Do I need to take the SAT or ACT Test?

Maybe, but probably not. Four year colleges and universities are falling into one of three categories:

1. Test Blind – this means that the college does not require tests scores and will not consider test scores as a part of the admissions process. This is the category for all of the University of California (UC) system and the California State University (CSU) system. Test scores that are submitted to these schools could be used for class placements, but not admissions.

2. Test Optional – there are many private colleges and universities in California, as well as out-of-state public and private colleges, that will look at test schools, but they are optional to submit. Our recommendation is to research the school’s admissions page to determine whether or not a test is required.

3. Test Required – there are some schools that still require a test score. Generally, they are private schools and out-of-state. It is critical that you research at the admissions requirement of very college or university that you are considering.

Note: Community Colleges do not require SAT or ACT test scores for admission

PSAT

For the 2025/2026 school year, The Cottonwood School will be administering the PSAT for high school students at the Sandstone Drive location in October. Further details will be posted on how to register for the PSAT when the date approaches.

For more information:
College Board Website
Practice Resources

ACT & SAT

Students who wish to take the ACT and/or SAT should book an appointment with their counselor to see which schools are offering the test.

The SAT and ACT will cover similar topics. The main differences between the two standardized tests are:

• • The ACT includes a science section.
  • The SAT is a computer-based test.

For a comprehensive comparison of the two tests, please review this Princeton Review resource.

Test Registration

College Board Codes
You might be asked for The Cottonwood School’s College Board Code. The codes are used to prevent confusion during the college admissions process and help ensure that test scores, transcripts, and student records go to the right places.

College Board Codes are used for:

• College applications
• Financial aid applications
• Test registration

Fee Waivers

Low-income students qualify for SAT and ACT fee waivers. If you believe your student qualifies for a SAT or ACT fee waiver, please contact your counselor when your student is ready to register for a test. Students will need updated household income information (NSLP form) in Pathways in order to qualify for a fee waiver. Students who qualify for a fee waiver are also eligible for college application fee waivers.

For more information on college application fee waivers, please review the College Board FAQs. Not every school accepts fee waivers; students can find a comprehensive list of colleges that accept fee waivers on the College Board site.

Accommodations

If your student has a 504 or IEP and will need testing accommodations for either the SAT or ACT, please notify the student’s Case Manager and High School Counselor immediately. Depending on the accommodation, testing accommodations may take a few weeks for the College Board to approve.

If your student will need testing accommodations, please follow the steps below:
1. Fill out the ACT Consent to Release Information Form or SAT Consent for Accommodations Request Form. If you would like to have a school request accommodations on the student’s behalf, then the SPED department will need the family’s permission.
2. Share the completed release form with the Case Manager and send the ACT/SAT Testing Accommodations Request form to the Case Manager. Please have the student’s Case Manager fill out this form as soon as possible.
3. Please wait for a response from your high school administrator. You will receive an update once accommodations have been requested and approved by the College Board.