Testing:
ACT and SAT
How ACT Can Help You Save Money.pdfWHY THEY MATTER
Your ACT and SAT scores can actually...
Increase your chances of getting into schools
AND
Help you get scholarships (take a look at the pic to the left)!
Know that admissions is holistic, so scores aren't everything! Schools consider the WHOLE you, including your interests, essays, extracurriculars, etc.!
When and How to Register for Future Tests
Watch these videos to help you register for the ACT/SAT!
Register by the registration deadlines. Late registration incurs an additional fee.
WHAT'S ON THEM
Every February, the state of North Carolina sponsors a free during-school ACT test date for all high school juniors. Details will be sent to the families of these students ahead of time. We recommend taking the ACT With Writing no matter your college choices or application requirements.
If you have time to devote to studying, take both the SAT and ACT. Retake them for higher scores!
ACT Test Content:
English (Reading and Grammar in the context of an essay)
Math (Formulas and Graphs related to Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra 2, Trigonometry)
Science
Optional Writing Component
SAT Test Content:
English (Reading and Grammar not in the context of an essay and an optional essay)
Math (Critical Thinking and Word Problems related to Algebra 1, Statistics, Data Analysis, Algebra 2)
Writing
The ACT costs $60; $85 with the writing component. The SAT costs $55. You may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Fee waivers cover 100% of the cost and are available for families who qualify. With a fee waiver, you may be eligible for 4 college application fee waivers as well.
If you qualify for any of the following, please contact your counselor or college adviser for a fee waiver. You will enter your fee waiver code when registering for the test.
Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school.
Enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged (for example, a federally funded program such as TRIO, GEAR UP or Upward Bound). Note: If the student participates in a program, but is not economically disadvantaged, they are not eligible for a fee waiver.
Resides in a foster home, is a ward of the state, or is homeless.
Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.
Family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website
HOW TO PREPARE
The best way to not only do well on this test but also to improve your score is PRACTICE. The ACT and SAT questions touch on information you've learned while in school, so taking practice tests can help you remember what you've learned and also see what you still need to study!
Strategies!!
Prep Websites
ACT: Website: ACT Academy Online (free with waiver) or access their free support.
SAT Website: Khan Academy Official SAT Practice (free for everyone).
FREE Paper Practice Tests
Come up to your college adviser's office to get one!
Practice Makes Possible!
After the ACT/SAT
You must send your scores to your schools.
Scores can be sent to up to 4 colleges for free.
For additional schools beyond those four, there is a fee.
Tip #3: Remember to send your scores when applying to schools! Log into your ACT or SAT accounts to see and send your score reports! Your first 4 sends are free!