Testing Information

AP Testing

2025-26 MIHS Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Information: Advanced Placement (AP) Exams are not placement exams for high school courses; they are assessments for students already enrolled in college-level AP courses at MIHS or for students who have the requisite knowledge to pass a rigorous subject exam to potentially earn college credit. Note:

Students do not need to be enrolled in an AP course to take an AP exam, but must be a MIHS student or a Mercer Island resident to take an AP exam at MIHS
AP Exams are optional, even for students enrolled in AP Courses at MIHS
AP exams will take place May 4 – May 15, 2026: 2026 AP Exam Dates – AP Students | College Board
In order to sit for AP exams, students need to Register and Pay (Two different steps) and this process begins at the end of September each year
- Exam Registration takes place in MIHS AP Classes, or with Ms. Hanson (via email or inside the MIHS library)
- Payment for AP exams can be made here, starting September 30th, 2025: https://wa-mercerisland.intouchreceipting.com/
Exams are $140 each, through Nov 1st
- Note - Nov 1st is last day to pay without a $45 late fee - exams are $185 each Nov 2nd - March 6, 2026
- Click HERE to view detailed slides covering registration and payments, accommodation requests, and more

Questions? Contact MIHS Assessment Coordinator, Debbie Hanson debbie.hanson@mercerislandschools.org

College Board Assessments

AP (Advanced Placement) Exams

AP (Advanced Placement) exams: The College Board develops AP courses and corresponding exams in a wide variety of subject areas, allowing students to pursue college level studies while still in high school. Mercer Island High School offers a wide variety of AP courses and administers most AP exams. Both national and international colleges and universities often offer credit, advanced course placement, or both to incoming students who earn qualifying exam scores. Students are encouraged to verify credit and/or advanced placement policies with colleges of interest directly, as policies vary by institution.

AP Exams are administered each May and are optional, even for students enrolled in AP courses at MIHS. Students are not required to be enrolled in an AP course to take an AP exam, but must be a MIHS student or a Mercer Island resident to sit for AP exams at MIHS. For reference, most MIHS students who take AP exams at MIHS are in 11th or 12th grade. For more information about AP exams at MIHS click HERE.

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

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test): The PSAT/NMSQT is offered annually at MIHS, during the school day in October to all 11th graders at no-cost. All Juniors are pre-registered and invited to test on the chosen day, but the exam is entirely optional. Taking the PSAT offers interested students a low-stakes opportunity to practice and prepare for the SAT. Additionally, PSAT/NMSQT scores may qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which offers scholarships annually to high-achieving 11th graders.

There is an Alternate Entry Option to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program if an 11th grader does not take the PSAT exam due to illness, an emergency, or because of other extenuating circumstances. Students needing this option should check the NMS Corporation website HERE.
PSAT Preparation: College Board offers free, full-length PSAT practice exams. Access PSAT/NMSQT practice materials HERE

SAT

SAT: The SAT is a digital, standardized exam utilized by many colleges and universities when considering student admissions. MIHS does not administer the SAT. Students who wish to take the SAT are encouraged to register and take the exam by the end of Junior year. Registration for the SAT fills quickly in the greater Seattle area. If possible, consider registering as early as 6 months in advance to secure a local test seat. Register for SAT tests, view scores, practice tests here: Official SAT website

SAT Preparation: College Board offers free, full-length SAT practice exams. Access SAT practice materials HERE
- Also free - Khan Academy SAT Prep
- The MIHS PTSA offers mock SAT and ACT exams each school year. More information can be found on the MIHS PTSA Website HERE
- Note- the SAT Math section is based on Algebra 2

ACT Assessments

The ACT is another standardized assessment utilized by many colleges and universities when considering student admissions. MIHS does not administer the ACT. Students who wish to take the ACT are encouraged to register and take the exam by the end of Junior year. Registration for the ACT fills quickly in the greater Seattle area. If possible, consider registering as early as 6 months in advance to secure a local test seat. Register for ACT tests, view scores, practice tests here: Official ACT website

ACT Preparation: The ACT offers free, full-length ACT practice exams. Access ACT practice materials HERE
The MIHS PTSA offers mock SAT and ACT exams each school year. More information can be found on the MIHS PTSA Website HERE

Other Considerations

Test Optional: Many colleges and universities are now “test optional.” You should consult your specific college/university’s website for more information to determine if the school has moved to test optional admissions. Another helpful resource is the Fair Test website. Whether you should take the SAT or ACT is dependent on your schools’ admission requirements. Please also keep in mind that some scholarship opportunities may require submission of a standardized test score.

Test Accommodations: Are you a student with a 504 or an IEP and utilize accommodations in school when testing? If yes, please speak with our school Psychologist, Mr. Mike Neff about applying for College Board and/or ACT testing accommodations. College Board and the ACT both require pre-approval well in advance of testing (several months). Also, approved College Board accommodations only apply to PSAT, SAT and AP exams. Approved ACT accommodations only apply to ACT exams. You may reach Mr. Neff at mike.neff@mercerislandschools.org.

For other standardized test questions, please contact MIHS Assessment Coordinator, Debbie Hanson at debbie.hanson@mercerislandschools.org or speak to your school counselor.

Find your counselor here: https://mihs.mercerislandschools.org/student-life/academiccounseling

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