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PSAT / SAT / ACT

College Entrance Testing

Any student who is considering applying to a 4-year school should take the SAT and/or ACT. To sign up for the tests or learn more, go to:

SAT - sat.collegeboard.org

ACT - actstudent.org

Wednesday, October 11, 2023: SAT School Day (paper) to SHS class of 2024. (more information coming soon) 
October 2-31, 2023: PSAT for all SHS 11th grade students, optional for 10th grade students. (click here for more information
March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 (Tentative Dates): SAT School Days to SHS class of 2025. (more information coming soon)

Free SAT Prep Course

Let’s Get Ready begins with the College Access Program, a FREE 9-week program.

Let’s Get Ready stays with you after this core program, supporting your transition to college and helping you navigate college life through to graduation!

Sign up now!

When should students take the SAT or ACT for the first time?

Students should take the tests (and prepare for them) in their junior year.

What if I can’t pay for the cost of the SAT or ACT?

Somerville High School provides fee waivers for the SAT and ACT for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Students can use two SAT fee waivers, two SAT Subject Test fee waivers, and two ACT fee waivers. See your counselor for a fee waiver or if you have questions.

How should I prepare for the SAT?

SHS provides two different test prep classes outside of school. The first is Let’s Get Ready, a free program provided by Tufts University. SHS also provides a Lentz & Lentz SAT Prep course to juniors at a significant discount. See your counselor for more information on these two options.

Finally, College Board has partnered with Khan Academy - a website that provides free educational support in a variety of subjects. Students can use Khan Academy to get a personalized, interactive study program for free!

PSAT Information

Each year, Somerville Public Schools provides the PSAT exam free of charge to students. The primary purpose of the PSAT is to practice taking the SAT, an exam that is part of the college application process. For more information about the PSAT, see the College Board website.  

2023-2024 PSAT:

For the first time, this fall, the PSAT will be fully digital. In October 2023, SPS will administer the PSAT to all 11th grade students. 10th grade students can opt in if they would like, though it is not required. Students will take the exam on their school-issued Chromebook. 

The exam will take place on various days throughout the month of October, during the regular school day. Students and parents/guardians will receive communication about their assigned exam date and time. There will be no special schedules this year due to the PSAT. 

Registration and Payment for the PSAT:

Somerville Public Schools pays for the PSAT exam. Students and families do not pay anything. 

If you are in 11th grade, you do not have to register for the exam. SPS will do that for you. If you are in 10th grade and you would like to OPT IN to taking the exam, please fill out this form: PSAT 10th Grade Registration Form by September 5. 

10th graders will not be able to take the PSAT at SHS if they have not completed the form by September 5, 2023. 

How to Understand Your PSAT Scores

Accommodations for the SAT and PSAT: If you or your student think you need accommodations for the SAT or PSAT, please contact your counselor for more information on how to make that request of the College Board.