Admissions Testing (SAT/ACT)

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT is a standardized test for college admissions in the U.S. and is administered by College Board. It is available at no cost to our students during the Spring semester of the Junior year. Any student who chooses not to take it during the Spring semester of their Junior year waives their opportunity to test for free. Students may register and self-pay to retake the SAT as many times as they like on SAT test dates at SAT test sites. Keep in mind the SAT registration deadline is typically one month before the SAT test date. The SAT covers writing, reading, and mathematics. SAT score ranges from 400 - 1600, with each section worth up to 800 points. The SAT compares to the ACT in that both are standardized college admissions tests. Either/both are generally accepted at most schools.

You will access your scores through your College Board account. Register and get information HERE for the SAT.

American College Test (ACT)

The ACT is another popular college entrance exam accepted by most colleges and universities in the United States. Students can register and self-pay for the ACT. It can be taken on specific ACT test dates at ACT test sites. Register and get information HERE for the ACT. 

SAT vs. ACT

Colorado is an SAT-favored state, which means all colleges/universities have agreed to accept SAT scores and the state of Colorado will pay for all students in public/charter high schools to take the exam one time during their Junior year. The best way to determine which test is best for you is to take a practice test of both. Use an official score comparison tool to evaluate one from the other. Most schools superscore the SAT (about 60%) and around 50% allow superscoring of the ACT, but you will want to check with the schools on your list to verify. In general terms, the ACT is not as intense in math so it can be good for students who either struggle in math or are more advanced in math (hoping to score higher). There is less time on the ACT so time management is important. The SAT, in general terms, can be better for students who are good problem solvers, have a solid foundation in math, and prefer a little more time for test sections. Both the SAT and the ACT can be used for National Merit scholarships.

Test Optional Policies

A Test Optional admissions policy means applicants can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. The rules vary from college to college across the U.S., but within Colorado, our state has voted and passed a permanent Test Optional Policy for all colleges and universities in the state. Students in Colorado can think of SAT/ACT scores as a "tool" in their college admissions toolbox. Students can decide if they want to submit test scores. The Common App allows students to select which schools they want to send scores to and which schools will not receive them. Schools that are Test Optional will use the holistic admissions process to review applications and focus more intently on grades, GPA, and the college essay. Contrary to what some may have heard, college admissions do NOT think negatively of a student when scores are not submitted and it does NOT impact the admit/deny decision.  Test scores, however, may be required for some scholarship applications. Reach out to the schools you are applying to, and verify their stance on submitting test scores!

Suggested Steps for SAT Prep

We encourage all students to take a free practice test and then visit the A.S.C. (Academic Success Center) for tutoring on questions missed. Students should then take another free practice test and repeat the process. The more you practice the more likely you are to improve. We suggest 3-4 practice tests before taking the SAT in April. Here are free resources for SAT test prep:

• Khan Academy Digital SAT Test Prep - the official SAT test prep company

• Digital Practice Test from the College Board - the company that creates and scores the SAT

• Schoolhouse World - free online tutoring (1:1 peer tutoring) and bootcamps from the founder and CEO of Khan Academy

• All 9th and 10th grade students take the PSAT for free in the spring at CECCR. 

• All 11th graders take the SAT for free in the spring at CECCR.

• All students are pre-registered for testing. 

• Testing occurs in mid April and will be announced in the weekly newsletter and appears on the school academic calendar.  

• If students wish to retake the SAT outside of the free April testing they may register and self-pay to retake the SAT as many times as they like on SAT test dates at SAT test sites. 

SAT Update

Beginning in Spring 2024, students will be taking the new digital SAT. The digital format will be standard for all students taking the SAT. This webpage gives a good overview of the changes with the new digital format (please understand this company is not being promoted for tutoring services, the link is only for informational purposes.)