ACT/SAT
ACT.org
CollegeBoard.org
The ACT and SAT are tests that colleges use to guage what you've learned in high school--not how smart you are! Remember, juniors will take the ACT for FREE on March 1st, 2022!
What's in these Tests?
The ACT and SAT both consist of multiple timed sections in different subjects:
The ACT consists of four multiple choice tests: English, Math (Calculator), Science, and Reading.
Each section scored and then averaged together
Scores between 1-36
The SAT consists of three multiple choice tests: Writing, Reading, and Math (Calculator and Non-Calculator)
Each section scored and then added together
Scores between 400-1600
Each test is designed to test your ability in each section through an 11th grade level (Math 3, English 3, etc.)!
Ways to Study
ACT:
Free practice exams (with answers!), lessons, and more!
Free test prep materials (including a practice test) direct from ACT
Loads of Practice Tests (no answers)
SAT:
Tons of free lessons, exams, and tutoring!
Direct practice and prep materials from College Board
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose which test I should take? Do I need to take both?
Choosing which test to take is really up to you and your needs/preferences! Each operates a little differently, which may mean that you're better at taking one test vs another. I recommend starting with the ACT (which you'll take for free through the school) and seeing whether you want to retake it or take the SAT instead. Regardless, colleges only need either the SAT or ACT, not both.
Does it cost money to take the ACT/SAT?
Yes. The ACT is $60 and the SAT is $55 to take. However, many students can qualify for fee waivers and take the test up to 4 times for free. Please see your guidance counselor!
How do I send my scores to colleges?
You can do so either immediately after the test or whenever you apply to college using your ACT.org or CollegeBoard account, depending on the test. The first 4-5 are free, so make sure you take advantage of them! If you ever don't want a college to look at scores you've already sent, you can always tell them that.
How many times should I take each test?
That's ultimately up to you, however: Colleges take your best score from each section to make up your final score, a process known as "superscoring". This means that if you score better in math the first time but worse the second time, your math score from the first time will be the one that's used to average your total score. So while not required, I highly recommend that you take at least one of these tests more than once. See the example below for more details!
Test Day Tips and Tricks!
Pace yourself and BREATHE
Answer what you know first
If you do not know an answer, GUESS
You don't get negative points for wrong answers, so a guessed answer is better than no answer, especially when you're running out of time!
Read the directions and questions carefully
Eat breakfast before the test--you won't get a break for snacks/lunch!
Bring the necessary materials (photo ID, pencils, etc.)
Don't let a hard section of the test negatively affect the rest of it: remember, you get to superscore your test results so not doing well in one section doesn't mean you can't get great scores in another!