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SAT and ACT FAQs
Which test should I take?
- Nearly every college across the U.S. accepts either test (please be sure to check if you have a specific school in mind) so choose the test best for you.
- If you are a pretty good test taker (multiple choice is your friend) the SAT might suit you better. The SAT is a reasoning test and not content specific (meaning it's not based on the content of your classes).
- If testing taking is difficult for you and multiple choice questions just make it worse, consider taking the ACT. It is still an multiple choice test but is content based and so is more similar to what you are learning in school. The ACT has a science section but the SAT does not. AVID students typically perform better on the ACT but not in every case. •Consider taking an SAT and an ACT your junior year to see on which test you perform better. Then retake just that test for a better score.
How many times should I take the ACT/SAT?
The average high school student takes the SAT 3 times in their high school career. This is just an average, so please keep your personal scores and circumstances in mind.
When should I take the ACT/SAT?
- Each student is different but there are some basic guidelines. Please keep your personal scores and circumstances in mind when deciding what to do when.
- Start Junior year taking the SAT or ACT. Be sure you are enrolled in or have completed Alg 3-4 as this is roughly the highest level math on the test. Consider taking your first test in the fall or winter and then retaking the test in the early or late spring.
- Take the SAT Subject Tests in the late spring (May or June) after your AP Tests; if you take the same SAT Subject test as you did AP Test, you really only have to study once!
- Be sure to take the SAT or ACT at least ONCE your Junior year so you are ready for college applications your Senior year.
- If you are taking the SAT or ACT your Senior year, take it in September or October. December might be too late to meet the application deadline depending on your school and situation.
Do I have to take the SAT Subject Test?
UC and most Private colleges require TWO SAT Subject Tests. So if you are even thinking of applying to either type of these schools, take the Subject Tests. Most schools heavily weight the Subject Test scores (more that the traditional SAT or ACT) so you might consider taking the Subject Tests more than once. Please check the specific requirements for the school(s) you have in mind.
