SAT/ACT Preparation
Standardized tests are part of most college application materials. You don't need to take both of them as nearly all colleges will accept scores from either one. If you really, really hate taking standardized tests, there are some schools that don't require them (click here to see the list) and every year it seems another big name college announces they are making the tests optional. But, most students will probably end up taking one of them. You may have already participated in the SJS SAT prep program or you may have taken one of the tests and are considering taking it again - either way is great practice. That's a good thing!!!! Like the other pieces of the college application process, there are a ton of resources available to study for the tests.
Changes in the SAT - an article that outlines the features of the 'new' SAT
SAT official site - in addition to preparing, you can order back issues of the test
ACT official site - in addition to preparing, you can order back issues of the test
Khan Academy - one of my favorites, they let you work through the problems at your own pace and without any cost to you!
I Need a Pencil - another free site
Number 2.com - yet another free site
Princeton Review - a free online practice SAT test
SAT/ACT test dates and deadlines
Upcoming SAT tests
ACT test dates
SAT official site - in addition to preparing, you can order back issues of the test
ACT official site - in addition to preparing, you can order back issues of the test
Khan Academy - one of my favorites, they let you work through the problems at your own pace and without any cost to you!
I Need a Pencil - another free site
Number 2.com - yet another free site
Princeton Review - a free online practice SAT test
SAT/ACT test dates and deadlines
Upcoming SAT tests
ACT test dates
What's the difference between the SAT and the ACT?
Both the SAT and ACT test basic skills such as reading and writing. However, the ACT is tied more closely than the SAT to course content taught in grades 7-12. The SAT Reasoning Test doesn't specifically measure what you learned in the classroom - it attempts to measure how you apply that knowledge through abstract reasoning. (The SAT subject tests DO measure course knowledge.) Both tests have an essay writing part - for the SAT, it is required; for the ACT, it is optional (it is highly recommend that you take the writing part of the ACT!!). Nearly all advice about taking the tests say that one of the best ways to prepare for either is to: READ, READ, READ!
See Chapter 7, 'Taking the Tests', in our textbook for more information.
For more information about the SAT scores and tests, click here.
For more information about the ACT scores and test, click here.
Are the SAT and ACT viewed equally (by admissions offices)?
Should you take the SAT/ACT again?
Taking it in the spring of your junior year and in the fall of your senior year seems to be the norm. Our textbook for this course states: "Our best advice is to expect to take the SAT or ACT twice." Taking any test twice can increase your score because you are familiar with it. But do you HAVE to take it twice? Princeton Review's, If the U Fits, says this about it: Test scores are more important at some colleges than at others. Most colleges list their averages and if you have already exceeded the average of the colleges you are interested in, there may not be good reason to retake. Do you feel you did your best? Again, if you feel you gave it your all, move on - eeking out a couple of more points probably won't make any difference in your college acceptances but higher scores MIGHT make a difference in the amount of financial aid you receive. Just as it is ok to retake, it is also ok not to retake (unless you completely bombed the exam). Most of the articles I could find (some listed below), were in favor of retaking it. But, keep in mind that just retaking it doesn't guarantee higher scores - you have to make at least as much effort preparing the second time as you did the first time!
Both the SAT and ACT test basic skills such as reading and writing. However, the ACT is tied more closely than the SAT to course content taught in grades 7-12. The SAT Reasoning Test doesn't specifically measure what you learned in the classroom - it attempts to measure how you apply that knowledge through abstract reasoning. (The SAT subject tests DO measure course knowledge.) Both tests have an essay writing part - for the SAT, it is required; for the ACT, it is optional (it is highly recommend that you take the writing part of the ACT!!). Nearly all advice about taking the tests say that one of the best ways to prepare for either is to: READ, READ, READ!
See Chapter 7, 'Taking the Tests', in our textbook for more information.
For more information about the SAT scores and tests, click here.
For more information about the ACT scores and test, click here.
Are the SAT and ACT viewed equally (by admissions offices)?
Should you take the SAT/ACT again?
Taking it in the spring of your junior year and in the fall of your senior year seems to be the norm. Our textbook for this course states: "Our best advice is to expect to take the SAT or ACT twice." Taking any test twice can increase your score because you are familiar with it. But do you HAVE to take it twice? Princeton Review's, If the U Fits, says this about it: Test scores are more important at some colleges than at others. Most colleges list their averages and if you have already exceeded the average of the colleges you are interested in, there may not be good reason to retake. Do you feel you did your best? Again, if you feel you gave it your all, move on - eeking out a couple of more points probably won't make any difference in your college acceptances but higher scores MIGHT make a difference in the amount of financial aid you receive. Just as it is ok to retake, it is also ok not to retake (unless you completely bombed the exam). Most of the articles I could find (some listed below), were in favor of retaking it. But, keep in mind that just retaking it doesn't guarantee higher scores - you have to make at least as much effort preparing the second time as you did the first time!
