College admissions (PSAT, SAT, ACT)

PSAT: The PSAT is practice for the SAT exam. Students are encouraged to take the PSAT in October of their Junior year. Franklin High School offers the PSAT to the junior class and space permitting, sophomore class as well. The PSAT is a 2-hour, 45-minute exam designed with three parts: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. The PSAT is a multiple choice test with fill-in answers for certain math problems. The score that students earn on their PSAT is expected to be approximately the score the student would receive if they were to take the SAT. If students do well on the PSAT, they are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. 

Unpacking the PSAT Score Report webinar

SAT: The SAT is a standardized test 3 hours in length with three parts, similar to the PSAT: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Students can share their SAT score(s) with colleges and universities during the college application process.

ACT: The ACT is a 2-hour and 55-minute standardized test that contains four parts: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Similar to the SAT, students can share results with their prospective colleges by sending the score reports through the ACT site.

Test-Optional Info: There are many schools that are test-optional meaning that they do not require the SAT or ACT for admission decisions. If students send a test-optional college their SAT or ACT score, the college will review it, however, test-optional means that the school does not require those tests. There are some schools that are test-blind, whereby they do not take into account SAT or ACT scores. It is important to review the admission requirements on each college’s website to determine the requirements.

FairTest: A website that provides a list of test-optional schools.

High school-based tests (AP, MCAS)

• MCAS: The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a requirement for high school graduation. Students are tested in Biology in 9th grade and English Language Arts and Mathematics in 10th grade.

• AP: Advanced Placement classes are college-level courses that students are able to take during high school. At the end of the school year, students are given the AP test in the particular subject. If a student earns a qualifying score as determined by the college they attend, colleges may award college credits for the course and/or the student may be able to take a higher-level course when in college.