TESTING

An SAT is divided into two sections scored at 800 points each with a perfect score at 1600.

• Math
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
• (Optional) essay section which is scored and reported separately from overall test scores. Some colleges (historically the UC schools) have required that you submit an essay score.

An SAT is 3 hours long or 3 hours and 50 minutes with the essay section. 

The ACT includes four sections which are each scored from 1-36 points. The composite score is the average of all four sections. 

• English
• Reading
• Math
• Science
• (Optional) writing section which is scored and reported separately from the overall test scores. Some colleges (historically the UC schools have required that you submit a writing score. 

PSAT/NMSQT  - Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

The PSAT is given in October to all juniors as a practice test but the score also counts for the National Merit Scholarship program. It is designed to measure verbal, writing, and mathematical abilities generally associated with academic achievement in college. It is intended to offer students a preview of the SAT. Although the PSAT is shorter than the SAT, the basic format and the level of difficulty of both tests are identical. A perfect score on the PSAT is 1520 compared with a 1600 on the SAT. The PSAT is still a practice test and is not used for admissions decisions. 

The PSAT 8/9 is the first exam in the College Board's "SAT Suite of Assessments." This test establishes a starting point in terms of college and career readiness and is a way to practice for the PSAT/SAT exams.  There are three testing areas (Reading, Writing/Language and Math) and content is designed to test curriculum at the 9th grade level. The test is scored between 240 and 1440. Students also receive percentiles to discover how your scores compare to other students nationally. 

The PreACT is a multiple choice exams that familiarizes students with the ACT by testing in four subject areas: English/language arts, math, reading, and science. It is shorter than the official ACT but scored on the 1-36 scale. Results give students predicted ACT scores and areas of improvement. 

Which Test Should I Take?

Colleges do not favor one test over the other, so take the test you prefer!

We advise students to take a practice test of each exam for a base score. If you scored higher on one test, you may want to prepare for that exam. Remember to take the practice tests close together (within the same month) so they are a fair comparison. 

If you score the same on both practice tests, then pick the one you simply like more. Do you like the timing of the SAT more? Do you like that the ACT only has 25% focused on math? 

Many test prep companies will offer both diagnostic exams and can help you decide on the test that is right for you.

If you are taking Geometry in 11th grade, the earliest you will test is the end of junior year. Geometry is on both the ACT and SAT and you will want most of the curriculum under your belt. Consider sitting for your first exam in the spring of junior year or over the summer. 

If you will have finished Algebra 1, II, and Geometry by the end of 10th grade, consider studying over the summer before your junior year and testing in the fall. 

The answer varies by school and application deadline, but you can usually take the September ACT and the October SAT to meet the early action and early decision deadlines of November 1st. 

If you are applying regular decision, you may be able to test through November of your senior year. 

If you are working with a test prep tutor or company, follow their specific advice. Generally speaking, students prep 6-8 weeks in advance of the test date. Staying consistent in studying for the exam instead of cramming at the end is recommended. 

Since the start of Covid, the testing landscape has changed drastically. Overall, they are less important, but there are still schools that require them (Georgia/Florida public schools, University of Tennessee, MIT, and Purdue) to name a few. Many schools won't release their test policy until the summer prior to the admissions cycle. Because of this, we recommend a student have at least one official test score. This leaves every college option open (especially if your college list is still in development) and gives you a score that you can strategize with and use to your advantage. 

Optional really does mean optional, despite any rumors you may have heard. If a school has a test optional policy, you are fully eligible for admission with or without a test score. You can send your score to some schools where it might benefit you and omit it for schools where the score may be on the lower end of their average. 

Make sure you read the fine print as some majors may require a test score or to be considered for some scholarships. 

Moral of the story: test optional really does mean optional, but having a score in hand can be really helpful to strategize with and depending on your college list, major, and scholarship consideration, it may be required.