A Pixel Go-To Guide on Standardized Testing (SAT/ACT, PSAT, AP)
Attending Stanford OHS full-time comes with many benefits, whether that’s freeing up time for a significant extracurricular, participating in unconventional classes with renowned instructors, or having the luxury of an 11AM alarm. However, we all come to face a single frustration: finding standardized testing sites (and losing quite a bit of sanity doing so).
During junior year, OHSers often take the PSAT because the National Merit Scholarship is awarded to national top performers. AP exams are also sought after as high passing scores of 4’s and 5’s allow students the chance to earn college credit, often helping them skip first year gen-ed requirements.
Here is a simple and straightforward guide on how to register for standardized testing:
SAT/ACT:
Testing sites are open to all students, regardless of schooling circumstance. Register for an exam directly through the College Board/ACT official website.
PSAT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9:
Use the in-school assessment search tool to find schools near you administering the PSAT (as well as the SAT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9). For best results, only enter the State and City.
Contact the school or district office around the start of the school year (mid-August to early September) to be included with the school’s list of registered test takers.
AP Exams:
Use the AP Course Ledger to look up local schools (enter State and City) that offer your desired AP courses
Contact the schools’ main office and ask for the AP Coordinator’s contact information
Reach out to all the local AP Coordinators and ask if they have room to accommodate you as a “virtual school" student for the AP exams you wish to take. Local deadlines tend to lie around mid-November, so it’s best to start looking for testing sites early, around August/September.
Tips/Extra Online Resources:
For AP Coordinators replying that they cannot accommodate outside students, ask them for suggestions for other schools that might.
Late fees for AP registration may be waived for virtual/homeschooled students. Reach out to your AP Coordinator and have them contact AP Services for Educators to request the late fee to be waived before March 13.
Private schools may often be more accommodating to outside students.
AP Exams Registration for Virtual and Homeschooled Students (Guide by College Board)
PSAT Registration for Homeschooled and Away Students (Guide by College Board)
AP Services for Students Contact Form (Direct AP support from College Board)
While it may be tricky to find a site at first, don’t give up and push for your access to education. Good luck to all endeavoring Pixels!