The SAT and ACT are college entrance exams that play a very important role in applying for college. Both tests are standardized; however, the SAT only has three sections: critical reading, mathematics, and writing (this includes an essay, but some colleges do not take the writing section into account), while the ACT has four sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT also offers a version of the test with a writing component, which some colleges may require for application. Taking the SAT is optional, unlike the ACT (non writing) which is mandatory for high school juniors in the state of Colorado.

The SAT is an aptitude test that tests critical reasoning and verbal abilities. The ACT is an achievement test that measures what a student has learned in school. Both assist colleges in understanding how you learn and can help benefit your scholarship opportunities.

Prep for these tests can begin as early as freshman year. For freshmen, it helps to take strong classes that are challenging with a difficult curriculum. Sophomore year, you want to start taking practice tests. Some resources a student may use to help prepare include actstudent.com for practice on the ACT and sat.org/practice or collegeboard.org for the SAT practice. Each website has a question of the day, free full-length tests, tips, and free test prep booklets.

In general, colleges don’t just single out the ACT and SAT scores when looking for students. They are also interested in the difficulty level of classes, the grades that were received in that class, and then the ACT and SAT scores. Dr. Beers, the college and career counselor for AAHS, says, “The most important thing colleges look at is the classes a student has taken.” In other words, if you fail your ACT or SAT, it will not be the end since colleges don’t solely focus on your standardized scores (but that is not suggested as it does play a role).

It is possible to retake both tests multiple times if your scores are undesirable. Students should take the ACT at least twice because colleges use the highest composite score from all test sittings (some colleges ask you to submit all of your previous scores). Often for the SAT, colleges will take the highest score on each section from all test sittings (this is called super scoring). “If you feel like [the ACT]is not your test, try the SAT.” For both tests, the more you practice, the better you will do. “On average, a student’s score increases by one to two the second time they try the ACT.”

There are several testing dates throughout the year.

The upcoming SAT dates are:

December 7^th (need to sign up from November 8^th-November 22^nd)
January 25^th (need to sign up from December 27^th-June 10^th)

March 8^th (need to sign up from February 7^th-February 21^st)

May 3^rd(sign up from April 4^th-April 18^th)

June 7^th (sign up from May 9^th-May 23^rd)

For ACT, test dates are:

December 14^th, sign up from November 8^th-22^nd

February 8^th, sign up from January 10^th-24^th

April 12^th, sign up from March 7^th-21^st

June 14^th, May 9^th-23^rd.

Be sure to check the online calendar at sat.org/register to find the test dates that your SAT Subject test is on. The SAT Subject tests are one-hour tests that test what you’ve learned in a certain course. To find the SAT Subject test that interests you, make a list of classes that you enjoy and that you understand well. If you know the college(s) that you would like to attend, be sure to find out their test requirements and if uncertain, it is still a good idea to take a Subject test after a course and decide if you want to send your scores in or not.

If you only have a week to prepare, here are some tips to help you. In these cases, get a practice test booklet to see what kind of questions they are asking. It is also important to get used to the time and pace of these tests. Dr. Beers says, “I suggest students should set a timer to get the hang of it.”

Another difference between the SAT and ACT is the grading. Regarding the ACT: “My advice would be to choose a favorite letter and just mark the rest of the questions with that letter” if you run out of time and haven’t finished. For the ACT, you are not docked off for guessing. However, the SAT docks you off by ¼ of a point. If you cannot narrow it down, leave it blank.

You may be asking yourself, “What are our school’s test averages?” Last year the ACT average was 22.9 out of 36 and for the SAT, critical reading was 566 and math was 574 out of 800 for each. Do not forget that, “Test scores aren’t everything. Private or smaller schools will take the time to look at other things,” according to Dr. Beers.

Remember to take some time to study and visit the websites for the SAT and ACT. If you have any questions, see Dr. Beers in Student Services.