Standardized Testing

Important: Please check directly with colleges to which you intend to apply to be sure that you have accurate information. This information was current as of March, 2014.

What are the tests we are talking about here?

SAT, ACT (with Writing), SAT Subject Tests

How are these used in the college admissions process?

For schools that require these tests, they are considered in initial candidate screening, along with the applicant’s transcript. The following website lists schools that require/recommend Subject Tests:

Is it preferable to take the SAT or the ACT?

The SAT and the ACT are equally accepted. However, for certain schools that require/recommend Subject Tests, the ACT plus Writing is accepted in lieu of the SAT and Subject Tests. The following website lists indicates these schools.

Do all colleges require these tests?

No. More and more schools (although still a minority) are now “test optional”. The following website lists schools that do not require the SAT or the ACT.

When should these tests be taken?

The SAT or ACT should be taken for the first time before the end of the junior year. Subject tests should be taken at the completion of the curriculum associated with the test. If a student is taking an SAT and a Subject Test or Tests at the end of junior year, the Subject Tests should be in June; the SAT in May.

How do I register for these tests?

All of these tests have online registration. For the SAT and Subject Tests: For the ACT:

What is the fee to take these tests?

ACT: $36.50. ACT plus Writing: $52.50. SAT: $51.00. SAT Subject Tests: $24.00 for the first test on a given date; add $13.00 per additional test; add another $24.000 for any language test that requires listening (foreign language tests). You may take up to 3 Subject Tests in one day. FEE WAIVERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS.

What are the changes that I have heard about that the College Board is making in the SAT?

Please follow this link to the College Board website where these changes are outlined:

Do my scores automatically get reported to the colleges to which I am applying?

No. You have to request that the scores be sent to specific schools directly from The College Board (SAT) or ACT.

Do all of my scores automatically go with the score report?

No. For both SAT and ACT you have “score choice”. However, some colleges will ask that you send all scores, in which case you may not exercise this option.

What is the best way to prepare for these tests?

There are many ways to prepare. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Prep courses. We sometimes post announcements for courses that are free (the SAT prep course currently being offered as part of the after-school program and Let’s Get Ready, a summer program whose registration opens in May and gives preference to student eligible for free or reduced lunch), website: )or very inexpensive (the SAT Prep course currently being offered at the WP Public Library by Shirley Acevedo Buontempo of Latino U for first-generation students). Commercial classroom courses range from several hundred dollars to over two thousand dollars, depending upon the size of the class, the number of sessions and the number of hours in the course. Online prep courses can be less expensive.
  • Tutoring. This can be very expensive as it is one-on-one exam prep. Most test prep companies offer this option in addition to classroom and online group courses.
  • Independent online prep. Use MyCollegeQuickstart and Khan Academy online resources to prepare yourself to take the SAT. There are also online resources to help prepare you for the ACT. For exam prep directly from ACT: For exam prep directly from SAT: For SAT Subject test, go to: and
  • Review books. Review books are available for SAT, ACT and Subject Tests. They are full of examples of questions and strategies for success on these tests.
  • A combination of the above.

Regardless of how you prepare, this should be your timeline: Use the results of your PSAT to inform your preparation to take the SAT in the spring of your junior year. If possible, also take the ACT. Once you have the results from both tests, decide which one you should focus on, and make that the test you will spend the summer and early fall preparing to take again. If you intend to apply Early Decision, you must test by October in order to have your scores available for that process. If you are applying regular decision, you will be fine up through December and in some cases January.

If I have accommodations (extended time, separate location, etc.) in school as a result of my IEP or 504 Plan, do I have them on the SAT and ACT as well?

No. You must apply to the College Board or ACT for accommodations, and they are not automatically granted. For more information: