Boston – – September 22, 2026 -- NWEA has released an enhanced free online tool that lets students as young as sixth grade convert their MAP Growth assessment scores into projected ACT and SAT scores and matching college admissions data.
Tool converts middle-school test scores into projected SAT and ACT results
The NWEA College Explorer allows students to enter current MAP Growth scores and see estimated performance on the ACT and SAT, then generates a list of post-secondary institutions that have historically admitted students with similar scores. The organization cited one example: a seventh grader scoring 222 on the fall MAP Growth math assessment is projected to meet the SAT math benchmark expected at most colleges and universities, but fall short of the comparable ACT math benchmark.
Platform adds major and college-fit exploration for K-12 users
Beyond score projections, the tool lets students check whether they are on track for admission to a specific college or university and explore majors aligned with their current performance data. Dr. Susan Kowalski, Lead Research Scientist at NWEA, said the tool was built to give students earlier access to data-driven options before application deadlines and opportunities narrow.
NWEA positions release within broader K-12 assessment portfolio
NWEA, a division of HMH, has developed pre-K-12 assessment products for more than 40 years, including its MAP Growth assessment. The College Explorer tool is offered free and is accessible through the NWEA website.