SAT & ACT Testing Info

TESTING NEWS:

• The California State University (CSU) has permanently discontinued the use of standardized tests in undergraduate admissions.

  • • SAT/ACT scores will not be considered for admissions nor for scholarships. Test scores may be used for placement in math or English classes after the student is admitted.

• The University of California (UC) is currently test-blind for California applicants.

  • • Test scores will not be considered for admissions. However, schools may require students to submit ACT/SAT scores for non-admission purposes, such as course placement or eligibility for certain scholarships.

    • UC has proposed a plan to instate a UC-specific standardized test in fall 2025. The test is still under development and no details have been released at this time. Read more about this decision.

• Many colleges and universities have changed testing policies due to the impact of COVID-19.

  • • Check out this Complete Guide to SAT Optional Colleges to learn more about what these policy changes mean for you.

    • Here's a list of 1825+ four-year colleges that are test-optional, test-flexible, or have otherwise de-emphasized the use of standardized tests.

    • Keep in mind, most prestigious universities (like Ivy League schools and many other top private schools) still require SAT/ACT scores. 

    • Always check the requirements on the school's website to be sure!

• As of Spring 2024, the SAT is officially all digital.

Deciding Which Test to Take

All US colleges and universities accept scores from either the SAT or ACT. They are viewed as equals, with no preference given to one test over the other, so deciding which you will take depends on which you think you will do better on. Here are some things to consider when deciding:

SAT vs ACT: Take a five-minute quiz to help determine which test is right for you. View side-by-side comparisons of the test structure and content.

11 Key Differences: In-depth breakdown of the differences between the SAT and ACT.

Fee Waivers

Registering for the Test

Preparing for the Test

The best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT is practice, practice, practice! Here are some FREE resources to help you study:

Khan Academy: Full-length SAT practice tests, thorough explanations of answers, videos on how to solve problems, test tips and strategies.

• Link Khan Academy with College Board: Connecting your Khan Academy account to your College Board account is a simple process that will allow us to use your previous SAT or PSAT results to give you personalized practice recommendations and fast-forward your skill progress. View these quick steps to link accounts.

The ACT website: Full-length ACT practice tests (timed or untimed), score report, access to resources related to the answers you missed, study guide, test-taking strategies.

Princeton Review: Full practice tests are offered for free online.

• SAT practice tests

• ACT practice tests

The ECHS Wildcat Library offers print and online resources for test prep. View resources here or stop by the Wildcat Library.

Sending Your Scores to Colleges

When you register for the SAT or ACT, you can have the scores sent to four schools free of charge.  If you need to add schools at a later date, you will be charged an additional fee ($12 per report for the SAT or $16 per report for the ACT). Be strategic about your free scores!

Tip: For California State Universities (CSU) or Universities of California (UC)

If you list one CSU or UC campus as an SAT or ACT score recipient, your scores will automatically be sent to all campuses to which you've applied.

CSU's superscore. Superscoring is the process by which colleges consider your highest section scores across all the dates you took the SAT. Rather than confining your scores to one particular date, these schools will take your highest section scores, forming the highest possible composite score.

UC's do not superscore. They will only consider your top combined score from one test date.