A Guide to the SAT

Angela Combs on March 22, 2023

If you want to walk into the SAT feeling confident and ready to succeed, preparation is key! To help you prepare for the big day, here is a guide to everything you need to know about the SAT. 

How do I register for the SAT?

Visit the College Board website to register for the test. You’ll need to create a free online account. If you took an AP test or the PSAT, you may already have a College Board account. Register in advance to avoid late fees!

When should I take the SAT?

Plan to spend around 100 hours preparing for your first SAT, with enough time to take the test 2-4 times before submitting your college applications. Determine how much time you need to prepare for the test by working backward from your college application deadlines. 

It’s also best to take the test after you’ve completed a majority of these classes:

  • Algebra II
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Three years of science (one year of physical science)

Taking classes that cover concepts tested on the SAT can be very useful in preparing for the exam. Consider scheduling your SAT when you have a lighter course load. With seven test dates offered every school year, there are plenty of opportunities available. 

How many times should I take the SAT?

Plan to take the test at least twice. To maximize your score, consider taking it 3-4 times. The SAT offers a feature called “score choice,” which allows you to pick and choose the scores sent to colleges. Some schools still require you to send all your scores, so do your best to make every attempt count. Other schools may want your “Superscore” – your best score in each section across test dates.

How much does the SAT cost?

SAT costs change from year to year, so visit their website for updated information on pricing. Check out the fee waiver requirements to see if you qualify.

What is on the SAT?

Reading

This section tests reading comprehension and your understanding of vocabulary within context.

Writing

In this section, you will read passages with intentional grammar errors. Your job is to fix them.

Math

The math section assesses your basic arithmetic, algebra I, algebra II, geometry, probability, and statistics knowledge.

Essay

Although this section is optional, some colleges require it. Check the requirements of the schools you wish to attend. We recommend registering for the essay section just to be safe.

What is the SAT score range?

Scores range from 400-1600. The optional essay is scored on three different dimensions, and the scores range from 2-8.

How do I prepare?

Khan Academy offers FREE SAT prep resources. For the most up-to-date SAT information, please visit College Board. 

Good luck! We’re rooting for you!

A Guide to the ACT

Angela Combs on March 18, 2023

Preparation is half the battle! If you know what to expect and you’ve studied the materials, you can walk in on ACT test day ready for anything! To help you prepare for the big day, here’s a short guide to everything you need to know about the ACT.

How do I register for the ACT?

Visit ACT.org to register for the test. You’ll need to create a free online account. Regular registration typically ends five weeks before a test date, so register well in advance to avoid late fees!

What do I need to register?

Registration takes about 40 minutes. You’ll need a:

  • Desktop or laptop computer (mobile devices not recommended)
  • Credit card or a fee waiver
  • Information on your high school courses
  • Headshot photo

When should I take the ACT?

While there’s no perfect answer to this question, you should spend about 100 hours studying for your first ACT and give yourself enough time to take the test 2-4 times before submitting your college applications. Work backward from that scenario to determine your ideal time frame.

Also, it’s best to take the test after you’ve completed a majority of the following classes:

  • Algebra II
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Three years of science (one year of physical science)

These classes cover concepts tested on the ACT, so it’s helpful to have exposure to them.

Think about your other commitments. If possible, schedule your ACT when your course load is lighter. There are seven test dates each school year, so you have some options!

How many times should I take the ACT?

ACT limits the fun to 12 attempts within your lifetime. If you are part of a program that takes the ACT in middle school, that test counts toward the total. Plan to take the test at least twice. To maximize your score, consider taking it 3-4 times. Some schools will accept your “super score,” or your best score in each section across test dates. Others may require you to send all scores from all dates, so make the most of each test.

How much does the ACT cost?

ACT costs vary each year. Visit their website for updated information on pricing. Check out the fee waiver requirements to see if you qualify.

What’s on the ACT?

English

The English portion of the exam tests you on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.

Math

The math section focuses on aptitude in algebra II, geometry, and some trigonometry.

Reading

The reading section focuses on comprehension. You may read passages in the following subject areas: social studies, natural sciences, literary narrative or prose fiction, and humanities.

Science

The science section measures your interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.

Writing

This section is optional. If you decide to take it, there is an additional cost. Although it is optional, some colleges require it. Check the requirements of the schools you wish to attend to find out if it’s a requirement. We recommend registering for this section just to be safe.

What is the ACT score range?

The ACT scores range from 1-36. The number of correct answers converts to a score within that range. The composite score for the ACT is an average of your scores on the four required subjects. The writing test is scored by two graders on a scale of 1-6, for a maximum possible score of 12.

How can I prepare for the ACT?

ACT offers free test prep through ACT Academy. You’ll find ACT practice tests, educational games, videos, and personalized study plans. ACT bases your plans on the results of your PreACT, past ACT scores, and the ACT practice tests and exercises you’ve completed.

For the most up-to-date ACT information, please visit the ACT website. Good luck!