct assessments
- 6 ways Preact Helps You
- ACT Test Prep
Prior to test day, please review the PreACT Terms & Conditions. You can also review the ACT. org to learn more about the PreACT.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Personal and Academic Counselor or Cats.
Optional SAT for Seniors at SI: October 8, 2025
There is an optional SAT being held at SI for seniors on Wednesday, Oct. 8. (The registration is now closed. Please check www.collegeboard.org for other testing dates/locations in the community.)
Before Test Day
Download Bluebook
- Download the Bluebook app on your iPad (App Store or bluebook.org).
- If you have trouble, check in with your counselor.
Technology Checklist
- Password – Make sure you know your SI login password by Monday, Oct. 6. If not, visit the librarians or technology office.
- Update Device – Update your iPad the night before the test (check in Settings).
- Charge – Fully charge your iPad and bring your charger.
On Test Day – Wednesday, October 8
Bring:
- Fully charged iPad with Bluebook
- Charger
- Pen or pencil
- Calculator
- Student ID
Cell Phone Policy:
- Students are not allowed to have a cell phone in the testing room.
- Ideally, please leave your phone at home.
- If you bring your phone, it must be powered down and given to the proctor for the duration of the test.
Important: No food or drink is allowed during testing. Eat a good breakfast before you arrive.
Schedule:
- Report to your assigned room by 8:15 a.m. All testing will be in the Village classrooms.
- Testing begins at 8:30 a.m.
- Ends around 11:30 a.m. for standard time, or 12:30 p.m. for extended time.
- Room assignments will be emailed to students and parents/guardians on Monday, Oct. 6.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Julie St. Clair at jstclair@siprep.org
Optional SAT for Juniors at SI: March 12th, 2026
Registration will take place in the spring semester. More information to come.
For more information on the test, please visit The College Board website.