SAT ACT AP Testing
SAT and ACT Testing
Some 4-year colleges and universities require you to submit either SAT or ACT scores. However, many schools have gone test-optional (see below) so students should check the websites of colleges that they are interested in to learn about their testing requirements. Students usually take the SAT or ACT in the spring of their junior year and again in late spring, summer or in the fall of their senior year. SAT and ACT scores are only part of your application and schools look at your application holistically, meaning that they take into account your grades and most also look at what you do with your time outside of school as well (eg. jobs, internships, sports, clubs, volunteer work, hobbies, etc.).
Some students choose to take the PSAT in the fall of their sophomore year to start practicing for the exam. Students can also take the PSAT-NMSQT test in the fall of their junior year. This test can qualify them for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students will sign up for the PSAT through SRHS.
Sign up to take the test:
*Fee waivers for the tests are available for eligible students. Check with your school counselor.
AP Testing
The Advanced Placement® Program (AP) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school.
The AP Program develops college-level courses that high schools can choose to offer and corresponding AP Exams that are administered once a year.
Test Preparation
There are several FREE resources available for students to prepare them for the exams. The following is a list of resources:
A student who has taken the PSAT can connect their College Board account to Khan Academy and import their PSAT results and Khan Academy will create a customized study plan for the student. There are also SAT exam prep resources for students who have not taken the PSAT.
Free webinars, study guides and practice exams to help you prepare for the ACT exam.
Test Optional, Test Flexible and Test Blind Colleges
Many colleges and universities have gone "test-optional", "test-flexible" or "test-blind", especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Colleges that are test-optional don't require you to submit SAT or ACT scores, but will consider them if submitted. You get to decide whether you'd like to submit test scores or not so you can determine how you want to present yourself to schools. For example, if you feel your SAT scores aren't strong, you might choose to withhold your scores and instead opt for strengthening other parts of your application, such as your essay.
- Colleges that are test-flexible schools allow you to submit other test scores in place of SAT/ACT scores. Acceptable scores will vary depending on the institution, but you can generally fulfill the SAT/ACT requirement by submitting scores from SAT Subject Tests, AP tests, IB tests, and/or school-administered placement tests
- Colleges that are test-blind will not consider SAT/ACT test scores during the admission process, even if you include them in your application.