Standardized tests are one piece of the college admissions picture, and we want every Lancer to approach them feeling prepared rather than pressured. Saint Francis gives students the chance to try both the PreACT and the PSAT at no cost, offers SAT testing right here on campus, and provides counselors who can help each family decide what makes sense for their student. On this page you'll find details on our fall testing day, preparation resources, information on testing accommodations, and the AP exam schedule.
Why Testing Still Matters
The landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, and colleges have varied requirements for enrollment. While not all colleges require a standardized test for entrance, many selective schools still require exam scores to be sent. Test-optional universities also show a higher admittance rate for students who submit scores. Some schools have indicated they will return to requiring tests for admissions, while others remain committed to forgoing testing.
SAT or ACT?
Saint Francis does not favor the SAT over the ACT or the other way around. Both are college admission entrance exams, and we recommend that students try a formal sitting for whichever one they feel most comfortable with. The ACT has recently been updated to align more closely with the Digital SAT, and the science section is now optional.
Fall School Day Testing — October 14
Saint Francis will host Fall School Day Testing on October 14. Here's what each class can expect.
Seniors · Class of 2027
SAT
Registration for this event has ended.
Juniors · Class of 2028
PSAT
All juniors are automatically registered to take the PSAT.
Sophomores · Class of 2029
PreACT
All sophomores are automatically registered to take the PreACT.
Freshmen · Class of 2030, and seniors not taking the SAT
Day Off
A day off for rest or study, or for application work in the case of seniors. It's also a great time to complete service hours. After-school practices and events will take place as usual.
No cost to try both exams
Saint Francis works to ensure that every student has the opportunity to try both the PreACT and the PSAT at no cost, in the fall of their sophomore and junior years. Families then pay for any exams they choose to take after that, and some families may qualify for a reduced fee waiver.
Optional spring PSAT 10
All sophomores take the PreACT in the fall. For families who would like their student to try the PSAT before taking the PSAT/NMSQT in junior year, we also offer an optional spring PSAT 10, which is at the family's expense.
Why freshmen don't take the PSAT
Preparation is important, but it's still early in our 9th graders' transition to high school. Rather than adding another expectation, we want them to stay focused on academic and social success by building good study habits and getting involved in activities that help them form new friendships.
Preparing for the Exams
Free, high-quality preparation is available for every exam. Juniors sitting for the PSAT and seniors taking the SAT can prepare with free resources from the College Board, which include information, practice materials, and Khan Academy support. Sophomores can prepare for the PreACT with free resources from ACT.
Testing Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations on College Board and ACT exams. Because approval can take several weeks, we encourage families to start early.
Your Contact
Mrs. Theresa Elliot
Learning Specialist and SSD Coordinator. Mrs. Elliot guides families through both the College Board and ACT processes.
Who is eligible for College Board accommodations?
Students cannot take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams with accommodations unless their request has been approved by the College Board's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). In general, students approved by SSD meet the following criteria.
| 01 The student has a documented disability |
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| Examples include blindness and visual impairments; learning disorders; physical and medical impairments, such as cerebral palsy and diabetes; and motor impairments, among many others. Students must have documentation of their disability, such as a current psychoeducational evaluation or a report from a doctor. The type of documentation needed depends on the student's disability and the accommodations requested, and in some cases it must be submitted to the College Board. Learn more about providing documentation. |
| 02 Participation in a College Board exam is impacted |
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The disability must result in a relevant functional limitation, meaning it must affect the student's ability to participate in College Board exams. Students whose disabilities cause functional limitations in reading, writing, or sitting for extended periods may need accommodations. On the other hand, some students may not need accommodations, such as:
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| 03 The requested accommodation is needed |
| The student must demonstrate the need for the specific accommodation requested. For example, students requesting extended time should have documentation showing difficulty performing timed tasks, such as testing under timed conditions. Other typical accommodations include Braille and large-print exams, use of a computer for essays, and extra breaks. However, accommodations are not limited to these, and the College Board will consider any accommodation for any documented disability. |
| 04 The accommodation is received on school tests |
| With few exceptions, students who request an accommodation on College Board exams receive that accommodation on tests they take in school. However, students who receive an accommodation in school, or who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes it, do not automatically qualify for the same accommodation on College Board exams. They must still be approved by SSD, and in some cases documentation will be requested for review. A student's history of accommodations and information from the school are important in the College Board's review, but College Board exams can differ from classroom tests. When requesting accommodations, schools and students should consider whether the accommodations used for classroom tests are needed for the specific College Board exam being taken. |
You can find more on eligibility at collegeboard.org.
7 weeks
When to apply
The College Board request process can take seven weeks and does not begin until all required documentation is received. If additional documentation is needed or a request is resubmitted, approval can take another seven weeks.
Disability Documentation Guidelines Accommodations Forms Accommodations Dates and Deadlines
| How to request accommodations on the SAT |
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| How to request accommodations on the ACT |
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All ACT requests are submitted by the school official through ACT's Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system, by the published late registration deadline for the student's preferred test date.
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Common Junior Testing Schedule
2027 AP Exam Schedule
Week 1 — May 3-7, 2027
Monday, May 3
8:00 a.m.
Physics C: Mechanics
12:00 p.m.
Biology
Tuesday, May 4
8:00 a.m.
United States Government and Politics
12:00 p.m.
No exam scheduled
Wednesday, May 5
8:00 a.m.
English Literature and Composition
12:00 p.m.
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Thursday, May 6
8:00 a.m.
World History: Modern
French Language and Culture
12:00 p.m.
African American Studies
Chemistry
Friday, May 7
8:00 a.m.
United States History
12:00 p.m.
Macroeconomics
AP Art and Design: Friday, May 7, 2027, at 8:00 p.m. ET is the deadline for AP Art and Design students to submit their three portfolio components as final in the AP Digital Portfolio.
Week 2 — May 10-14, 2027
Monday, May 10
8:00 a.m.
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
12:00 p.m.
No exam scheduled
Tuesday, May 11
8:00 a.m.
Precalculus
12:00 p.m.
Statistics
Wednesday, May 12
8:00 a.m.
English Language and Composition
12:00 p.m.
Computer Science A
Thursday, May 13
8:00 a.m.
Spanish Language and Culture
12:00 p.m.
Chinese Language and Culture
Environmental Science
Friday, May 14
8:00 a.m.
Computer Science Principles
Spanish Literature and Culture
12:00 p.m.
Psychology
How Can We Help?
Have questions about SAT or PSAT testing logistics, registration, or accommodations? Our Academic Office and Counseling Team are here to support your student’s college preparation journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to assist with any part of the testing process.
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Guidance & Counseling |