Standardized testing is recommended at most selective colleges. Students are encouraged to register for the SAT and/or ACT in the fall of their junior year in highschool. This allows time for retaking the test to ensure the best scores.
Helpful Links
- College Board
- SAT Testing Dates
- College Research
- PSAT and NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Program)
- ACT
FAQs on Standardized Testing
Do colleges even care about the SAT/ACT any more?
Although many colleges suspended standardized testing during COVID, highly selective colleges are reimplementing SAT/ACT requirements for the class of 2026 and beyond.
However, approximately 80% of colleges remain test optional.
Should I take the test more than once?
Most colleges will “super score” meaning if you take the test multiple times, they will only count the highest scores from each section.
However, taking either test more than three times is not encouraged.
What’s the difference between the SAT and the PSAT?
The PSAT is a practice SAT administered in the fall of junior year (11th grade). It is an indicator of your potential success on the SAT and determines National Merit Scholarship recipients.
It is recommended that students also take the PSAT in the fall of sophomore year (10th grade) to become familiar with the test and your possible score.
What’s the difference between the SAT and the ACT?
Historically, the SAT was used by schools east of the Mississippi River and the ACT was used by colleges west of the Mississippi. More recently, the tests have become interchangable; however, they are very different aptitude tests. The SAT is assesses more reasoning and logic skills whereas the ACT is a more direct assessment of your academic knowledge.