Junior year includes important testing opportunities that support college readiness, scholarship eligibility, and postsecondary planning. This guide highlights key dates, testing options, and resources for the year.

Key Dates

 

Testing Information

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) 

Thursday, October 8, 2026 - Late Start Day (Students should arrive by 7:45 a.m.)

The PSAT/NMSQT is an optional digital multiple-choice test designed to measure critical reading, writing, and mathematics skills.

• This test is optional. Juniors opting to take the PSAT must register HERE  by September 15, 2026. No late registrations can be accepted. 

• PSAT scores are not reported to colleges, nor are they included on a student’s transcript. 
• The PSAT provides entry into scholarship and recognition programs, including National Merit Scholarships, National Achievement Scholars, and National Hispanic Scholars. Students designated as National Merit Semifinalists or Commended Students may also receive additional consideration from colleges and universities.
• The cost of the test is $22. 

State ACT

Thursday, April 8, 2027 

The digital ACT is a required test for all juniors that includes English language arts, mathematics, reading, science, and writing. 

• The score may be sent to colleges if a student requests it to be reported; it is not included on a student’s transcript. 
• The ACT test is a state requirement for high school graduation, and all juniors must take it on the official Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) test date. 
• No registration is required and there is no cost to families. 

Questions about Testing?

Email: testing@nths.net

Test Prep Courses

While the strongest preparation for college admission testing is a rigorous high school curriculum, some students may benefit from formal test preparation. New Trier offers ACT/SAT preparation courses in both the fall and winter. New Trier offers courses that prepare students for both the ACT and SAT through:

• In-depth instruction by New Trier faculty
• Content review in English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science
• Guided practice with test-taking strategies
• Three (3) full-length practice exams
• Detailed score reports and feedback

New Trier recommends the winter session for most juniors, as students will have had more time to build the skills and content knowledge assessed on the ACT and SAT. Students planning to take a fall test or seeking earlier preparation may benefit from the fall session; however, New Trier recommends the winter offering for most juniors. 

In-Person Test Prep Class:

• Meets after school at the Winnetka campus: In-Person Class Calendar
• Sixteen (16) hours of in-person instruction with four (4) hours in each subject area
• Students grouped according to current math and English course enrollment
• Includes practice exams, materials, and textbooks

Fee: $495

 Online Test Prep Class:  

• Evening sessions conducted live online: Online Class Calendar
• Same curriculum and materials as in-person class
• Practice tests administered remotely
• Ideal for students with busy schedules or transportation challenges
• Fast pace of course requires self-direction and motivation

Fee: $495

Registration 

Registration opens Wednesday, August 5th at 7:00 a.m.  Use THIS LINK to register

Families should have the following information available:

• Student ID number
• Adviser name
• English course name and number for 26-27 school year
• Math course name and number for 26-27 school year

Enrollment is first-come, first-served and courses typically fill quickly.  Winter sessions will be offered beginning in January 2027.

Financial assistance may be available for families currently receiving New Trier financial aid.  For information about financial assistance, please contact Kevin Bond.

Questions about Test Prep Courses? 

Contact Test Prep Coordinators:  Kevin Bond bondk@nths.net and Eric Berliant berliane@nths.net

 

National ACT and SAT tests are managed by each individual company. Although New Trier is a host site for some national ACT and SAT tests, each company oversees registration and logistics for all national tests. New Trier is unable to save or reserve registration solely for New Trier students.

• ACT Registration Information
• ACT Calendar and Registration
• SAT Registration Information 
• SAT Calendar and Registration
• Accessing College Board Scores

Class of 2028

ACT State Testing 

The Illinois School Code and ISBE Rules require public school students to take the State’s final accountability assessment, currently the ACT with Writing, in order to receive a high school diploma. All juniors will take the ACT on Thursday, April 8, 2027. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) automatically registers all students for the state ACT and no payment is required. ISBE requires that the ACT be delivered digitally. Students will test on their iPads.  Please ensure your student arrives with a fully charged iPad and working keyboard. 

Please note, ISBE requires that students take all of the ACT sections including Science and Writing on the school day test. 

The ACT State Test can be reported by the student for college admission purposes. 

Students with extended time accommodations documented in an IEP or 504 Plan may be scheduled to test over two days, April 7 and April 8, depending on the specific accommodation.

Students will receive their testing room assignments via their school email prior to test day. Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. on April 8. The standard ACT takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes, with most students dismissed between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., depending on when they complete the test. Students with approved testing accommodations may receive extended testing time and should expect a later dismissal.

Practice Tests for the State ACT

• The ACT with Writing Online Practice Test
  IMPORTANT: Click on “Practice Tests" once you have navigated to the TestNav sign on page. No log in credentials are needed. 

ACT National Testing

Students may choose to also take the ACT on a national test date (offered on Saturdays throughout the year). These tests are:

• Self-registered through act.org
• Paid for by the student (fee waivers are available for eligible students via a college counselor or testing@nths.net)

Please note:   National ACT tests are managed by the individual company. Although New Trier is a host site for some national ACT tests, ACT itself oversees registration and logistics for all national tests. New Trier is unable to save or reserve registration solely for New Trier students.

Class of 2029

PreACT Secure 

ISBE requires public school sophomores to take the State’s accountability assessment, the PreACT Secure, on a school day in April. All sophomores will take the ACT on Thursday, April 8, 2027. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) automatically registers all students for the state PreACT Secure and no payment is required. 

The PreACT Secure is an online assessment in ACT's Suite of Assessments. PreACT assessments offer 10th grade students an early opportunity with ACTs test items, provides a predicted ACT test score, and offers information to help students get the start they need to be college and career ready. 

Students with extended time accommodations documented in an IEP or 504 Plan may be scheduled to test over two days, April 7 and April 8, depending on the specific accommodation.

PreACT Secure Resources

• PreACT Secure Online Practice Test
  IMPORTANT: Click on “Practice Tests" once you have navigated to the TestNav sign on page. No log in credentials are needed.
• Pre-Administration on the ACT-hosted web page for additional PreACT Secure Student Resources.

 

Class of 2030

PreACT 9 

ISBE requires public school freshmen to take the State’s accountability assessment, the PreACT 9 Secure, on a school day in April. All freshmen will take the ACT on Wednesday, April 7, 2027. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) automatically registers all students for the state PreACT 9 Secure and no payment is required. 

Students with extended time accommodations documented in an IEP or 504 Plan may be scheduled to test over two days, April 7 and April 8, depending on the specific accommodation

The PreACT 9 Secure is an online assessment in ACT's Suite of Assessments. PreACT assessments offer 9th grade students an early opportunity with ACTs test items, provides a predicted ACT test score, and offers information to help students get the start they need to be college and career ready. 

PreACT 9 Secure Resources

• PreACT 9 Secure Online Practice Test
  IMPORTANT: Click on “Practice Tests" once you have navigated to the TestNav sign on page. No log in credentials are needed.
• Pre-Administration on the ACT-hosted web page for additional PreACT 9 Secure Student Resources.

 

Students who have an active and current 504/IEP Plan may be eligible for accommodations on standardized tests. Below are the processes, coordinated through New Trier’s testing office, for applying for accommodations via the two standardized testing companies: College Board and ACT. 

SAT Accommodations (College Board)

• New Trier's testing department has already submitted accommodation requests for eligible students to the College Board.
• If your student has been approved, those accommodations will apply to all College Board tests, including the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and AP exams.
• You can check the status of your student's accommodations by logging into your student’s College Board account. 
• Reminder: Students must still register for the SAT through the College Board website and select to test with accommodations.

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ACT Accommodations

• ACT accommodations are requested during the test registration process.
• When your student registers for a National ACT test date, they must register to test with accommodations. New Trier's testing department will then be prompted to submit documentation.
• Once ACT reviews and approves the request, they will send the student an official decision.
• Reminder: Students must register for any National ACT (weekend test) at act.org and follow the steps to request accommodations. Be sure to link your student's account to the New Trier Winnetka Campus when completing this process.
• The junior class will take the ACT in April of their junior year to fulfill the Illinois State Board of Education graduation requirement. New Trier works directly with ISBE to register students for this exam. If a student has not registered for a national ACT administration and an accommodation request must be initiated by New Trier, the school will submit accommodation requests on the student’s behalf for this test date. This process typically takes place in the spring of the student’s junior year.
• Certain test accommodations qualify a student for special testing. Should a student qualify for special testing accommodations, New Trier will host the test on one weekend during the two week window that ACT provides. New Trier is NOT available for special testing during the month of April. New Trier’s testing office will reach out to students to coordinate the date and time of their testing. 

National SAT and ACT tests are managed by the individual company. Although New Trier is a host site for some national ACT or SAT tests, ACT itself oversees registration and logistics for all national tests. New Trier is unable to save or reserve registration solely for New Trier students.

If you have any additional questions ACT, SAT, or other College Board exams please contact the testing office at Testing@nths.net. 

 

• Northfield Test Center Rules and Guidelines
• Winnetka Test Center Rules and Guidelines
• Fillable Test Cover Sheet (For Teachers)