Testing

Good or bad, fair or unfair, the fact remains that standardized testing is a necessary part of the college process for most Blair students applying to college. Trying to understand what standardized testing actually means, or perhaps more practically—how much standardized testing “counts” in the college process—is a subject of much discussion and debate. Longtime Dean of Admission at Harvard Bill Fitzsimmons once mentioned that test scores at either end of the spectrum tend to be significant in the Harvard admission process, but for the great majority of the applicant pool who present perfectly fine standardized testing, scores tend to be a non-factor in the selection process. The challenge at Harvard, and all other highly selective colleges and universities, is to look beyond standardized testing to find the most capable, well-prepared and compelling candidates for their schools, which means that such things as academic performance, counselor and teacher recommendations, student involvement and essay writing really do carry the day.

With that in mind, we at Blair hold to the notion that standardized testing should be seen as part and parcel of a student’s complete “package” to college. Over the years we have found that in the great majority of cases, student performance on standardized tests tends to be reflective of academic performance. In other words, students who do well academically tend to produce standardized testing that is reflective of their high achievement. Our hope is that our students are able to present standardized testing that is in keeping with their academic accomplishments, which in the minds of admissions professionals everywhere, is certainly “high enough.”

We at Blair do not turn a blind eye to test preparation…we understand that many of our students are involved at some level with test preparation, which often can help them earn the results they are looking for. Regarding test preparation during the academic year, we strongly believe that student performance in any area should never be compromised due to excessive test preparation. Our best advice for students who are intent on taking full advantage of test preparation is to do so away from the demands of Blair Academy. Summers and breaks during the school year are great times to focus on some serious test prep. There are many companies and private tutors who can offer effective test preparation for a fee; as well, we have provided a number of test preparation websites, some at no cost, for our students under our Helpful Websites section. Feel free to take advantage of what suits your needs and interests best and always keep your counselor informed as to your intentions, as he may well be able to assist you as you plan your testing strategy.

The following is the schedule of standardized testing offered at Blair for our juniors and seniors. Over the years we’ve found that students who adhere to this testing sequence have been served very well.

The Junior Year…

• January SAT I (all juniors sit)
• *April ACT ( as needed)
• May SAT I (all juniors sit)
• *June SAT I/II (as needed)
  

The Senior Year…

• *Oct SAT I/II (as needed)
• *Oct ACT with Writing (as needed)
• *Nov SAT I/II (as needed)
• *Dec SAT I/II (as needed)
• *Dec ACT/Writing (as needed)

*Students may make the necessary adjustments to fit their individual needs.

Of course, if you have specific questions regarding standardized testing, please contact your son or daughter’s college counselor directly. Important testing formation:

Blair CEEB Code: 310105
Blair SAT Test Center Code: 31145
Blair ACT Test Center Code: 197360

TOEFL

International Students and those students whose first language is not English should plan to sit for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) at least twice during the college process. As we do not offer the TOEFL at Blair, it is critical that you make arrangement with Mr. Mantegna, Director of Testing, for advice on scheduling your test dates. Doing so in a timely fashion is most important as these arrangements are often difficult. As well, know that TOEFL may be taken in the summers away from Blair, so we encourage you to consider sitting for TOEFL during the summers at home.

If you have any questions regarding TOEFL, please contact Mr. Mantegna at (908) 362-6121, ext 5619 or at mantej@blair.edu.

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