Standardized Testing

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in the United States.

Here is what it's used for:

• Practice for the SAT: The PSAT/NMSQT is structured similarly to the SAT, testing the same Reading, Writing, and Math skills that students learn in the classroom. It’s a great way for students to get a feel for the SAT and see where they might need to focus their study efforts.

• Qualification for US College Scholarships: Taking the PSAT/NMSQT can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships at US higher educations institutions.

• AP Course Recommendations: The PSAT/NMSQT can also provide personalized recommendations for Advanced Placement (AP) courses that may be a good fit for the student.

• College and Career Planning: The PSAT/NMSQT helps students and their parents see where the students are academically and set a target for the SAT. It can also provide customized information and guidance for university and/or career planning.

At ICSB, the PSAT/NMSQT is given to 11^th-grade students in October. 

More information may be found on College Board's PSAT/NMSQT page.  

The ACT is a standardized digital test used for college admissions in the United States. The test is also becoming more widely used in Europe and other continents to aid in admission. 

It is currently administered by the ACT, a nonprofit organization of the same name. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Scientific Reasoning. It also offers an optional direct writing test.

ICSB's 11^th- and 12^th-grade students have the option to take the ACT test to help aid in their application acceptance to universities. While students begin preparing and registering for exams of their choosing (ACT and/or SAT) during the fall semester of 11^th grade, it is recommended that they wait until the spring semester to take these tests. 12^th-grade students are recommended to take the tests beginning in the fall semester.

ACT has rolling registration for the current academic year. Students are responsible for registering for the exam up until the deadline listed in the Academic Counseling Calendar on this page.

ICSB is an official ACT testing site, so our students can take the ACT Digital (computer-based) test at the school. 

More information about the ACT may be found on ACT's website (www.act.org). Students are responsible for registering for the exam through the same website by the deadline. A credit card is required to register.

The SAT is a standardized digital test widely used for college admissions in the United States. The test is also becoming more widely used in Europe and other continents to aid in admission. 

There are two sections to the test: Evidence-Based Reading/ Writing and Math. As of June 2021, the SAT no longer offers SAT Subject tests or the optional essay section of the SAT.

ICSB's 11^th- and 12^th-grade students have the option to take the SAT test to help aid in their application acceptance to universities. While students begin preparing and registering for exams of their choosing (ACT and/or SAT) in 11^th grade, it is recommended that they wait until the spring semester to take these tests. 12^th-grade students are recommended to take the tests beginning in the fall semester.

More information about the SAT may be found at www.collegeboard.org. Students are responsible for registering for the exam through the same website at least four weeks prior to the test date. A credit card is required to register. Registration for the SAT opens approximately six weeks prior to the exam date.

The SAT Digital test can be taken at the Fulbright Center in Budapest, Hungary. Students will register for the SAT test through the College Board website.

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that high school students take as part of the college admissions process in the United States. They’re a bit like a final exam for all of high school, testing knowledge and skills in various subjects. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Digital SAT:

• The SAT is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading/Writing, and Math.
• In the Reading and Writing section, students read passages and answer questions about them. They’re tested on their understanding of the text and their ability to identify key points and ideas.
• In the Math section, students solve problems that test their understanding of mathematical concepts and their ability to apply those concepts to real-world situations.
• There’s no optional essay section in the digital SAT.
• The SAT is scored on a scale of 400–1600, with higher scores indicating better performance.

Digital ACT:

• The ACT has four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional essay section.
• The English section tests understanding of grammar and effective language use.
• The Math section is similar to the SAT’s, testing mathematical skills and concepts.
• The Reading section involves reading passages and answering comprehension questions.
• The unique Science section tests students’ ability to interpret, analyze, and draw conclusions from information presented in various formats, such as charts and graphs.
• The ACT is scored on a scale of 1–36, again with higher scores indicating better performance.

Both tests are taken on a computer and the questions are multiple-choice, except for the optional essay in the ACT. The choice between the two often depends on the student’s strengths and preferences. Some students might prefer the ACT because it has a Science section, while others might prefer the SAT because it gives more time per question. It's worth noting that some schools prefer one test to the other.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) assesses an individual's proficiency in English, primarily for non-native speakers seeking admission to English-speaking universities or colleges. TOEFL is accepted by most US and many European universities.

Students will register for the TOEFL test through the Fulbright Center's website and take the test at the Fulbright Center in Budapest, Hungary. Please note that the test results are valid for only two years.

TOEFL is not accepted in the UK for visa purposes, so if you plan to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, we recommend taking the IELTS test instead of a TOEFL.

The International English Language Testing System is for study, migration, or work, for UK universities specifically. A student's ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9. This test is required by the United Kingdom for non-native English-speaking international university applicants.

Students can take the IELTS test at the British Council official test center is Budapest. You can see test dates, fees, and testing locations on the British Council website. More information about the test can be found on IELTS's website.

The Duolingo English Test is an inexpensive and flexible way to meet this requirement at many universities. The results can also advise students if they need to improve their English fluency before starting university or the next academic year. This test can be taken on a laptop in a space of the student's choosing with stable internet connection.