It is a 4 hour and 15 minute test, made up of multiple-choice and essay questions, which measure verbal, mathematical, and writing abilities. Please review the Important SAT Information page for additional instructions about the test day.

Generally, seven times a year, on Saturday mornings. On these established dates, students all across the country take the same test.

Newton South High School, except in January, and a variety of other local high schools.

You may obtain a paper registration, directions, as well as bulletins describing SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT in the College and Career Center (Student Center 7132). You can register online (preferred), by mail, and by phone.

The cost to register for the SAT is $55.00.

This is an exemption from the SAT/ACT registration fees that depends on your family's financial situation. If you feel you may qualify, please discuss it with your guidance counselor and then see Ms. Monahan in the Main Office. Fee waivers are also available for college applications from Ms. Monahan and your guidance counselor.

Newton South's CEEB code is 221-548.

Newton South's test center code is 22-572.

Even if you do not have definite plans for after high school, it protects your options if you have this kind of information about yourself.

The sooner you have the information, the more productive late spring and summer can be for you. And, if you find your junior year scores disappointing, you have the chance as a senior to repeat the test. This will also give you time to explore ways to try and improve your scores.

There are many private organizations, including a four-session review through Newton Community Education, which claim to be able to raise test scores as a result of short-term tutoring. From our experience, we are unsure of such claims. We do, however, strongly recommend your reviewing the important information in "Taking the SAT Reasoning Test" and evaluating the results of your PSAT. Do discuss your individual situation with your counselor in order to best match your needs with the options available.

Score Choice is an option where students are able to select which scores they send to colleges for the SAT Reasoning test (by test date) and SAT Subject tests (by individual test). Scores from an entire SAT Reasoning test will be sent. Some colleges require all testing. Please check each school's policy.

It depends on your own special circumstances. See your counselor or someone in the learning center to discuss your particular situation. If you are eligible for any variation in time limits, you must consult with your counselor and/or the head of the special education department in order to learn registration details. You need to do this well in advance of the testing date.

Sunday test dates are available.

This is an alternative to the SAT sponsored by the American College Testing Program. It is accepted at virtually every college and university and can be used in lieu of either the SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests at many colleges. It is composed of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. It is not given at Newton South, but is administered at Newton North. There is also an optional writing section.

Bilingual students whose first language was not English and whose command of English is not as strong as it might be often take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) The TOEFL is taken in addition to SATs. Speak to your counselor and/or head of the ELL program regarding the applicability of the TOEFL to your situation and to learn registration details. You must do this well in advance of the testing date. To register, please go online to www.toefl.org. The TOEFL is taken at a designated center on a computer.