Review the information, below, to learn how to best prepare for the ACT and/or SAT

What is the SAT?

The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.  The SAT is created by the Collegeboard and the purpose is to measure a high school student's readiness for college.  It is an aptitude test meaning it can be used to predict your ability to succeed in college.

What is on the SAT?

• Math

• Evidence based reading and writing

• Optional Essay

How Long is the SAT?

The typical exam time is around 3 hours.  If you take the essay portion it will be closer to 4 hours.

How is the SAT scored?

Each section of the SAT is scored on a 200 to 800 point scale.  Your total SAT score is the sum of your section scores.  The highest possible score is a 1600.  Colleges will usually superscore, meaning that the college will take your highest section scores across multiple testing sessions in order to obtain your highest overall score.

How do I register for the SAT?

• Students will need a Collegeboard username and password.  You will also need a picture of you to upload as part of your admission ticket.

• If you receive free or reduced lunch, then you will qualify for a fee waiver.  See your counselor for the fee waiver.  You can take the test twice with a waiver.

• You will print out a test admission ticket to take with you the day of testing.  

When will I receive my scores?

• Scores are usually released around 2 weeks after the test date.

• When registering for the SAT, you can choose up to 4 colleges to receive your score report.  This is included in the test fee.  More than 4 score reports or reports requested after the registration period may require a fee.

• Students are responsible for sending their scores to colleges.

• Click here for a guide to understanding your score report.

What do I need on the day of testing?

• Students must bring a copy of their admission ticket.  An admission ticket can be printed by logging in to your Collegeboard account and you can select to print your admission ticket.

• Confirm your test location by checking your admission ticket.  It is important to arrive on time for testing.

Test Practice

Khan Academy offers a free online prep course.  Visit www.khanacademy.org

Applerouth offers free practice tests for both the SAT and ACT.  They also offer test prep courses as well as free webinars.  Visit www.applerouth.com for more information.

What is the ACT?

The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges to make admission decisions.  The purpose is to measure a high school student's readiness for college.

Which subjects are part of the ACT?

• English

• Reading

• Math

• Science

• Optional Essay

How long is the ACT?

The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes.  If you choose to take the essay portion, it will be closer to 4 hours.

How is the ACT scored?

The ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale.  Your composite score is average of the 4 section scores.  Like the SAT, colleges will take your highest sections scores across multiple test sessions in order to calculate your highest overall score.  Click here for information about how to send your ACT scores to colleges.