What do you need to know about the SAT and ACT in this "test-optional environment?"

While the SAT and ACT are optional at many schools, it is an option you should take. A good score on the SAT or ACT will build and validate the rest of your application. Optional is different than blind so, take it and do your best. We’ll see to the rest. State tests like the Regents and PARCC exams will stay for quite some time so, the more data points you have to present to a school, the better off you will be.

A good score on the SAT or ACT is all relative to the type of school you will be applying to. The national average SAT score is 1051, 528 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing Section and 523 on the Math section. The national average ACT score is 20.8. Scores in the 1450+ or 30+ range will make you a good candidate at any school in the country.

There are no "shoulds" for this question. Most students will take the test they choose at least 2 times. Many will take the test 3 or more times. Still, many others will take both tests. None of those options seem great to us. The ideal is to be "In once, score, finish." Others talk about "money-back guarantees" and "repeat policies." What does that tell you about their confidence in preparing you? You can do really well the first time using our proprietary strategies and fantastic materials, and call it a day. Only great marketing and ill-prepared students keep the average above 2.5 times.

The short answer is no. Taking the test gives you some experience in a testing environment. It also gives you an almost full-length SAT. The number of questions only differs from the SAT by 5 questions in both Math and EBRW. Those are the good things and therefore, taking it if it's free and you are available, is recommended. However, do not stress if you cannot. If you cannot take it, simply call a firm like mine and ask if they give free tests and take one. Same effect.

Relax. We have the answer to this question. We understand that you have a ton of homework and many other responsibilities in your life. We will not add to your burden (much). We will be respectful of the rest of your life. We will not be giving you full-length tests every week. We will not stress you out. We will give you the necessary amount of homework to get you to where you want to go. Deep breaths. We got you.

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