The Newtonite

Beyond the rankings: examining North’s true strengths and challenges

Annalise Vito, Editor-in-chief • March 21, 2025

Despite North being known for its high rankings and stellar class opportunities, U.S News and World Report has North ranked 43 in Massachusetts. Displaying a steady decline from place 22 in 2018 and place...

Standardized testing takes a digital turn

Emma Xiao, News Editor • February 12, 2025

For two weeks each May, orderly rows of tables span the Simulated Outdoor Area. Students sit in chairs, and Advanced Placement (AP) test booklets lay in front of them, as the sound of pens writing on lined...

State officials to blend MCAS, PARCC in disputed MCAS 2.0

Emily Moss • January 25, 2016

by Emily Moss In November, the Massachusetts Board of Education voted to change the course of standardized testing with a new assessment, unofficially known as “MCAS 2.0,” which will eventually become...

Counselors clarify differences between SAT, ACT

The Newtonite • October 28, 2011

by Kayla Shore You arrive at the test center, clutching your admission ticket, three freshly sharpened number two pencils, a calculator and four replacement batteries. You have done everything you can to prepare for today (including 15 hours of prep classes and eight practice tests), but that is no guarantee that something will not go terribly, horribly wrong and doom you to rejection from every university.