Your college-bound teen will likely take one or both of these college entrance exams at least once. Here’s what you need to know.
Many colleges require applicants to submit results from one of the two college entrance exams — the SAT and the ACT. But it’s important to note that many colleges have changed their policies to make these tests optional. Keep in mind, too, that college applications will include many other pieces of information that will help colleges get to know your child. If your teen takes these tests and submits their scores, then their scores will be one part of their college application. These tests are difficult and taking them requires advance planning and preparation. Here’s what you need to know to help your teen get prepared, registered, and through these important exams.
The SAT and ACT cover similar content and are accepted equally by all schools, but they require different strategies for preparation. Here are a few key differences to consider:
Your child should take a practice test for each and see how their scores on the two compare; whichever test they score higher on and/or feel better about taking is the one they should prepare for and take.
There’s a chance your child’s school has a policy that requires all tenth or eleventh graders take the PSAT. Or maybe your child’s school offers the PSAT to tenth graders either way. If so, sign your child up. If not, you may need to proactively find another local high school that’s offering the PSAT and sign your child up to take it there. The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT. Taking it sophomore year is an excellent, no-risk way for your teen to get some practice for the SAT and experience what it’s like to take these tests. The scores won’t count for college admissions, but research shows that taking practice tests and being familiar with testing conditions helps.
Yes, your teen can take this test again if they took it last year. If your school offers the PSAT, great, sign your teen up! If not, you may need to see about signing your child up to take the PSAT at another local high school. Teens who take the PSAT in October of their junior year and do well can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a great way to earn free money for college while gaining familiarity and practice for the SAT.
The two cover similar content and are accepted equally by colleges. But they have some differences (see above) that will likely make one a better choice for your child. Your teen should take a free online practice test for each and see how their scores on the two compare; whichever test your child scores higher on is the one they should plan to take.
Help your child figure out which standardized tests (SAT vs. ACT, any AP exams, etc.) they will take and when they will take them. Look up when these tests are offered and put the registration and test dates on the calendar.
Working backward from the date when your child will take the SAT or ACT, make a study plan. There are free, high-quality test prep resources available online. Kaplan offers free SAT practice test questions and Khan Academy offers free SAT Tutoring with Schoolhouse online. ACT offers free resources including a study guide and sample questions, which students can access by creating an account on MyACT. More free online practice — including full ACT and SAT practice tests — is available through Kaplan Test Prep. Read more about how you can help your child prepare for these tests.
It’s a good idea for teens to take the SAT and/or the ACT in the spring of junior year. They will have a chance to retake the test(s) in the fall of senior year. Taking them more than once is highly recommended.
Your teen may have already taken the SAT or the ACT junior year, but most students should take these tests twice and try to improve their score. Encourage your teen to retake the SAT or ACT early in senior year so their scores are available for college applications. A bonus for ACT takers: a new policy allows students to retake just the sections of the ACT that they want to improve on, saving students study time and test-taking stress. Learn about the best strategies for raising SAT and ACT scores.
Look for a test date when scores will be in before applications are due. Don’t wait: The last chance to take the SAT for early applications is in October. For regular applications, it’s early December.
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