Assessments & Testing Information
Types of Assessments
On the Garfield HS Assessments page you will find an overview and helpful dates and detailed information about the different kinds of testing that happen for students over the course of their four years at Garfield High School. Please visit the SPS Testing and Assessments page for news on how assessments are used and their requirements in Seattle Public Schools.
PSAT & SAT In-School Testing Update
Grade 11 PSAT & Grade 12 SAT Oct. 2025
During Wednesday’s SAT administration, a fire alarm interrupted testing midway through the exam. The College Board classified the incident as a test irregularity, which allows all students who tested to choose how their scores will be handled. Students who missed the October 15 test can do make-up testing on October 22.
Seniors who have tested have three options:
- Retest on Wednesday, October 22. Students who retest will have their scores from Wednesday’s exam automatically canceled.
- Do not retest and have scores canceled. Students who prefer not to retest and want their scores canceled should inform the front office by providing their full name.
- Do not retest and keep current scores. Students who do not contact the school or attend the retest will keep their scores from Wednesday’s exam, which will be submitted as usual.
The SAT retest will take place on Wednesday, October 22. Testing room assignments will be shared on Monday.
This fall, Garfield High School will offer school-day administrations of the PSAT and SAT for our Juniors and Seniors. These opportunities allow students to test in a familiar environment during the school day, without the need for weekend registration. Learn more on the district PSAT and SAT page.
Testing Dates
- PSAT for 11th Graders: Wed, October 8
- SAT for 12th Graders: Wed, October 15
- Make-up testing: Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17 (for students who miss their scheduled date)
Purpose of the Assessments
- The PSAT helps 11th graders practice for the SAT and provides entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- The SAT is widely used for college admissions and scholarships. Many colleges remain test-optional, but a strong SAT score can support applications and expand scholarship opportunities.
What Students Should Bring
- A fully charged district-issued laptop and charger
- If a student comes without a school-issued laptop, they cannot take the exam and will need to bring their device during the make-up testing days to test.
- A limited number of seats are available on make-up days, so students are strongly encouraged to test on their scheduled exam date.
- Acceptable calculator (see College Board’s calculator policy for approved models)
- At least two sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers.
- School ID or other photo identification
- Water and a snack for the break (optional)
Testing Day Details
- Testing will begin promptly in the morning; students should arrive on time to ensure they are seated before testing begins.
- Students will test in assigned rooms — room assignments will be posted and shared in advance.
- Regular classes will be adjusted for students who are testing.
Make-Up Testing
Students who are absent on October 8 or October 15 will have the opportunity to complete their assessment on October 16 or 17.
AP Exam Registration & Payment – Due By Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. PT
Important Checklist
- Step 1: Students must Register (on CollegeBoard) AND
- Step 2: Students must Pay (via Parent/Guardian SchoolPay) for their AP Exams by October 31 by 5 p.m. PT in order to take the AP Exams on May 4-8 and 11-15, 2026.
- The standard exam fee is $125.00 + a 3.99 SchoolPay transaction fee.
- Students eligible to receive an exam fee reduction or waiver for the 2025-26 school year, pay $20 per exam. Please email AP Test Coordinator, Mr. Rhodes at idrhodes@seattleschools.org for a reduced fee SchoolPay link. Complete the application: School Meals Application. Students who qualify for Free and Reduced lunch qualify for the reduced fee.
- Students must be currently enrolled in an AP Class at GHS to register for the corresponding AP test.
- Registrations that are not paid by October 31, 2025 at 5 p.m. PT will be cancelled/exams will not be ordered.
- AP Students are NOT required to take AP exams.
- Students who cancel an exam BEFORE March 13, 2026 will be charged $65 per exam (College Board Policy). Your $60 refund will be processed after completion of AP exam administration June 2026.
- Students who don’t end up taking their exam that was ordered, will be charged $65 per unused exam. Your refund of $60 per exam for any unused AP exams will be processed after completion of AP exam administration June 2026.
If you have any questions about AP Exam Fees, or Free and Reduced Lunch please contact AP Test Coordinator, Mr. Rhodes at idrhodes@seattleschools.org or visit the district AP Exam Information page.
Garfield HS students taking an AP Exams MUST Register AND Pay for AP Exam(s) by October 31, 2025 5 p.m. PT. AP Exams will be in May 2026.
AP Exams in May 2026
- Week 1: May 4 – 8, 2026
- Week 2: May 11 – 15, 2026
For a full AP Exam schedule, including late-testing dates, visit the College Board AP Exam Test Schedule.
AP Exam Resources
- What is AP?
- AP Exam Dates
- AP CollegeBoard Overview
- AP CollegeBoard Practice Resources
- AP CollegeBoard Practice
- AP Exams Overview & FAQ CollegeBoard
Learn more on the district AP Exam page.
State Assessment Information
- Smarter Balanced ELA & Math (SBA) Window: TBD
- Required for all 10th graders.
- Available for 11th and 12th graders needing to meet graduation requirements.
- Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)Window: TBD
- 11th graders
All Assessments Overview & Bluebook App
AP Courses and Exam Information
Students in AP courses might earn college credit and/or advanced placement in college if they perform well on AP Exams and if their college of choice accepts the AP exam for credit.
College credit is not guaranteed but rather is determined by each individual college upon the student’s enrollment in that college. AP courses at Garfield HS prepare students for these exams and offer a rigorous subject study available. Visit the AP CollegeBoard website for more information about AP exams.
AP offerings may vary from year to year depending on student interest and staffing. Prerequisites for AP courses are outlined in the course descriptions in the Garfield HS Course Description Guide.
PSAT Information
The (Preliminary SAT) PSAT provides valuable feedback on strengths and the skills necessary for college study . Students can then focus their preparation on areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice. The PSAT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills and writing skills.
Gives insight on how a performance on an admissions test compares to others applying to college .Helps students prepare for the SAT. Students will become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions they will see on the SAT.
Could help Juniors qualify for Scholarships. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for Juniors is a program co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corp. (NMSC). The PSAT/NMSQT can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships.
For more information about the SPS School Day PSAT/NMSQT please refer to the district PSAT and SAT webpage.
PSAT Scores
Students that took the PSAT should be able to see their scores online by signing into their College Board account. The College Board has suggestions what to do next, and explains which organizations receive students’ contact information. The PSAT score may also lead to scholarships administered thorough the National Merit Scholarship Corp.
Using PSAT Scores to Prepare for the SAT
Students will need to log onto their College Board accounts to view their PSAT/NMSQT scores and use them to prepare for the SAT. Refer to the College Board Getting Scores site for all the information you need and a video as well. Students should receive their original PSAT test booklets in their Language Arts class. If you would like to learn more about how to understand your scores and get tips for preparing for the SAT or need assistance with your College Board account, come to the Counseling Center the GHS counselors are there to help.
Grade 11 Juniors, to understand your PSAT scores and how to link your test results with free Khan Academy® practice tests tailored just for you to prepare for the SAT view this video by College Board site. In addition learn more information about practicing for the SAT on College Board as well.
National Merit Scholarship Program
The PSAT/NMSQT is the route of entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program for Juniors. Questions specific to National Merit Scholarship Program should be directed to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or the College Board.
Resources
- Visit College Board PSAT to learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT.
- The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide a personalized practice program. Visit the Khan Academy to find ways to help students prepare for the SAT using their PSAT results. Students will become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions they will see on the SAT.
- PrepScholar | SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips About the PSAT/NMSQT: Expert Guide.
Seattle Public School Resources
Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) may be eligible to receive additional benefits from the College Board such as unlimited sending of scores. In order to receive these benefits, applicants must check the box on the form for ‘Pre College Exams’ in section of the form and sign. Visit the district School Day PSAT page for more information. The PSAT/NMSQT helps Juniors prepare for the SAT and is used to qualify students for scholarships and advanced learning opportunities. These tests are offered to all Juniors free of charge; no pre-registration is required.
SAT Information
The SAT is the most widely used college admission test in the country. SAT scores demonstrate students are prepared for college with necessary skills and knowledge.
Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) may be eligible to receive additional benefits from the College Board such as free SAT tests and unlimited sending of scores. Visit the Seattle Public Schools School Day SAT page for more information.
The School-Day SAT offers these benefits:
- No cost. The school day test is free for SPS students. No action is required of families in advance.
- Students may also send up to four score reports for free. The school-day test permits students to send score reports to as many as four colleges or scholarship programs.
- Additional pathway to graduation. A qualifying score on the SAT can be used as a graduation pathway for English Language Arts ELA and/or math. Current qualifying scores are 410 for ELA and 430 for math.
The SAT focuses on the knowledge and skills that the best evidence indicates are essential for college and career readiness and success. This test is composed of four sections: Math, Reading, Writing and Language, and Essay.
SAT Scores
SAT Scores: Sign into your College Board account. Also, see information on sending scores to colleges.
For current information about the Seattle Public School’s School Day SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) please refer to the district SAT webpage.
SAT Understanding Scores and Reporting
SAT scores are released online by the CollegeBoard. Students will need to log in to their College Board account to view their scores.
SAT Scores Resources
- How to Get Your Scores
- Understanding your SAT Scores | Finding out how SAT scores are calculated, score structure, what SAT scoring means for you.
- How to Send SAT Scores | Information about sending your SAT scores.
Resources and Information
Visit the Free SAT Practice at College Board for testing tips and resources. Refer to the district SAT page for more information about testing and Seattle Public Schools.
This school year the GHS Counselors want to encourage all 12th graders to take it as it is an opportunity to meet the Graduation Pathway requirement. The Graduation Pathway requirement can be met a few different ways including taking and earning a cut score on the SBA, SAT or ACT. Or also, by taking and passing a college level English and college level math course.
Seattle Public School SAT Info & Resources
Additional Resources
- College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Download the official College Board SAT student guide.
- PSAT Score Report Video To Practice For SAT Understand your PSAT scores and how to link your test results with free Khan Academy® practice tests tailored just for you to prepare for the SAT.
- Khan Academy SAT Practice The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide a personalized practice program.
- SAT Prep For general information regarding the SAT.
State Assessments
State assessments are required for federal accountability and also provide a common measure of student progress at the school, district and state levels. Our educators examine the results and use them to help determine which resources and supports are needed to close achievement gaps. All students are required to meet State Standards in English Language Arts and Math in order to earn a diploma from Ballard HS. Refer to the district’s Assessments and Testing as well as the district SBA Overview for current updates and on how assessments are used in Seattle Public Schools. View Practice Tests & FAQ Resources
ACT
The ACT is an assessment used by many colleges to evaluate applicants. Students and families need to register and pay for these exams as they are not offered at Seattle Public Schools. The ACT scores can also be used to evaluate a merit-based scholarship application. Register, review, and plan for the ACT. Review comparing the SAT to the ACT
As of October 22, 2025