Standardized Testing

Standardized testing provides a consistent way for a college to evaluate you and even compare you to other applicants across the country. Many U.S. colleges require that undergraduate and graduate students submit standardized test scores scores as part of their application.

The SAT measures your ability rather than knowledge. The ACT measures what you’ve learned in school.

Both are accepted by almost all colleges in the United States. For information about which test you should take, talk to your school counselor, or to the admissions office at the colleges you are interested in attending

PSAT

Radnor students grades 9-11 take the PSAT during the school day in October each year. Students in 10th and 11th grade will take the PSAT/NMSQT and students in 9th grade will take the PSAT 8/9. Both the PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT/NMSQT are given on the same day at RHS. Both tests will measure relevant words in context, command of evidence, essay analyzing a source, essential areas of math, and problems grounded in real world context. Scores will be reported in three areas; Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Juniors whose PSAT/NMSQT score is approximately in the top 50,000 nationally will qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship program. See the links below for more information on this suite of tests.

PSAT-NMSQT PSAT 8/9 National Merit

Digital SAT

About the Digital SATs

The move from a paper-and-pencil SAT to a digital, adaptive SAT is one of the biggest changes the test has seen in its 100-year history. As of the March 2024 SAT, bubble sheets will be a thing of the past. Compass is leading the adoption of digital testing in the test preparation space. Our product team has been, for some time, in conversations with executives from College Board and ACT about their respective plans and what those plans mean for students.

SAT’s tact is to change with the times and move testing to computers and tablets. The test will also be shorter and adaptive.
ACT’s strategy is to stay with traditional paper-and-pencil testing. Even as the organization makes tentative moves toward computer-based testing, ACT has vowed to keep the traditional option available.
The new terrain looks as transformed as anything the test prep industry has previously navigated. It will require more resources, institutional experience, technical expertise, and specialization than ever before to properly respond to the needs of the market. Compass is ready, and our students will be, too.
Almost all students in the class of 2024 will finish their testing before the arrival of the digital SAT.
The class of 2025 will be the first U.S. class to be confronted by the PSAT and SAT’s move to a digital, adaptive format.

Digital SAT vs Paper SAT vs ACT Comparison Chart

March 21, 2023 Information Session

ACT & SAT

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

AP exams are taken during the first two weeks of May. Students enrolled in an AP course must take the AP exam to receive AP level designation on the transcript. Although AP exam scores do not impact students' grades or GPA at Radnor, students can earn college credit at many colleges and universities with a strong score on the exam. Each college establishes their own AP policy and determines which exams and scores they will accept for credit.

For details, visit the link below.

AP Exam

Test Optional

Testing with Accommodations

If a student receives school-based testing accommodations, they may be eligible for accommodations for the PSATs, SATs, ACTs, and AP Exams. It is important for students and families to understand that determination of accommodations for standardized testing is not made by Radnor. If a student has an IEP or a 504, the case manager will assist the student in applying for accommodations, but the final decision lies with the testing agency. Typically, the following materials must be sent in with the request for accommodations:

Documentation including psycho-educational evaluation (within 3 - 5 years old) and the IEP or 504
Specific Diagnosis
History
Tests of cognitive ability and academic achievement
Specific recommendations based on functional limitations
Use of testing accommodations ion school setting
Evaluator's credentials

If one of these pieces is missing from a student's request, it is likely that they will not be approved for accommodations.

If you currently have an IEP or a 504 plan, contact your case manager to begin the process of applying for accommodations. Please not that the process can take up to 8 weeks to reach a decision, so plan early! To read more about the process for applying for accommodations or determination of accommodations, please see the links below.

CollegeBoard - Services for Students with Disabilities ACT - Services for Examinees with Disabilities

Fee Waivers

Eligible students who demonstrate financial need can receive fee waivers. Eligible students should contact their school counselor for a waiver form. For details on if you qualify, visit the links below.

ACT Fee Waivers SAT Fee Waivers AP Fee Waivers

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