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Darien High School

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SAT/PSAT/ACT Test Information

About Standardized Testing

As students enter their sophomore and junior years, standardized testing may become part of their high school experience. The standardized tests students can choose to take include the ACT, SAT, and/or AP Exams (if enrolled in AP class at DHS or self-studying). Practice tests are also offered for both the ACT and the SAT. Generally, Standardized Testing is utilized as a tool in college admissions to assess student readiness levels in college-level coursework (typically in the areas of reading, writing, math, and science). 

 Test-Optional Policies

Over the last several years, a large number of colleges have placed less emphasis on standardized test scores, allowing more flexibility and choice in the college admissions process. If a college/university is test-optional, students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. Policies can vary and it is important to read each college/university’s policy carefully. For a list of colleges no longer requiring standardized tests, visit Fairtest’s website found here.  

Test Dates and Registration

The 2025-2026 Test Dates can be found here. 

Students can register ahead of time on testing agency websites College Board (SAT) and ACT. It is strongly recommended that students register ahead of time in order to secure a seat at Darien High School (when testing is offered). This is especially necessary if a student intends to apply for accommodations, as those seats may be limited and often fill up quickly. 

The State of Connecticut requires all juniors to take the SAT during the Spring of their junior year. This test is administered during the school day. Families will receive test day information from the Counseling Department during the school year. Students will be registered for the SAT School Day test automatically with no fee charged to families. The score from this SAT may be used for college admissions purposes and is also used to measure required graduation proficiencies in reading, writing and mathematics.

Test Day Instructions

Students must adhere to the rules and regulations set by the testing center at which they are registered to test. If testing at Darien High School, Test Day Instructions can be found here. 

Testing with Accommodations

If a student receives accommodations at school, they can choose to apply for testing accommodations on the ACT, PSAT, SAT, and AP Exams. Students must submit requests for testing accommodations through Darien High School. Testing agencies typically take six to eight weeks to make a determination regarding accommodations. It is strongly advised that interested students apply for accommodations as early as possible since the number of accommodated seats for each test may be limited. 

College Board Accommodations: Students can apply for accommodations on all College Board tests (PSATs, SATs, APs) ahead of time. If students would like DHS to apply for accommodations, including extended time, on College Board tests, students/parents must complete the College Board consent form and submit it to their School Counselor. This form can be found here or obtained from the student’s School Counselor. More information about accommodations on College Board Tests can be found here. 

  • It is recommended that interested students apply for College Board accommodations by the end of their sophomore year, so approved accommodations can be in place for the PSAT in the Fall. However, applications for accommodations can be submitted at any time during students’ high school years. 

 ACT Accommodations: If students are interested in having DHS apply for extended time on the ACTs, students must register for an official test first. The ACT requires testers to register before they process accommodations requests. Directions to request accommodations on the ACT can be found here. To apply for accommodations on the ACT, students/parents must complete the ACT consent form and submit it to their School Counselor. The form is available for download found here or can be obtained from the student’s School Counselor. 

  • It is recommended that students interested in taking the ACT and applying for accommodations identify their desired ACT test dates early, register ahead of time, and apply for accommodations quickly to increase the likelihood of securing an accommodated seat at DHS or a nearby testing center.
  • If approved for accommodations on the ACT after registering for a test, students should confirm the location of their test by viewing their ticket in their ACT account. The ACT occasionally moves students to different test centers if an accommodated seat is not available where the student originally registered to test. 

Students do not need to apply for accommodations on a test that they do not intend to take. 

Students only need to apply for accommodations one time. If approved, accommodations will be added to the student’s testing account. When registering for a test in the future, students will need to indicate whether or not they would like to use their accommodations. 

Use of accommodations on standardized tests is not indicated on any score report nor reported to colleges.

Practice Tests

Darien High School offers one Practice SAT in the Fall and one Practice ACT in the Spring. These practice tests provide students with practice for the actual tests and give insight into their current levels of student learning. Juniors are strongly encouraged to take the Practice SAT as they may also qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. More information about this program can be found here. 

The Practice SAT is offered to Sophomores and Juniors and is administered during the school day. 

The Practice ACT is offered to Sophomores and is administered on a Saturday. 

Registration deadlines, testing fees, and test day information will be provided to families by the Counseling Department ahead of each test. Practice tests are not required nor are their scores reportable to colleges.  

Testing Preparations

Test preparation or “test prep” is not required for any Standardized Test. Students may choose to prepare for these tests for a variety of reasons, including to become more familiar with the feel of a test, to better understand question formatting, feel less anxious and more confident in their test taking skills, improve upon specific subject areas, increase scores, etc. Test prep is done ahead of time, students typically setting a test date as their target deadline to prepare by. 

There are many methods students choose to prep, including but not limited to independent study with different books/resources, online or in-person classes, one-on-one tutoring, etc. DHS offers test review courses taught by our staff throughout the school year. Information about these courses can be found here. 

Many private organizations offer different test preparation services from online classes to individual tutoring. Students and families can reach out to their School Counselor to explore these options further. 

Both the College Board (SAT) and the ACT offer free online prep and practice tests. More information about free prep through the College Board is available here, and for the ACT, here.