Each student learns and achieves score increases at her own pace. There is no need to panic if you haven't achieved a sufficient increase after your first or second try. Check out the most common score scenarios to see what you can expect.
SAT and ACT
How do I register for the SAT? How much does it cost?
Use the registration page on the College Board website. You will need to fill out a short information section. Then you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Answer required questions only; just hit the "Save and continue" button at the bottom of each page. The SAT exam costs $64.50 (with essay). Your high school counselor or authorized community organization can give you a fee waiver if you qualify. If you are home schooled, you can request a fee waiver from the counselor at your local public high school.
How do I register for the ACT? How much does it cost?
Use the registration page on the ACT website. You will need to fill out a short information section. Then you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Answer required questions only; just hit the "Continue" button at the bottom of each page. The ACT exam costs $62.50 (with essay). Although the Writing section is optional, it is generally required by colleges. Your high school counselor or authorized community organization can give you a fee waiver if you qualify. If you are home schooled, you can request a fee waiver from the counselor at your local public high school.
What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?
Should I take a test cold just to get a feel for it and see how I do on my own?
No. Think of it like this: Before taking a driver's test, virtually everyone enrolls in a driver's education course. You would never consider taking your first driver's exam without adequate training. Nobody should take an important test like the SAT or ACT inadequately prepared. Getting professional training for your first SAT or ACT exam will provide you with sufficient time and opportunity to enhance your test-taking skills.
How many times should I take the tests?
I recommend taking the test 2 - 4 times. If you prepare before each exam and devote the necessary attention to this important part of college preparation, you will consistently improve your scores. Colleges will have no problem with seeing multiple test results on your transcript. I also recommend that you do not hide any of your test scores, as some colleges look unfavorably upon selectively showing your scores. Colleges will only consider your highest scores for admissions and never penalize you for lower ones.
What should I look for when choosing an online test prep company?
- Extensively trained instructor. Not all test prep teachers are created equal. Look for teachers who specialize in test prep and have been teaching for a long time. Do not choose a company that hires temporary instructors (i.e. college students who are home on break). Consider that just because someone achieved a perfect score on the SAT does NOT mean that (s)he is an effective instructor.
- Reputation. Choose a company that has an excellent reputation.
- Referrals. If you can, get a referral from someone you trust who has had a positive experience with that company.
- A good investment. Test prep doesn't have to be expensive, but typically, the really inexpensive online courses do not offer the detail and nuance required to achieve a huge score increase. Look carefully at what is being offered and consider the teaching style of the instructor as well as the comprehensiveness of the course.
- Face-to-face video instruction option. Some of us want to be taught by a real, live human being. But sometimes the best teacher is far away. Personal video instruction is an effective, convenient, and time-saving way to get the best value for your time, energy, and dollar.
What are Subject Tests?
Subject Tests are one-hour, subject-specific exams that many colleges require or recommend (usually 2-3, depending on the college) along with SAT scores. They are offered on the same days as the SAT exams (except March). The best time to take the Subject Tests is at the end of your course of study, usually in May or June, or in December or January (for school with block schedules).
More about the Subject Tests on the College Board Site
More about the Subject Tests on the College Board Site
What about students with learning differences?
There are a number of accommodations that students can receive depending upon their specific learning difference (LD). The most common accommodation allows students extended time (time and a half). Double time is available but much less frequently granted. Multiday testing, permission to write the essay on a computer, and permission to listen to the entire test on audiotape are other possible accommodations. Score reports do not distinguish between standard and nonstandard testing, so colleges will be unaware of the conditions students were under when they took the SAT exam.
*Note: Having been diagnosed with a learning difference in the past does not automatically entitle you to SAT or ACT accommodations. The diagnosis must be recent, the psychometrician needs to recommend the particular accommodations, the high school needs to be involved (a person cannot have an LD for SAT or ACT purposes but be LD-free at school), an Eligibility Form must be submitted to the College Board, and a number of other hoops must be jumped through. This approval process can take months, so start the process early. For additional guidance, you can call ETS directly at 609-771-7137.
*Note: Having been diagnosed with a learning difference in the past does not automatically entitle you to SAT or ACT accommodations. The diagnosis must be recent, the psychometrician needs to recommend the particular accommodations, the high school needs to be involved (a person cannot have an LD for SAT or ACT purposes but be LD-free at school), an Eligibility Form must be submitted to the College Board, and a number of other hoops must be jumped through. This approval process can take months, so start the process early. For additional guidance, you can call ETS directly at 609-771-7137.
PSAT
Should I take the PSAT?
Yes. The PSAT is good practice for the SAT and affords you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the test. The PSAT does not count toward college admissions, but your results will be available to colleges around the country. As a result, you may receive information from colleges you've never heard of based on your scores, a great opportunity to explore a diversity of college experiences. The top scorers in the country will qualify for the National Merit Scholarship (NMS), a prestigious scholarship likely to impress any college admissions board. Only students who take the PSAT in October of their junior year are eligible for the NMS.
How do I register for the PSAT? How much does it cost?
Students sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 with their school counselor. Online registration is not available to students or parents. Costs vary according to school regulations. Schools can request fee waivers for 11th-grade students only.
What is the difference between the PSAT and SAT?
The SAT includes an optional essay; the PSAT has no essay.
The PSAT is a 2 hour, 45 minute test; the SAT is a 3 hour, 50 minute test.
The PSAT is a 2 hour, 45 minute test; the SAT is a 3 hour, 50 minute test.