Prepare for despair…

Because it’s testing season!! 

For all juniors and seniors, the SATs and ACTs are coming up soon; here is some important info.

SAT: From the Princeton Review, “The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test created and administered by the College Board.” It consists of three sections and has a slightly longer time per question than the ACT. 

SAT Content: 

Reading- 52 questions in 65 minutes

Writing and language- 44 questions in 35 minutes

Math- 58 questions in 80 minutes

ACT: Via the Test Masters website, “The ACT is a standardized test designed to measure high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The questions on the ACT test the core subjects that students typically study through their third year of high school (English, reading, mathematics, and science).” The ACT does include a writing portion, but that is optional and will not affect the overall score. If you wish to take the test online, talk to your guidance counselor for more information.

ACT Content: 

English- 75 questions in 45 minutes

Math- 60 questions in 60 minutes

Reading- 40 questions in 35 minutes

Science- 40 questions in 35 minutes

Writing- 1 prompt in 40 minutes

It is recommended to begin preparing by choosing either the SAT or the ACT. Many colleges have no preference for either test and it is best to choose one test and put your all into that. Start by looking at the content of each to see which one you would excel at, although not one test is easier than the other. Once you choose which test to take, register for a test date a few months in advance so that you have plenty of time for studying. It is best to take about two tests so that you have time to improve your scores. You should set a score that you would like to achieve and then get studying! Some of the main things to focus on would be working on time management and attempting a few practice tests to fully comprehend the material. 

One of the best sites for studying that is heavily recommended by students and teachers alike is Khan Academy. Khan Academy offers College Board approved Official SAT practice tests along with tips for studying, time management strategies, and detailed guides. It is a free website that can be accessed and used by everyone, and you can start whenever. Although they only currently offer SAT practice tests, it can also be used to help with ACT questions. For the ACT specifically, their official website offers many resources, free and not, to further aid in preparation. 

Local registration and testing dates can be found in the images below. To register online visit the official SAT and ACT websites. 

For all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, PSAT testing will be October 12th at 7:30am. Juniors who wish to test, PSAT ticket sales will be sold September 13th-16th during lunch in the Guidance office. Further information to come. 

Goodluck all 

For more info visit ~

Official SAT website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat

Official ACT website: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act.html

Official Khan Academy SAT Prep website: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat

Testmasters: https://www.testmasters.net/ActAbout#:~:text=The%20ACT%20is%20a%20standardized,%2C%20mathematics%2C%20and%20science

Princeton Review: https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-information