High School Testing Guide (Grades 9–12)

High school testing is the most consequential period in a student’s standardized testing career. College admissions tests, AP and IB exams, and in some states mandatory graduation exams all come into play across four years. Planning ahead reduces stress and maximizes performance.

9th Grade

Ninth grade is primarily a year of establishing high school patterns. Key tests:

• PSAT 8/9: Many schools offer this to 9th graders as a low-stakes baseline for the SAT Suite. See PSAT 8/9 Explained.
• State tests / End-of-Course exams: Biology and English I EOC are common 9th-grade tests in states like Texas.
• MAP/STAR: Some schools continue growth assessments into high school.

10th Grade

• PSAT 10 (spring) or PSAT/NMSQT (October): Both serve as SAT practice. The PSAT/NMSQT also serves as a scholarship qualifier for 11th graders; 10th graders take it for practice. See PSAT/NMSQT Explained.
• ASVAB: Some schools offer the ASVAB for career exploration.
• AP Exams: Some students begin taking AP courses in 10th grade.

11th Grade: The Most Important Testing Year

• PSAT/NMSQT (October): The qualifying year for National Merit Scholarship consideration. See PSAT/NMSQT Explained.
• SAT or ACT (spring): Most students take their first official SAT or ACT in 11th grade. See SAT Guide, ACT Guide, and SAT vs. ACT.
• AP Exams (May): Students in AP courses take the corresponding AP exam.
• SAT School Day: In some states, the SAT is administered to all 11th graders for free during the school day.

12th Grade

• SAT or ACT retake (fall): Students who wish to improve their score have early fall testing dates before most application deadlines.
• AP Exams (May): Final opportunity to earn college credit through AP.
• IB Exams (May): For students in the IB Diploma Programme. See IB Exams Explained.
• Graduation exams: Where required by state, these may need to be passed to receive a diploma.

For a full timeline with specific timing recommendations, see College Admissions Testing Timeline.