Standardized Testing

The Guidance Department arranges for standardized testing to be administered by grade level as follows:

  • Grade Nine: PSAT/NMSQT
  • Grade Ten: PSAT/NMSQT
  • Grade Eleven: PSAT/NMSQT

*If your student receives FES funding, then they are required to take the PSAT/NMSQT each year. Failure to participate will impact funding.

​​​​​​​SAT and ACT Testing

The SAT and ACT are administered on certain Saturdays throughout the school year. These tests are recommended for both Juniors and Seniors. Students must register for the SAT and/or ACT using their College Board or ACT accounts.

Click Here for 2022-2023 Testing Dates and Registration Deadlines

Testing Accommodations

Ms. Laura Atkinson coordinates accommodations for students at Cardinal Newman High School. Students who are in need of extra time or accommodations for their classes must have the appropriate paperwork completed and on file with Cardinal Newman. Students who are in need of accommodations on the standardized tests, must apply for accommodations through the appropriate testing company. Ms. Atkinson is the coordinator for SAT/ACT accommodations. Please view her letter here and review and follow the procedures for the appropriate tests below.

ACT
Contact – Ms. Laura Atkinson – laura.atkinson@cardinalnewman.com
​​​​​​​ACT Consent to Release Information – Print Page 1
ACT Required Information to Request Accommodations​​​​​​​

ACT accommodation requests are submitted to CNHS from the student’s account. Please email Ms. Atkinson once you have submitted your request so she can process it.

SAT
Contact – Ms. Laura Atkinson – laura.atkinson@cardinalnewman.com

Some students with documented disabilities are eligible for accommodations on College Board exams. Students cannot take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, or AP Exams with accommodations unless their request for accommodations has been approved by Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). To be eligible for accommodations on College Board exams, a student should have documentation showing evidence of the following:

  • The disability
  • The degree to which the student’s activities are affected (functional limitation)
  • The need for the specific accommodations requested

The following forms must be completed and returned to Ms. Atkinson to initiate the approval process.
SAT Consent & Information Form

For more information on SAT accommodations visit the SSD page on the College Board Website.

Fee Waivers

Please contact Ms. Atkinson in regards to fee waivers for SAT and ACT exams. You must meet the criteria laid out by College Board and/or ACT to qualify for a waiver.

Resources

The Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT annually in October. Find out how to access your score here.

Your scores on your SAT can have a major impact on your college career. High scores can lead you to scholarships, grants, class exemptions, and more. The idea of studying for all the material on the SAT can be an overwhelming experience for some eager students. However, the resources found in this article can help you study hard, practice, and gain confidence so you can do your very best on your SAT, and get yourself into the degree program of your choice.

Official SAT Practice with Kahn Academy
Get free, personalized SAT Prep by linking your PSAT scores with Kahn Academy. 20 hours of practice on Kahn Academy can raise scores over 100 points. Link College Board with Kahn Academy. ​​​​​​​Start Practicing.

SAT Prep Guide from BestCollges.com
BestColleges.com is a provider of comprehensive information about majors, college degree programs, financial aid, student issues, and much more. This SAT Prep Guide covers vital test information and direct students to important online study resources.

The ACT is one of the leading admissions exams and getting ready for it can be nerve wracking! To be well prepared, students should explore multiple resources and find the study tactics that work best for them. This link highlights some favorite tools to help get you started.

SAT Practice
Free review questions and explanations, including a full-length test. From the original test maker for the SAT. https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice

Do Your Math
Pre-SAT, SAT, and AP math interactive practice tests. https://doyourmath.com/all tests.asp

Quiz Hub
Fun Online Interactive Learning Quiz Games – Focused on Facts https://quizhub.com/quiz/quizhub.cfm

Vocabulary
The quickest, most intelligent way to improve your vocabulary. https://www.vocabulary.com

Cardinal Newman offers an SAT/ACT Test Prep class as an elective course for students during the regular schedule. Students may choose to take the class either first or second semester.

The following are free test prep opportunities for students.

Kahn Academy

20 hours of practice on Khan Academy is associated with an average 115-point score increase from the PSAT/NMSQT to the SAT, nearly double the average gain without Khan. Any student who attended Cardinal Newman during the 2018-2019 school year has a Kahn Academy account as the Math and English departments were working with students to use Kahn Academy to help improve their score, Log in to Kahn Academy.

Kaplan’s PSAT Prep Live

Join Kaplan’s PSAT Prep Live. Free live lessons start October 12. Stream must-know math, reading, and writing strategies with teachers, Boris and Stephanie. Save your seat.

PSAT Prep Rally – Free Prep for the PSAT

Applerouth will be hosting free Online Strategy Sessions and Practice Tests for the PSAT. During Applerouth’s PSAT Prep Rally students can join live online strategy sessions and take a full-length proctored PSAT – for free. After the test, students will receive a detailed score report that highlights their strengths and areas for growth. Reserve my spot!