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Most four-year colleges require scores from one of two tests: the SAT or the ACT. Central Virginia Community College does not require either of these tests, but if a student takes it anyway and scores well, it can help them be placed out of lower level classes. In other words, it can’t hurt you to test. Some four-year colleges also offer the option to apply “test optional,” meaning test scores aren’t required. However, read these agreements (found on schools’ admissions websites) carefully, because some schools only offer merit-based scholarships to students who submit test scores.
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Updates
Check if your schools are going test-optional!
Check if your schools are going test-optional!
Due to COVID-19 colleges have updated their SAT/ACT Test Optional policies. Please see list below. Note: Some schools test policies will fluxuate this is not a concrete list. You should continue to do research on your own time to know what your options are. Pages 14-15 in the EVHS Senior Guidebook.
SAT & ACT Frequently Asked Questions
SAT & ACT Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take these tests?
When should I take these tests?
It is strongly recommended that all seniors who are considering college take at least one of these tests in the summer or fall. That way, if you are not satisfied with your scores, you can take the test again in the winter or spring of senior year before college applications are due (usually around December/January). SAT and ACT scores are also needed to qualify for merit scholarships!
Pro Tip: Test late fall or winter of junior year so you can retest or try the other test!
Which test should I take? What is the difference?
Which test should I take? What is the difference?
The tests essentially test students for the same thing (academic preparation and college readiness), but they ask the questions in a different way and are structured slightly differently, so some students prefer one over the other. No colleges have a preference on which test students take.
Should I take the test with writing?
Should I take the test with writing?
Most schools do not have a preference on this; however some (usually more selective schools) do require the writing section. You can find a list of schools that require the writing section on each college’s admissions website. Fewer and fewer colleges are requiring this though, so you’ll likely have plenty of options even if you don’t take the writing portion. No schools in the state of Virginia require the writing portion of the test.
Registering for the Test
Registering for the Test
When, where, and how!
When, where, and how!
Registration for the Saturday tests is found at each test’s respective website: www.sat.org and www.act.org . Click the button that says “Register” and follow the prompts to make a student account and register for the test. Both registrations ask a lot of questions, but only the questions with red asterisks (*) are required. You will make a username and password when going through this process, and it is important to write these down and keep them in a safe place, as you will need them to retrieve your scores after testing. You will be prompted to pay by credit card during the registration process unless you have a fee waiver!
Fee waivers
Fee waivers
Check with your college adviser or counselor!
Check with your college adviser or counselor!
Talk to your counselor or college adviser about SAT/ACT fee waivers! If you are eligible for a fee waiver, you can recieve up to 2 SAT fee waivers and 4 ACT fee waivers. Using SAT/ACT fee waivers also waives the applcation fees on most college applications! Check to see if you qualify!
Fee waiver eligibility requirements
Fee waiver eligibility requirements
You're enrolled in or eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
You're enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., Federal TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
Your family receives public assistance.
You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or are homeless.
You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
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