what tests are we talking about? 

In the United States, colleges that require admissions tests are looking for either SAT or ACT. No school requires both the SAT and the ACT, so you're free to take one or both and share whichever better displays your strengths.

The SAT is now a digital exam.  For more information ont he Digital SAT Exam, click here.

A Note on AP Exams: AP exams scores are not required in the admissions process in the United States, although you may choose to share them in the admissions process. AP scores are sent to a college once you're enrolled and, depending on each college's practice, may be used to waive credits or for placement in courses. In some cases, colleges in other countries may utilize AP scores for admissions.

*Every college has their own testing requirements, philosophy, and recommendations - always consult each college's website for the most accurate information on testing requirements and policies. 

2023-2024 TEST DATES

To register, please visit act.org or collegeboard.org

When should i take these tests? 

Your best test date comes down to scheduling and planning. Here are some things to keep in mind when developing your testing plan:

• How and when are you going to prep? If you're going to take a course that has set dates, you'll want it to wrap up near the test date; if you're prepping on your own (online, test books, with a tutor), think about when you're going to be able to put the time in, and test after that. 

• How packed is your schedule? Is the SAT and ACT are offered throughout the year, planning ahead can help you avoid a super busy season with way too much on your plate.

• How many times do you want to be able to take them? Plan on taking either or both tests 1-3 times. Most students achieve their peak scores on the second or third try, and usually late in their junior year or the fall of senior year. Earlier is not always better, but if early fits your plans and schedule, that's okay too!

• Do you think you might have a college deadline in the fall (October/November)? Then it's probably not a great idea to wait until the fall to take tests - you may still be able to plan on a fall date for your second or third try, be will want to avoid the pressure of only getting one shot at it. 

*UPDATE*

*SAT Subject Tests and the optional essay portion of the SAT are going away! Subject Tests have already been discontinued, and June 2021 was the last time the optional essay section was offered. Read more about why... 

What IS THE "optional" essay/writing section on THE ACT?

ACT with writing:  The ACT writing test is a 40-minute essay test that measures your writing skills—specifically, those writing skills taught in high school English classes and in entry level college composition courses. The test describes an issue and provides three different perspectives on the issue. You are asked to (1) analyze and evaluate the perspectives given, (2) state and develop your own perspective on the issue, and (3) explain the relationship between your perspective and those given. *Check out this sample writing prompt for more info.

Your ACT Writing score (which is scored on a scale of 2-12) is not part of your composite ACT score (out of 36), which consists only of your English, Math, Reading, and Science scores. Instead, your essay score is added to your English and Reading scores and then averaged to give you what is called an English Language Arts (ELA) score.

So, should you take IT?

The simple answer to whether you should take the ACT with writing and/or the SAT with the essay is, it depends on whether the colleges you want to apply to require it.  At this time, only two colleges in the country require the writing portion of the ACT:

• Martin Luther College (MN)

• United States Military Academy (West Point) (NY)

now that you know a bit more... let's plan!

testing accommodations

In general, when taking college entrance exams, alterations may be made to how test materials are presented (e.g., large-print or even dictated by a reader), how responses are recorded (e.g. taking the test via computer versus traditional paper and pencil), or how tests are timed (e.g. being given extended time or extra breaks).  Note that the use of accommodations in school, or inclusion on an IEP, 504 or Student Accommodation Plan, does not automatically qualify a student for accommodations on College Board tests. Accommodations must be requested officially through College Board and/or ACT. *Be sure to see your school counselor if you believe you are eligible for accommodations on college admissions tests.

For more information, check out this Students with Learning Disabilities Test Accommodations Brochure

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

These tests can be expensive, some students may be eligible for a fee waiver. More information can be found at: 

• SAT Fee Waiver Student Brochure 

• ACT Fee Waiver Eligibility Requirements and Procedures 

*If you believe you may qualify for financial assistance, be sure to see your school counselor. 

A word on admissions tests... 

Try to remember, it's just one part of the admissions process, and while it is worth preparing for and giving it the 'old college try', it's not worth stressing about. What's a 'good' or 'bad' score has nothing to do with what your friends get and everything to do with your own plans. Did you get an 1150 and that's at the top of the range your dream school looks for? Awesome. Done and done. Did you get a 32 and have your sights set on a super competitive school that's looking for a higher score? Give it another try. Did you take the SAT four times and top out with a score you're bummed about? Focus on your transcript and the rest of the story your application tells and remember it's just one piece of the process. Oh, and check out what "test optional" is, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised and relieved to learn about it. 

Do a bit of research before heading into this whole thing. Start by learning about what 'Best Fit' really means for college. It's not about finding colleges that accept students with your GPA and test scores, it's about finding colleges that are a fit for you socially, financially and academically. Once you have that list, then see what kinds of scores those schools are looking for and what you even need to be taking. Don't forget to note if those schools are also test optional, then and only then, set your goal. Every student aiming for a 36 or a 1600 makes no sense when you consider a 21 and a 1300 and a 28 and a 980 are all scores of some currently very happy and successful college students! Be reasonable in your goals, be prepared in your approach, and do try to keep perspective.

Test Prep

Both CollegeBoard and ACT offer free practice tests, lessons, and resources. It's a great place to start!

Test Prep should be as individualized as your testing plan

There is no best way to prep for these tests. Just like your overall testing plan, you should consider a few things when figuring out what kind of prep is best for you:

• Did you take the PreACT, PSAT, or any other practice tests already? CollegeBoard and ACT provide detailed score reports for those practice tests that can help focus your prep - use them!

• Which test, or tests, are you planning to take? When talking about SAT and ACT, prep for one is prep for both in a lot of ways, but if you are focusing on one in particular, there will be separate prep options for both.

• When are you taking the test(s)? Whatever prep you are doing should wrap up just before you take the tests; some prep will be self-paced, while some courses follow a schedule. Be sure to check! 

• How do you learn? Some people learn best in-person, others online, some independently, some with a tutor, and some may get a lot out of taking a course with other students. Take this into account when deciding what may work best for you. 

• What is your schedule like? Just like planning when to take the tests around your schedule is smart, so isn't planning your prep. Don't let prep courses become one more thing on a super full plate, consider what makes the most sense - weeknights or weekends, self-paced or as part of a class. 

• What's in the budget? There are a TON of free resources to help you prep, that may be the best fit for you and your family. Some courses cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, tutors can be pricey too but may be more cost effective in the long run, practice books can be found at the library or at a low price online... it's not how much money you spend on prep, it's how much meaningful time you spend that will make it pay off.

There are many options for test prep courses and tutors, here are just a few.

Check out our Test Prep Flyer for more information and other options!