Overview of SAT & ACT
SAT
SAT Quick facts
๐ Test length: 2 hours 14 minutes
- ๐ Reading & Writing: 64-minute section with 54 questions
- โพ Math: 70-minute section with 44 questions
๐ Max SAT Score: 1600
๐ธ Test fee: $60 + $43 regional fee
ACT
ACT Quick facts
๐ Test length: 2 hours 55 minutes (3 hours 35 minutes with Writing)
- ๐ English: 45-minute section with 75 questions
- ๐งฎ Math: 60-minute section with 60 questions
- ๐ Reading: 35-minute section with 40 questions
- ๐ฌ Science: 35-minute section with 40 questions
- โ๏ธ Writing (optional): 40-minute essay
๐ Max ACT Score: 36
๐ธ 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.
๐ฃ๏ธ veronica says...
Veronica Lee
Admissions ExpertโUniversities 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.โ
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 itโs 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.
SCHOOL | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|
MIT | 1550 | 35 |
Harvard | 1550 | 34 |
Stanford | 1540 | 34 |
Princeton | 1540 | 34 |
Yale | 1540 | 34 |
UPenn | 1540 | 34 |
Caltech | 1540 | 36 |
Columbia | 1540 | 35 |
Johns Hopkins | 1540 | 34 |
Brown | 1530 | 34 |
UChicago | 1530 | 34 |
Northwestern | 1530 | 34 |
UC Berkeley | 1530 | 31 |
UCLA | 1530 | 31 |
Vanderbilt | 1530 | 34 |
Rice | 1530 | 34 |
Cornell | 1520 | 34 |
Duke | 1510 | 34 |
Dartmouth | 1500 | 34 |
Notre Dame | 1480 | 34 |
NYU | 1455 | 34 |
๐ฃ๏ธ veronica says...
Veronica Lee
Admissions ExpertโTo 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 itโs important to plan well!โ
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
Create a College Board account
- 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
Find SAT Testing Center in your country
- 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