SAT & ACT Tests
Updated Fall 2022
SAT & ACT TESTING
Links to register for the SAT and ACT tests.
SAT (College Board)
ACT Test
Pro Tip:
SAT & ACT STUDY RESOURCES
Pro Tip:
Wondering how to decide which study program is right for your student? Most resources suggest the key to SAT/ACT Prep is regular, consistent practice for approx. 12-weeks prior to the testing date using Official Practice Tests to test and retest what is understood and what needs further practice. Students need to feel comfortable with the test, understand the timing, question styles and know time efficient ways to get to solutions.
The question you need to ask is: Is your student a good fit for a self-paced program or do they need the consistent structure that a class provides. Once you answer that question you can then find a program to meet their needs.
Kahn Academy is the official partner with College Board (the SAT) and offers a free, self-paced study program with videos, example problems, tips and hints. All online. All free.
Other frequently mentioned study options. These include programs that are self-paced, online classes with live instruction, 1:1 tutors and in person courses. All the options listed below charge a fee.
There are a host of SAT and ACT "big books" available and it is recommended that students pick one up (used is fine). These are a few you might consider (copies are also in the College Counseling Center).
DETERMINE IF THE SCHOOLS YOU ARE APPLYING TO ALLOW FOR SELF-REPORTING OF SAT & ACT TEST SCORES
Learn about Self-Reporting Test Scores (self submit vs pay to submit)
Pro Tip:
Among the many expenses that add up in the college admission process are application fees, test registration fees, and official score report fees. Many students are eligible to have these fees waived, but other students who don’t qualify for waivers may still find the costs to be a burden. A typical scenario might involve a student taking both the SAT and ACT once or twice, applying to 8–10 colleges, and spending a few hundred dollars simply to have official score reports sent to each college. Click to see the list of Colleges that allow students to self-report their test scores in their applications.
DO TEST OPTIONAL SCHOOLS LOOK AT THE SCORES?
Check out this video from the College Coalition, Darrell Edwards at the University of Delaware
Please let us know if you see any needed corrections, additions or links that don't work. Email: cecekaufman@comcast.net
Updated Fall 2022
SAT & ACT TESTING
Links to register for the SAT and ACT tests.
SAT (College Board)
ACT Test
Pro Tip:
- Sign up early, and if you can't get your preferred site, check back daily and see if a site has an opening (there tends to be a lot of movement a few weeks before each test date as students change their minds about taking the test that month). If you see an opening at your preferred site, grab it quickly.
- Test fee waiver forms: If your student is eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch, please have them visit the Lowell College Center to receive their free test waiver form.
- Timing: Generally Juniors take them in the Spring and Seniors take them in the Fall.
SAT & ACT STUDY RESOURCES
Pro Tip:
Wondering how to decide which study program is right for your student? Most resources suggest the key to SAT/ACT Prep is regular, consistent practice for approx. 12-weeks prior to the testing date using Official Practice Tests to test and retest what is understood and what needs further practice. Students need to feel comfortable with the test, understand the timing, question styles and know time efficient ways to get to solutions.
The question you need to ask is: Is your student a good fit for a self-paced program or do they need the consistent structure that a class provides. Once you answer that question you can then find a program to meet their needs.
Kahn Academy is the official partner with College Board (the SAT) and offers a free, self-paced study program with videos, example problems, tips and hints. All online. All free.
Other frequently mentioned study options. These include programs that are self-paced, online classes with live instruction, 1:1 tutors and in person courses. All the options listed below charge a fee.
- Prep Scholar is an online only resource with various study options from online/work at your own pace up to 1:1 tutoring.
- Kaplan and Princeton Review are probably the most recognized names in SAT and ACT course offerings. Options include self-paced, online classes and 1:1 tutoring.
- Scalar Learning offers a Math focused set of videos with a minimal monthly fee.
- SuperTutorTV.com is self paced, has lots of videos that explain questions from previous versions of the SAT and ACT.
- Magoosh offers two study plans, one is self-paced the other with online classes.
There are a host of SAT and ACT "big books" available and it is recommended that students pick one up (used is fine). These are a few you might consider (copies are also in the College Counseling Center).
- The Official ACT Prep Guide 2022-2023 1st Edition
- Official SAT Study Guide 2020 Edition Study Guide Edition
- The Critical Reader, Fourth Edition: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading
- Fifth Edition, The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar
- The College Panda's SAT Math: Advanced Guide and Workbook
DETERMINE IF THE SCHOOLS YOU ARE APPLYING TO ALLOW FOR SELF-REPORTING OF SAT & ACT TEST SCORES
Learn about Self-Reporting Test Scores (self submit vs pay to submit)
Pro Tip:
Among the many expenses that add up in the college admission process are application fees, test registration fees, and official score report fees. Many students are eligible to have these fees waived, but other students who don’t qualify for waivers may still find the costs to be a burden. A typical scenario might involve a student taking both the SAT and ACT once or twice, applying to 8–10 colleges, and spending a few hundred dollars simply to have official score reports sent to each college. Click to see the list of Colleges that allow students to self-report their test scores in their applications.
DO TEST OPTIONAL SCHOOLS LOOK AT THE SCORES?
Check out this video from the College Coalition, Darrell Edwards at the University of Delaware
- Time count: 10:36: Paraphrasing from the video...Look at the posted test score range for a typical admitted applicant. If your score falls in the upper half, you might want to submit. If your score doesn't, you might not want to submit.
- This doesn't apply to test blind schools like the UCs, just the test optional schools listed here.
- If you did far better on your AP tests vs the SAT or ACT, you might want to skip sending in your scores says PrepScholar.
Please let us know if you see any needed corrections, additions or links that don't work. Email: cecekaufman@comcast.net
