The United States uses the SAT, a standardized test, for college admission by testing high school students’ readiness for college. The SAT sections include math, evidence-based reading and writing and an optional essay. The ACT is also used to help colleges and universities make admission decisions. The ACT sections include English, math, reading, science and an optional essay.

The SAT length is three hours (plus 50 minutes if taking the optional writing essay). The ACT length is two hours and 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if taking the optional writing essay). The SAT cost is $46 or $60 if taking the essay, and the highest score is 1600. The average score is 1060. The ACT cost is $50.50, or $67 if taking the essay. The maximum score is 36, and the average score is 21.

Items that are allowed to be in the testing room:

• Snacks 
• Water bottle

Items that SHOULD be with you:

• Admission ticket
• School ID or driver’s license
• Calculator (optional)

Test dates: 

Students all study and prepare in different ways. It is best to practice and find the best way to study for yourself. Three strategies for studying are eliminating the wrong answers, finding good things to read to practice your reading method and understanding why you got an answer wrong. Everyone is different, just practice and find what works for you. 

Test prep is very important for the SAT and ACT. “I enrolled in an online SAT prep class to help me prepare for the exam. I try to make flash cards for things that I need to spend extra time studying,” said junior Savannah Stegeman, a student who has not yet taken the SAT/ACT.  

“Khan Academy is really good [for studying] since you can connect your College Board account to it. The program is convenient for laying out a plan and hitting topic areas that will most benefit your score,” explains senior Haelim Adle, a student who has taken the SAT/ACT.

To register for the SAT or ACT you can register online on the College Board website or students can talk to their counselor if they would like a paper registration. Students are responsible for their own registration.