Standardized Testing
MCAS Overview
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is designed to meet the requirements of the Education Reform Law of 1993. This law specifies that the testing program must
test all public school students in Massachusetts, including students with disabilities and English Language Learner students;
measure performance based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework learning standards;
report on the performance of individual students, schools, and districts.
As required by the Education Reform Law, students must pass the grade 10 tests in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and one of the four high school Science and Technology Engineering tests as one condition of eligibility for a high school diploma (in addition to fulfilling local requirements)
SAT
The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions.
Test Dates At NHS:
Mar 8, 2025
May 3, 2025
Jun 7, 2025
Summit Educational Group provided an information session on October 16th.
Topic included:
SAT vs. ACT, how they differ, and how to choose
Components of a good test prep plan
The new digital adaptive SAT
The role of standardized tests in the college admission process
The 2024-2025 College Admissions Testing Guide can be downloaded as a pdf file.
PSAT
Over 3.6 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year. 11th-grade students can qualify for scholarships and recognition
ACT
The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject areas English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four subject area tests plus a 30-minute Writing Test. ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States.
Register Online: www.actstudent.org
Resources for Students and the Families
Test Dates At Nhs:
April 11, 2025
Summit Educational Group provided an information session on October 16th.
Topic included:
SAT vs. ACT, how they differ, and how to choose
Components of a good test prep plan
The new digital adaptive SAT
The role of standardized tests in the college admission process
The slide presentation is available HERE
The 2024-2025 College Admissions Testing Guide can be downloaded as a pdf file
TEST Prep Opportunities
The Natick High School Guidance and Counseling Department does not endorse one program over another but offers this list for information purposes only.
College Admissions Test Preparation
KAPLAN
"Kaplan's test experts know how to engage a classroom—and teach key strategies that boost scores. We have prep options for every student, at any level. We help you find what fits, and go from there." To view the classes, practice tests, and self-paced course info, visit us. Please contact customer.care@kaplan.com or 1-800 KAPTEST if you have questions.
PRINCETON REVIEW
SAT and ACT FREE Practice Tests - Please visit us.
SUMMIT EDUCATIONAL GROUP
Free Summit Practice Tests offer students a great opportunity to take a proctored test under simulated test conditions. Please visit us for more practice tests in the local area.
TESTIVE
Testive builds amazing and intuitive tools that combine people and technology to help students unlock their true potential. Testive's adaptive software algorithm, developed at MIT, keeps students learning at the exact level that will keep them engaged and focused.
Testive will be awarding a 10% discount to any family from Natick High School who is interested in choosing Testive prep. To claim your discount, use the promo code NTK10 when you are selecting your program.
Additionally, we know that parents always have questions about test prep. Testive's founder Tom Rose and some of his fellow test prep masters are available to meet with parents, in person or virtually, and answer questions about the wild landscape of test prep. If this is of interest to your family, please contact scott@testive.com to discuss!
Schoolhouse.world
Free SAT® Prep Courses and Tutoring
Stop struggling with the SAT—get the free SAT tutoring, prep, and help you need to succeed!
Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and stressed when it comes to the SAT? We totally understand. The SAT can be a major roadblock, but it doesn't have to be! Here's why you should choose Schoolhouse for your SAT prep:
Expert guidance every step of the way: Our trained and certified tutors break down complex concepts and give personalized advice where you need the most support.
Targeted practice to build your skills: Pinpoint your weaknesses and tackle them head-on with practice questions and focused review sessions.
Strategies designed for test day success: Learn proven techniques to manage time, tackle those tricky questions with confidence, and maximize your score.
A supportive community to keep you going: Connect with other students, get your questions answered, and find the motivation to keep pushing forward.
Zero cost, unlimited potential: Everything at Schoolhouse is completely free! We believe that high-quality tutoring should be available to everyone.
COLLEGEBOARD + KHAN ACADEMY - FREE
For the first time ever, the creators of the SAT have given Khan Academy exclusive access and advice to build a personalized practice program for anyone, anywhere. These tools are free and available now for every student to take ownership of their learning and their future.
SATSimplified.com.
Many of you have recently received your PSAT scores and you'd like to do even better on the SAT! Our next free SAT Workshop will be titled, "Getting the Most out of your PSAT Score Report." It will be live-online, and it will take place on Wednesday, December 15th at 6pm.
The details & registration information can be found on SATSimplified.com.