The start of the SAT and ACT testing season brings anticipation and requires heavy preparation. The pandemic led 2,070 colleges and universities to make college entrance exams optional. Yet college entrance exams remain popular among high schoolers looking to attend college. In 2023, approximately 1.9 million students took the SAT, marking the highest participation ever. If you’re planning to take the SAT or ACT this year, it’s crucial to prepare as soon as possible. While the process can be stressful for both parents and students, navigating the process with the right tools, resources, and strategies can significantly impact the process—sometimes even the score. With the proper preparation, students can approach these exams with confidence and open doors to their preferred colleges.
Curious about which college entrance exam aligns best with your strengths? Or maybe you’re wondering how to prepare for either test? We’ve got you covered! It’s never too early to start preparing for college entrance exams. To kick off college prep early, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that will walk you through everything you need to know about the SAT and ACT. This guide will also provide information on how to support your child, and over 20 valuable online resources and tutoring options ensure you and your high schooler are set for success this college prep test season.
Understanding the SAT
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is one of the two most common standardized tests used for college enrollment in the United States. It’s designed to measure a student’s readiness for college and is often considered a critical factor in the admissions process. The test emphasizes critical reading and analytical writing, with a focus on applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.
In 2023, the College Board changed the format of the SAT to a digital format. The digital SAT is shorter in testing time, lasting around two hours, and includes more compact sections. It still covers the core areas of Reading, Writing, and Math (divided into two sections: with calculator and without calculator) but with adaptive testing, which tailors the difficulty of the questions based on the student’s performance as they make their way through the exam. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with separate scores for the math section (200-800) and the combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (200-800).
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a practice version of the SAT that helps students prepare for the actual exam. The PSAT gives students a preview of what will be covered on the official SAT, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the test format, question types, and timing. The PSAT is shorter and less challenging and is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520. Usually, students take it in their junior year of high school to qualify for scholarships and to prepare for the official test usually taken during their senior year.
Understanding the ACT
The American College Test (ACT) is the other main standardized test used for college admissions. Like the SAT, it evaluates a student’s readiness for college but has a slightly different structure, content, focus, and scoring system.
The ACT has a total of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The test is known for its straightforward questions and science section, which separates it from the SAT. The ACT emphasizes speed and efficiency, with more questions in a shorter time frame. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with the final score being the average of the four section scores. Students who excel in Math and Science may benefit from taking the ACT over the SAT because of its strong focus in these subjects.
Like the SAT, the ACT is undergoing digital changes. Starting in 2025, test takers will now have the option of taking the ACT either digitally or on paper. Additionally, the Science section of the test will become optional giving students the flexibility to choose what best fits their needs.
SAT and ACT Test Tips
- If you plan to start college in the fall, it’s best to start taking college entrance exams in the spring of your junior year, and then take a follow-up exam in the fall of your senior year. For early admission consideration, it’s important to plan in advance as many colleges require that you complete your exams by October. This ensures that your scores are available for an early decision.
- Practicing with multiple versions of SAT and ACT tests can help expose you to the different varieties of question types and formats. This can help you fine-tune your test-taking strategy.
- After taking each practice test, review mistakes carefully. Understanding why a question was marked wrong is important for avoiding similar errors in the future.
- Building stamina by practicing under real test conditions, like taking full-length tests with strict time limits, can help you get familiarized with the environment and rules and ease anxiety.
- In the day leading up to the test, avoid cramming. Instead, focus on rest, relaxation, and confidence-building activities. A calm, well-rested mind is essential for the best performance!
Common Questions about the SAT and ACT
SAT and ACT Testing Resources
Preparing for the SAT and ACT can feel like a marathon, but the right resources can make the journey smoother and more manageable. Whether you’re looking for free practice tests, in-depth courses, or personalized tutoring, we’ve got you covered. Below is a roundup of essential SAT and ACT testing resources to help you and your high schooler:
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