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SAT and ACT
Who should take the SAT/ACT?
Some colleges require either the SAT or ACT for admission. Be sure to check the college admissions requirements for each college you are interested in, as well as their testing requirements, which vary from college to college.
You do not need to take the SAT or ACT for admission to University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) schools, or to attend a community college. UC's and CSU's are test-blind.
Test scores submitted as part of the application may be used as an alternate method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after matriculation at UC.
Students who plan to use test scores to meet a minimum subject requirement or for course placement should take their tests by December of the senior year/last year before high school/secondary school graduation.
CSU Testing Requirements: https://www.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/getting_into_the_csu/pages/testing-requirements.aspx
UC Requirements: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/preparing-freshman-students/freshman-requirements.html
Test-blind vs. test-optional vs. test-required. Big difference: if a school is test-blind, they don’t consider scores even if submitted. Test-optional means they do consider them if you submit. Test-required means everybody has to submit.
For a list of test-optional colleges and universities, visit fairtest.org.
When should I take the SAT or ACT?
When should I take the SAT or ACT?
Generally, it is recommended that students spend their freshman and sophomore years preparing to take the real ACT or SAT during their junior year. They may do things such as take the PSAT in October of 10th and 11th grades. They can supplement that with a possible prep course, self-study using a practice booklet, or many other aids.
Then, in the spring of Junior year, they should start taking the actual test. During the fall of the senior year, students will have a couple of opportunities to increase their scores if they so choose. Of course, if students are prepared to take assessments earlier, they are always welcome to do so.
Find a Test near me (SAT/ACT are not offered here at MHHS, find the nearest test center here. The earlier you register, the more location choices you will have.)
SAT https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/test-center-search
Fee Waivers
Complete this form to request a fee waiver
Students who face financial barriers to taking the SAT/ACT may be eligible for fee waivers to cover the cost of testing.
The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well students analyze and solve problems skills learned in school that are needed in college. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.
The SAT includes several different question types, including: a student-produced essay, multiple-choice questions, and student-produced responses (grid-ins).
The College Board website has more information & directions on how to register for an exam.
SAT - Photo Requirements
SAT- What to Expect on Test Day
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The ACT test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
The ACT website has more information & direction on how to register for an exam.
ACT- What to Expect on Test Day
ACT:
Below is a sample timeline for taking the SAT or ACT
Grade 9
Grade 9
Mindset: Don’t obsess about the SAT/ACT yet—focus on building strong study habits.
Action Steps:
Take challenging classes (especially math and English).
Read widely—fiction, nonfiction. Builds vocabulary and critical reading.
Get familiar with test formats: glance at one SAT and ACT practice test. Just to see what’s coming.
Grade 10
Mindset: Light prep, not pressure. This is the year to sample.
Action Steps:
Take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT, a practice version of the SAT) at MHHS. Sign up during MHHS registration in August. It’s low-stakes practice.
Take one full-length SAT practice test and one ACT practice test (free online).
Strengthen math foundations (algebra, geometry)—those are the majority of SAT math questions.
Grade 11
Mindset: This is your testing year.
Action Steps:
Fall: Take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) at MHHS, sign up during MHHS registration in August.
The NMSQT part of the PSAT is what makes the test count for the National Merit Scholarship competition—your score can qualify you for recognition and potential scholarships. This can qualify you for the National Merit if you score high.
Sign up for the real SAT and/or ACT for later in the year. Register directly on the College Board and ACT website, and testing locations vary throughout San Diego County, and test centers are first-come, first-served.
Winter: Start SAT/ACT prep (Jan–March). Use Khan Academy (free SAT prep linked to College Board), ACT Academy, or a structured prep class if you need accountability.
Spring: Take your first official SAT/ACT (March–May).
Summer: If you’re not happy with your score, prep more and retake in August (SAT) or September (ACT).
Pro Tips:
Take your test at least once in junior year. Senior fall is for polishing scores, not starting from scratch.
Don’t cram—study 2–3 hours a week consistently for 2–3 months before the test.
Grade 12
Mindset: Final chance, no panic.
Action Steps:
If needed, take a final SAT/ACT in August, September, or October.
By November, scores should be finalized for applications.
General SAT/ACT Tips
Take official practice tests, timed. One hour of “light practice” isn’t enough, you need stamina.
Don’t take the test cold. Always prep.
Disclaimer:
This information is meant to give students and families a starting point for thinking about SAT/ACT testing. The sample calendar and recommendations are just ideas—not official instructions. Every student’s path is different, and testing requirements, dates, and locations can change. Always double-check the most current information on the official SAT (College Board) and ACT websites, and build your own calendar based on your goals, schedule, and college list. This is not an official publication of the College Board or ACT.
Test Prep Resources
SAT
SAT - Free test prep
Khan Academy - Free online SAT/AP prep courses
Mometrix free ACT Practice
Princeton Review Free SAT prep
ACT
Mometrix free ACT Practice
Princeton Review Free ACT prep
Paid Test Prep
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