Testing Information

What's The Deal With Testing?

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the great majority of colleges and universities required an SAT or ACT score with your application. The past few years have made that requirement far less strict.


While more colleges are getting back to their "normal" admissions requirements, many colleges and universities have continued to be test optional. But what does that mean? Here's a few terms you should know:


Test Optional - Students can choose to submit SAT/ACT scores to a school. It is completely up to you.

Test Blind - Scores are not considered even if they are submitted. No tests are needed for these schools.

Test Flexible - Schools really want a test score, but it does not have to be the SAT or ACT. They will typically provide alternative assessments for you to take.


If you don't send scores, that just means that the rest of your application packet becomes more important. These days, schools really like to see a well-rounded applicant, but some might still have minimum requirements (test score, GPA, etc.) to even consider you. It's still important to keep your grades up, but it's also super important to be more than just a student in the classroom!

When Should I Take These Tests?

Students are typically advised to take the PSAT in 10th grade. From there, they can take additional PSATs if they'd like. Students who plan to apply to college are then recommended to take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. If you're satisfied with your scores, that's all you need. If you aren't, you can take the SAT again in the fall of your senior year. 


Schools will typically take your highest composite SAT score, meaning they will take the highest score you receive in each section if you take the test multiple times. It is not recommended to take the SAT any more than three times!


Remember, you should only take the SAT or ACT if you plan to apply to a school that requires it!

How Do I Know If I Need To Test?

Fair Test is a site that has generally up to date information about what is required at each college/university.


Even if you look on Fair Test, you are strongly encouraged to call or email each specific school's admissions office to see if they have any idea what the admissions requirements will be for your application/admission cycle. Sometimes this information can be found on the admissions websites, but your best bet will always be to contact the school directly.

How Do I Prepare For The Test?

This question can be answered a bit differently for every student. Some of you might pay for some test prep classes. Others might take advantage of free classes that pop up. The best, totally free, test prep that our School Counseling Department can recommend is through the Khan Academy.


If you were a student at Lakeland as a sophomore, you should have taken the PSAT. The best part about the Khan Academy is that they partner with the College Board (you know, the people who run the SAT). If you follow the directions on this sheet, you will be able to connect that PSAT score (and any SAT score that you have) directly with the Khan Academy. From there, you will get personalized practice based on previous tests that tell you where you have performed best and where you might need improvement. This will even allow you to go question by question through your PSAT and other practice tests to review what you've gotten wrong. You can make a test prep schedule for yourself, take free practice exams, and even set up reminders to practice every day. The program is incredibly comprehensive and highly recommended!

What's The Difference Between The SAT & ACT?

This site gives a pretty good breakdown of the difference between the two tests. Essentially, the tests are just delivered differently. Many times, students who struggle with the SAT will perform better on the ACT. If you find yourself struggling with the SAT, need the test for the schools you're looking at, and can afford it, give the ACT a shot.

How Do I Sign Up For The Tests?

You can sign up for the SAT through the College Board Website, and you can find a listing of upcoming tests here. The SAT is typically hosted at Lakeland in November and May, but can be taken at a few different schools in the area as well.


You can sign up for the ACT on the ACT Website, and you can find a listing of upcoming tests here.