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The ACT and SAT are the two most widely recognized standardized tests used in the college admissions process in the United States. While the ACT and SAT may seem similar at first glance, there are key distinctions that set them apart. Both tests evaluate your skills in reading, writing, and math. However, ACT also includes an optional science section, making it a go-to choice for those interested in STEM fields. Additionally, the ACT goes a step further by offering an optional essay component.
2026-2027 College Board Testing dates
REGISTER FOR YOUR TEST
REGISTER FOR YOUR TEST
SAT Testing
SAT Testing
ACT Testing
ACT Testing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should you take the ACT and/or SAT ?
Most high school students take the SAT, the ACT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It is important to leave time to retake tests if you need to raise your score before you apply to college or for possible financial aid and/or merit-based scholarships.
When is the 11th Grade ACT School Day Testing?
Richardson ISD provides all juniors with an opportunity to participate in the ACT test during the school day, at no cost to them or their families. RISD will provide an online ACT test without writing to juniors at their RISD campus on March 25, 2026. Students will automatically be enrolled for the ACT School Day Test by their high school campus.
How do I receive accommodations for ACT 11th Grade School Day Test?
Any student who receives testing accommodations through Section 504, Special Education, or ESL, please complete your consent form at https://s.risd.org/AccomRequestForm, so your child’s information can be provided to ACT for possible testing accommodations.
Test Optional
Test Optional
A test-optional admissions policy means some applicants can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores. The rules vary per college. Some colleges may require applicants to provide supplemental information in place of tests. You must visit the college freshman admissions website you plan on attending to view what their testing requirements are for any given year.
Benefits of test-optional:
●Admissions flexibility for students who do not test well (i.e., students with strong GPAs and low test scores)
●Focus on other portions of the application (i.e., extracurricular activities, experiences, personal statement)
Limitations of test-optional:
●Many scholarships require an SAT or ACT score to apply and are distributed on academic merit.
Superscore
Superscore
Colleges who choose to superscore will use your best section-level scores, even if they were from different tests. Research your college's policy on accepting superscores. If so, taking either ACT or SAT multiple times is a good opportunity to increase your score.
Sending Score Reports
Sending Score Reports
To send SAT or ACT official scores to the colleges you are applying to, you will need to do so from the SAT/ACT website.
Log back into your testing account and look for sending test scores. There is a fee to send your scores to colleges if you did not list them to be sent when you registered or on the day of the exam. Fee waivers are available for students who took the test with a fee waiver.
RISD does not put test scores on your transcript.
Fee Waivers
Fee Waivers
Fee waivers are available to low-income 11th- and 12th-grade students. You're eligible if one or more of these descriptions apply to you:
You're enrolled in or eligible to participate in the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Your family's annual income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service.
You're enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs like Upward Bound).
Your family receives public assistance.
You're unhoused or reside in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home.
You're a ward of the state or an orphan.
The Household Family Data (HFD) Form must be completed by parents annually to verify eligibility for Free/Reduced Lunch
Complete Household Family Data Form Here.
Once verified, you will be eligible for ACT/SAT waivers.
Request a Fee Waiver from College & Career Center
Complete an Appointment Request for Mrs. Bennett (Daffne.Bennett@risd.org)
Click "Fee Waiver" as your reason for an appointment.
Add your test date in the comments.
You will receive your waiver code in your RISD email.
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