Most Common Questions from Sophomores About the SAT/ACT

A Rundown of FAQ’s From Sophomores About the SAT and ACT

As if there wasn’t enough anxiety associated with being a high schooler you also have to worry about standardized tests. These tests can seem scary, and I’m sure you have plenty of questions about what they mean and how to prepare. Here is a rundown of some of the most common questions I get from Sophomores and incoming Juniors.

1. What happens if I fail the SAT or the ACT?

Well, the truth is that you can’t actually fail the SATs or the ACTs, but you can certainly feel like you’ve failed after getting a low score. Maybe the score you were looking for to get into your top choice isn’t what you got. Maybe you had a bad test day, and know you can do better next time. Maybe the curve on the test didn’t favor your strengths. The good news is that the SAT and ACT aren’t one and done tests.

2. What are my options if I don’t get my dream score?

There is an old adage that seems as if it was created for students taking the SAT or ACT to gain college admission — “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” The good thing about the SAT and ACT is that you can take the test multiple times.

3. How many times can I take the SAT or ACT?

This is one of my favorite questions. There used to be an unspoken limit on how many times you can take the test because you were required to submit all of your scores. That isn’t the case anymore. Today, you are in control of the scores you submit, so you can take the test as many times as you want. There are still reasons to consider limiting the number of tests you take: you may get fatigued from the test-prep process, or you may push off studying knowing you can always retake the test. So, even though you can test as often as you need/want, it’s still important to set dates and create a study plan.

4. What about schools that are test-optional?

If you’re reading this in 2020 and living through the coronavirus pandemic, you are hearing the words “test-optional” a lot these days. There are important facts to consider about test-optional schools. One of the great things about the SAT/ACT is that it can make an otherwise normal student stand out. Even if a school is test-optional, a strong SAT or ACT score will shine a bright light on your application. Another important fact to remember is that test-optional doesn’t mean you can’t submit a score. If you do submit your score that means you have something to be proud of, and maybe those who don’t submit might be less willing to share how they did. If you do want to stand out, take the time to prepare for the SAT or ACT before applying to college; it can give you better chances compared to others with the same grades and activities as you have.

5. How do I score better on the SAT or ACT?

As I mentioned earlier, one of the advantages of the SAT/ACT is that these tests can be retaken multiple times. Unlike your grades in high school, which are final, your SAT and ACT scores can change for the better. If you got a score you aren’t happy with, you have an advantage for the next time. You know this test now. The next time, you won’t be going in blind. In addition, you can see which areas need work, which you can target in your studying. Many students take diagnostic exams to build familiarity with the test.

The best way to not fail the SAT/ACT is to get some outside help. Though self-studying can help, sometimes it’s tough to be motivated and keep yourself on schedule. It’s best to reach out to an organization that offers a guarantee of an improved score, like Revolution Tutors. This way, there is safety in knowing that you’re in good hands, and someone is pushing you to do better. Test prep is one of the best ways to raise your score and put in the practice required to make a difference.

The SAT/ACT are very particular types of tests, and failing them doesn’t mean you aren’t smart. It just means you need to learn the best methods and approaches in order to conquer it on test day. The good news is: there are plenty of resources right at your fingertips.