Tips

Check here for monthly suggestions on how to successfully navigate the college search and application process!

February 2012 - SAT/ACT

Many (but not all!) colleges across the country require prospective students to submit scores from standardized tests as part of the application process. Typically, high school students take the SAT or ACT once in the spring of their junior year (May or June) and again in the fall of their senior year (October or November, at the latest to ensure scores are received by application deadlines), although there are additional sittings available for those who can’t make these.

  • While some students take both tests, this is NOT necessary, as submitting scores from one or the other fulfills the standardized testing requirement.
  • Visit the SAT (College Board) and ACT  websites and speak to your guidance counselor to become familiar with the tests’ different formats. The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is given at many high schools for practice in 10th and 11th grades (this latter one also serves as the National Merit Qualifying Test; very high scorers become semi-finalists and are entered into the National Merit Scholarship competition).
  • Juniors should set up an online account, if they’ve not already done so, on either the SAT or ACT website ACT. Students can register for tests, see scores and send them to colleges and more.
  • Register EARLY to avoid late fees and to ensure you are registered at the test site of your choice. The regular deadline (no late fee) for the March 10 SAT is February 10.
  • Take advantage of substantive free test prep, including practice tests and “question of the day” challenges, offered on both the SAT and ACT websites.
  • In advance of the test date, make sure you have proper photo ID (e.g., a driver’s license, passport or other acceptable documentation); without it you may NOT sit for the exam, even if you have a valid admission ticket. Check the SAT and ACT websites for more info.
  • Similarly, carefully review the “what to bring” and “what is prohibited” lists on the SAT or ACT website. For example MP3 players and headphones, as well as cell phones may NOT be brought into the test center.
  • Check out section-specific test-taking tips from the SAT and/or the ACT websites.
Remember that standardized testing results are not the end-all and be-all of the college application process.  And also know that more than 850 colleges and universities are SAT optional (i.e., you don’t have to submit your scores if you are not satisfied with them).  While it’s normal to feel nervous about taking the tests and to be concerned about score results, it’s counterproductive to obsess about this aspect—just one component—of your application. The more you are familiar with the test, the less stressful the experience will be, and the more likely you will be able to do your best.

To learn about SAT subject tests (required by some colleges in addition to the SATs), click here. Contact Sandra Moore with your questions about standardized testing or any aspect of the college search and admission and financial aid application process.