Fast Facts: SAT and ACT
High schools students know the stressful feeling of taking the SAT or ACT, and most are familiar with the dread of not receiving that desired perfect score. The distinction between fact and fiction for these standardized tests is quite murky, so let's dive into what you really need to know.
Let's start with some frequently asked questions.
How do I study for the SAT or ACT? Practice, practice, practice. The key here is repetition and consistent exposure to the testing format, and the more you do this, the better. If you've already taken the SAT or ACT (or even completed a practice test), look over your results and acknowledge sections or concepts that might require more studying. For some people, time management is another stressor. So, when you're drilling through questions or taking a practice test, make sure you pace yourself and keep an eye on the time remaining. Check out this site for more preparation tips.
Does retaking the SAT or ACT look bad to colleges? To answer this in short, no! Colleges don't mind if you retake the test, and some institutions even Superscore your results. And there's more good news: if you don't want to submit the results from your first test, you don't have to! It's up to you which scores you send and which you choose not to, so don't worry about retaking the SAT or ACT.
What's the difference between the SAT and the ACT? The SAT scores range from 400 to 1600 and includes sections of reading, writing and language, and math. The ACT scores range from 1 to 36 and includes sections of reading, English, math, and science. Both exams also offer an optional essay. For more information and to see the conversion table between the SAT and ACT, visit this site.
What's considered a competitive score? This really depends on the college or university to which you are applying. Most colleges publicize the scores of their admitted students, specifically noting the 25th percentile, 75th percentile, and average score for both the SAT and ACT. Here are these numbers for some schools, and more information can usually be found on an institution's website.
You already know the importance and weight of these standardized tests, but don't forget that there are other aspects to your college application. Another prominent component of your file is your college essay, which is how admissions counselors learn who you are. They also look at the rigor of the classes you've taken, your GPA, your extracurricular activities, and more-- so don't be discouraged if your score isn't perfect!
The majority of colleges operate through either the Common Application or the Coalition Application, which are both platforms that make the college application process more efficient for you. Once you input your personal information, you'll be able to upload your primary college essay to your profile. After completing any supplementary essay prompts or questions, you can simply apply with the click of a button!
If you still have questions regarding the SAT or ACT, be sure to visit their respective websites or reach out to your high school's administrative team. Contact us to get started on your SAT/ACT prep with one of our expert tutors.