test taking: SAT, ACT, and more

2016 SAT redesign

In March 2014, College Board announced that a redesigned SAT will be available beginning spring 2016. According to the president of the College Board, these changes stem from standardized tests having become "far too disconnected from the work of our high schools." The new SAT will more closely reflect the real work of school and career. Here is an overview of the key changes for the redesigned 2016 SAT.

using your ACT and SAT scores in college planning

Your ACT or SAT test score is more than a number. It is an indication of how prepared you are for college. Check out the many uses of your ACT and SAT score results.

ACT and SAT test prep tools

The ACT and SAT are standardized tests that allow colleges to see where you stand academically in relation to other students. To take full advantage of your education, you should take either the ACT and/or the SAT in the spring of your junior year. This way, you'll have time to re-take the tests, if you choose, before college application deadlines. Test prep aids are available for both the ACT and the SAT to help you prepare.

how do colleges use ACT scores?

ACT scores are one of the tools universities use when selecting students for admission. They also use score reports for other purposes, such as course placement and student guidance. Here are five examples of ways universities use score reports.

is it better to take the ACT or the SAT?

Many high school students agonize over whether to take the ACT or the SAT. The easy answer to this question is to talk to an admissions officer at your college or university of choice and see if the school has a preference. Here are some other pointers.

understanding your SAT and ACT score reports

After taking the SAT and/or ACT, you should be able to access your online score reports within a month or two. Here is a guide to understanding the results of these standardized tests.

the low-down on college admissions tests

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that allow colleges to see where you stand academically in relation to other students. Here is some information that will help you better understand and prepare for these college admissions tests.

what you need to know about the PSAT

PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is the best indicator of how well you will perform on the SAT and may qualify you for scholarship awards.

how ACT scores are reported

ACT initially prepares three reports when you take the ACT: student report, high school report, and college/scholarship agency report. Here is an overview of each.

arguments for and against standardized testing in college admissions

In recent years, there has been much research and discussion over the use of standardized testing in college admissions. Because of new information this research has introduced, some schools no longer require students to submit SAT and ACT scores but instead offer a test-optional policy. The debate about standardized testing in college admissions is still ongoing, but here are some arguments for and against these tests.