SAT vs. ACT
All four-year colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT, so it can be a challenge to figure out which test to take, or whether to prepare for both. We recommend that students explore both options by taking a practice test for each exam. Then students can choose whether to focus their energies on SAT prep, ACT prep, or both.
ACT Prep
Although the ACT is more knowledge-based than the SAT, it still doesn’t reflect the lessons taught in a typical high school classroom. In addition, the ACT requires that students be able to read and analyze information very quickly. This is a very important part of test prep for college.
PSAT Prep
Many people think that the PSAT is just a practice run for the SAT, but for high school juniors, it can be even more valuable. All juniors who take the PSAT are automatically entered to win the prestigious National Merit Scholarship, an impressive award that can provide a huge boost to any college application.
The National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship is awarded to the top performers on the annual qualifying exam. Those students who hope to compete for the National Merit Scholarship should prepare for the test well in advance in order to maximize scores and improve the odds of winning. Scholarship recipients are highly valued by colleges, which means that National Merit Scholars are usually accepted at top-ranked colleges and universities and often receive additional financial aid as an incentive to enroll.
Click Here to Find SAT Test Dates
Click Here to Find ACT Test Dates
College Planning Timelines
Middle School
- Many 7th or 8th grade students have the chance to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP). The program identifies academically talented students and offers special programs, recognition, and educational opportunities. As part of the Duke TIP program, students take the SAT exam in December or January of the 7th or 8th
- Learn how to study
- Prepare for private high school entrance exam
- Prepare to take honors and AP classes in high school
- Get involved. Show leadership. Do community service.
Freshman
- Create a high school plan
- Make sure you know what high school courses are required by colleges and that you´re taking the right classes starting this year.
Get to know the levels of the courses offered by your school. - Take challenging classes
- You should take at least five solid academic classes every semester. These usually include classes in English (language arts), math, science, social studies, foreign languages, and the arts. Try to take advantage of honors and other higher-level courses to challenge yourself.
- Learn about the SAT Subject Tests
- Although most students take SAT Subject Tests beginning in their junior year, there are some tests that you should take as soon as possible after taking the subjects. For example: World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Read and write as much as you can
- Go beyond your reading and writing assignments in school. Reading books and magazines, keeping a journal or blogging can help you improve your writing skill, reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Sophomore
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- Explore the Advanced Placement Program (AP)
- Try out college-level work, improve your abilities, and, with the right grades, maybe even receive college credit. More than 3,000 higher education institutions award credit based on AP Exam grades. Learn more about the AP Program.
- Ask if the PSAT/NMSQT is offered to 10th graders
- While it’s usually given in the 11th grade, the PSAT/NMSQT is also often offered in the 10th grade. By taking it this year, you’ll receive a score report to help you improve your performance on next year’s exams.
- Think about taking the SAT Subject Tests
Are you taking any courses this year that are related to an SAT Subject Test? For some subjects, it’s best to take those exams at the end of the year, while the material is still fresh in your mind.
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- Keep up your participation in school activities or volunteer efforts
Extracurricular activities can help you develop time-management skills, expand your horizons, and find what you are passionate about doing.
Junior
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT
Sign up for the test, which is given in October. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is the best way to get ready for the SAT. - Plan for spring tests
- You can take either the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one test day. Plan your testing schedule carefully if you want to take both types of tests.
- Get ready for the SAT
- Be sure to sign up for Be sure to sign up for The Official SAT Question of the Day for daily practice.
- Get ready for the SAT Subject Tests
- Take the SAT
- Send scores to colleges and scholarship programs
- If you know which schools you’d like to receive your scores, then consider sending them in the spring of your junior year. Colleges see this as a sign of interest and may use scores to qualify you for special campus visits programs, information sessions in your hometown or for scholarships.
Senior
- Take the SAT again?
If you plan on taking the SAT again, the beginning of senior year is the best time. Research shows that students who take the SAT a second time usually improve their score. - Improve your performance
- Use My SAT Online Score Report to review your strengths and areas for improvement
- Visit SAT Skills Insight to understand the skills needed to take you to the next level
- Visit the SAT Practice section and be sure to sign up for The Official SAT Question of the Day @SAT Question on Twitter for daily practice.
- Take SAT Subject Tests
- SAT Subject Tests measure your knowledge of a particular subject. If you continue to study the subject and take the test again, your score should reflect your increased knowledge.
- Send scores to colleges and scholarship programs
- Many colleges and universities have application deadlines in December or January of your senior year. If you haven’t sent your scores to any institutions or if you would like to send more score reports, now is the time.
