The High School Guide to Standardized Tests
Many colleges have adopted a test-blind or test-optional policy since the COVID-19 pandemic began. However, you may still choose to take standardized tests. A good score can boost your college applications and serve as additional proof that you are academically qualified.
The two major tests that you can submit to colleges are the SAT and ACT. If you’ve decided to take on this task, you might have a few questions: How do I sign up? Which test should I take? How do I study? Here is a general overview of the tests to help guide you through this process!
The SAT
The SAT has 4 subsections: reading, writing and language, math (no calculator), and math (with a calculator). The test is 3 hours long.
The reading section has 52 questions (65 minutes).
The writing section has 44 questions (35 minutes).
The first math section has 20 questions (25 minutes). In this section, you can’t use a calculator.
The second math section has 38 questions (55 minutes). In this section, you can use a calculator. Make sure to check the College Board’s list of approved calculators before test day.
You can sign up for the SAT on the College Board website by creating an account or logging in with a pre-existing one. College Board has posted test dates for the entire school year, so you should register early to avoid late registration fees. Seats could also fill up at your closest test center.
SAT scores range from 400-1600. The math sections account for half of your score (200-800 points), while the reading and writing sections account for the other half (200-800 points).
The ACT
The ACT has 4 subsections: English, math, reading, and science. The test is 2 hours and 55 minutes long.
The English section has 75 questions (45 minutes).
The math section has 60 questions (60 minutes). You can use a calculator in this section. Make sure to check the ACT’s list of approved calculators before test day.
The reading section has 40 questions (35 minutes).
The science section has 40 questions (35 minutes).
You can sign up for the test by creating a MyACT account. Like the SAT, make sure to sign up for a test before the registration deadline.
The ACT is on a 36-point scale. You will receive a score from 1-36 on each of the four sections, and your composite score will be an average of these.
ACT registration costs $63, while the SAT costs $60. However, you may be able to test with a fee waiver. You can find out if you’re eligible by contacting a representative or counselor at your school.
SAT vs. ACT: Choosing Which Test To Take
Colleges don’t prefer one test over the other, so choose the test you will perform better on. To make this decision, take a look at practice questions to get a sense of what each test looks like, and make note of the following distinctions. See which features suit you better!
One notable difference between the tests is the extra science section of the ACT. This section may seem intimidating, especially if you haven’t taken AP science courses. However, this section mostly consists of analyzing graphs and evaluating scientific experiments, which doesn’t require advanced background knowledge.
The SAT has similar questions in the reading section, which contains at least one science passage where you analyze graphs that relate to the passage.
The pacing of the two tests is also different. There are a total of 154 questions on the SAT and 215 on the ACT, but the amount of time given to complete the tests is almost exactly the same. The SAT gives you more time to answer each question, but questions on the ACT tend to be more straightforward, requiring less time.
Another difference to note is that the ACT is completely multiple-choice, while the SAT has several fill-in-the blank questions. There are five of these questions in the math (no calculator) section and eight in the math (with a calculator) section.
How to Study for Standardized Tests
The best way to study for the SAT or ACT is by familiarizing yourself with the test questions! Free downloadable practice tests are available on both ACT and SAT websites as well as Khan Academy.
You can also receive free one-on-one tutoring through UPchieve’s SAT exam prep. It only takes 5-10 minutes to connect with an online tutor and receive guidance. Even a 30-minute session will make you more comfortable with the material.
Overall, preparing for your test will help you feel much more confident than going into it blind!
Advice for Test Day
Get a good night’s sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours is crucial for your brain to perform at its prime. Both tests start in the morning, so you should go to bed early! Being exhausted before your test even begins is not ideal as you won’t be able to focus.
In addition, eat a hearty breakfast. This will give you the energy you need to concentrate and think critically.
You must bring a government or school-issued ID, your admission ticket, and number two pencils with erasers to the test. Although a calculator is not required, it will definitely make your life easier in the calculator permitted section, which can include problems with large numbers or decimals.
You can also bring a watch and snacks to eat during the breaks between test sections. Make sure to confirm that your watch can’t connect to the internet.
During the test, examine each question and try your best to answer. You won’t be penalized for choosing an incorrect answer, so if you don’t know an answer, it’s ok to guess.
Scores are based on how many questions you get correct, so it’s much more beneficial to guess than to leave an answer blank!
Final Thoughts on Standardized Tests
Although it’s easier said than done, don’t get too stressed before the test. Try to take deep breaths and put yourself in a positive mindset. Remember that you are capable, hardworking, and prepared. You can do it!
Want to work through your test prep with a tutor? Sign up to get test prep help from an UPchieve tutor today!