Applying to College » SAT & ACT

SAT & ACT

SAT

As of 2020, the UC system and many other colleges became test-blind or test-optional. Find out if scores are required by the colleges you're interested in at https://fairtest.org/university/optional. Please note that for many test-optional schools, you have greater chances of admission if you submit your test scores! This is especially true for first-generation college students and other historically disadvantaged applicants!

 

To see if your school prefers test score submission, you can check their proportion of admitted students who submitted test scores in their admitted class profile.
 
 
 

SOCES hosts a variety of exams to prepare you for the SAT. The exams are offered during the school day to all designated grade-level students, and should not be missed or taken lightly.

  • The PSAT 8/9 tests reading, writing, and math skills. The questions on the PSAT 8/9 are grade-appropriate, and scores are not sent to colleges.
  • The PSAT 10 provides 10th graders the chance to opt into the Student Search Service, access Roadtrip Nation’s career roadmap, and identify potential AP course recommendations. On the PSAT 10 students become familiar with the types of questions they will see on the SAT and receive an indication of how they will perform on the PSAT/NMSQT, as well as see what areas they should study for.
  • The PSAT/NMSQT is taken by juniors as direct practice for the SAT. This exam allows students to opt into the Student Search Service® and receive communications directly from colleges, and is a qualifying test for the prestigious National Merit® Scholarship Program.
    • While anyone can take the SAT, it is highly advised students take it in 11th or 12th grade. Most campuses suggest the test only be taken twice. Reviewing your PSAT and SAT answer sheets are free and effective SAT preparation.
  • SOCES hosts a free SAT school day for all juniors in October!
 
 
 

You can do official SAT practice at Khan Academy for free!

  • Your Khan Academy study program is automatically personalized for you! A study program will be automatically created to tailor your needs based on your diagnostic or PSAT Scores. 
  • Get instant and constant feedback on your progress so you know where you stand.
  • The program is interactive, with thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons, and hints plus study and test-taking tips and strategies. 
  • Research suggests three best practices associated with substantial improvements in SAT scores: leveling up your skills, taking a full-length practice test, and following personalized practice recommendations. Students who used Official SAT Practice for six or more hours and followed at least one best practice scored 39 points higher than students who did not use Official SAT Practice.
  • You may use the same strategies and practice for the ACT but ensure also check out the Free ACT Practice at ACT.org
 
 

You can receive a free copy of Guiding Students Forward! The guide was designed to make studying for the ACT as simple as possible. With information about ACT test dates, fee waivers, and test prep, you'll find everything you need to succeed on test day.

The free ACT online test prep includes a full-length practice test (including writing prompts), an overview of the ACT test and what to expect on test day, and access to general test-taking strategies.

 

Can I take both exams?

Yes, you may register, prepare for, and take both exams. Review the concordance table to figure out which exam you perform best in, and prepare to take your second and final sitting. The best time to take the first sitting is the end of Junior year after you have reviewed and prepared for academic finals. Review your junior scores, study over the summer, and take your second and final sitting in the Fall of senior year – ideally before December. 

 

 

The difference between the ACT and SAT

 

  • The ACT includes a Science section
  • The SAT includes one SAT Math Section on which you may not use a calculator
  • You can guess on both exams without penalty
 
  SAT ACT
Cost

with essay: $68

with essay: $88
Why Take It

Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.

Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Test Structure
  • Reading
  • Writing & Language
  • Math
  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science Reasoning
Essay (Optional)
Length
  • 3 hours
  • 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
  • 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Reading

5 reading passages

4 reading passages
Science

None

1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
Math Covers:
  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra I & II
  • Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
 Covers:
  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra I & II
  • Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability & Statistics
Calculator Policy

Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator.

You can use a calculator on all math questions.
Essays

None

Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
How It's Scored

Scored on a scale of 400–1600

Scored on a scale of 1–36
 

SAT Prep Options

ACT Prep Options

 

 

Where can I register for the exams?

For SAT Click Here or

 https://www.collegeboard.org/

 

For ACT Click Here or

https://www.act.org/

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Where can I receive a fee waiver?

Please see Ms. Morales in room 300

SAT Fee Waiver Benefits

ACT Fee Waiver Benefits

 

 

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