Become an academic weapon: conquer SAT/ACT

Overview of SAT & ACT

SAT

SAT Quick facts

🕐 Test length: 2 hours 14 minutes

• 📝 Reading & Writing: 64-minute section with 54 questions
• ♾ Math: 70-minute section with 44 questions

🌠 Max SAT Score: 1600

💸 Test fee: $60 + $43 regional fee

ACT

ACT Quick facts

🕐 Test length: 2 hours 55 minutes (3 hours 35 minutes with Writing)

• 📖 English: 45-minute section with 75 questions
• 🧮 Math: 60-minute section with 60 questions
• 📚 Reading: 35-minute section with 40 questions
• 🔬 Science: 35-minute section with 40 questions
• ✍️ Writing (optional): 40-minute essay

🌠 Max ACT Score: 36

💸 Test fee: $181.50

Can you apply without test scores?

Test-Optional

COVID has led to many universities adopting a test-optional policy, which essentially means that the submission of SAT and ACT scores is optional. It means that you, as an applicant, can choose whether to submit your SAT or ACT scores, and you won't be penalized if you don't submit them. However, if you want to create a truly strong application, it's highly recommended not to miss this opportunity to showcase your academic ability.

Universities that require SAT for 2024-25 admissions cycle:

• Harvard University
• Yale University (test-flexible)
• Brown University
• Dartmouth College
• Georgetown University

Test-flexible

Colleges that have implemented a "test-flexible" policy require applicants to submit test scores. However, while the typical "test-requiring" policy accepts only SAT and ACT results, the "test-flexible" policy takes a broader view regarding the validity of standardized exams. Depending on the specific school's requirements, applicants can usually choose between the SAT, ACT, IB exams, and AP exams. Please note that you can take an AP exam even if your school does not offer the AP curriculum. AP exams cover a variety of disciplines, ranging from Human Geography to African American Studies. On the College Board website, you can register for any subject exam available in the country where you plan to take the exam. Use this page to read official guidelines on how to prepare, and remember that Khan Academy's courses can be a great aid in your journey. This year, Yale University adopted a "test-flexible" policy with the aforementioned criteria. You can read more about it here.

🗣️ veronica says...

Veronica Lee

Admissions Expert

“Universities like Stanford and Cornell have already made the SAT/ACT mandatory for the Class of 2030. It seems like standardized tests are coming back, just like they were before COVID.”

What is a good score?

Average SAT score of top US universities

Knowing the average SAT scores of universities is helpful when creating your college list and deciding between reach, match, and safety schools.

To have a competitive application for a selective college, aim to score 1500+ on the SAT or 33+ on the ACT. Usually it would mean taking the test multiple times, so it’s important to plan well! Knowing the average SAT scores of universities is helpful when creating your college list and deciding between reach, match, and safety schools.

🗣️ veronica says...

Veronica Lee

Admissions Expert

“To have a competitive application for a selective college, aim to score 1500+ on the SAT or 33+ on the ACT. Usually it would mean taking the test multiple times, so it’s important to plan well!”

Free Resources to study for the SAT

Khan Academy offers a free prep course for SAT sections which includes articles, videos, and practice questions.

Bluebook is free app where you can practice and take official practice SATs.

Register for the SAT

1. 1

   Create a College Board account

   https://mysat.collegeboard.org/
2. 2

   Pick a Test Date

   Test Date	Registration Deadline
   Jun 1, 2024	May 16, 2024
   Aug 24, 2024	Aug 9, 2024
   Oct 5, 2024	Sep 20, 2024
   Nov 2, 2024	Oct 18, 2024
   Dec 7, 2024	Nov 22, 2024
3. 3

   Find SAT Testing Center in your country

   https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/test-center-search
4. 4

   Register and pay the test fee

   The current SAT registration fee is $60, plus a $43 regional fee.https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/international-testing/fees