Category: SAT
What Is a Good SAT Score?
The SAT may have changed a lot in recent years, including going digital-only for international students in 2023 and for the U.S. in 2024. But one thing hasn’t changed — a good SAT score will help you gain acceptance into the schools on your college list, even if they’re test-optional. Of course, standardized test scores are just one component of a strong college application, but they help provide a more comprehensive picture of your college readiness. If you’re preparing to take the SAT, keep reading to learn more about how the score is broken down, what’s considered a good score, and what the score range is for the middle 50% of enrolled students at some of the top universities in the U.S.
Test Score Submit Rates for Class of 2026
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way higher education institutions review applications with many colleges choosing to adopt a test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.
SAT to ACT Score Conversion Chart
Want to see how your scores on the SAT compare to ACT? The College Board provides concordance tables so students and educators can see how SAT total scores compare to composite ACT scores. You can also use the SAT score conversion chart below if you’ve completed both tests and want to determine which score is better to submit to colleges. These tables
List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies
UPDATED: List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a number of changes within the standardized testing industry, including the introduction of a new, entirely digital testing format and many colleges shifting to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle. In fact, 75% of four-year colleges and universities did not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.
Why SAT and ACT Scores Still Matter as Test-Optional Choices Rise
In the past several years, testing policies have varied wildly across the U.S. admissions landscape. While it was once a given that applicants would submit their test scores with their college applications, students now may be wondering whether it is still worthwhile to take the ACT or SAT exam. Keep reading to find out why it is in many applicants’ best interest to submit a standardized test score — even if the school does not require it.
Test-Optional Doesn’t Mean Test-BlindWhile it is true that a fair number of schools have retained test-optional admissions for the upcoming application cycle, that doesn’t equate with being completely blind to applicants’ test scores. Instead, the role that SAT or ACT scores play in a student’s chance of admission has evolved: while scores are no longer a requirement at many colleges, that doesn’t mean that they won’t have an impact on students’ admissions odds. In fact, admissions officers are likely to look favorably upon applicants with compelling SAT or ACT scores. SAT and ACT scores that fall within or above your best-fit colleges’ desired score range will continue to
Test Prep Tips for the ACT and SAT
When preparing for the ACT or SAT it’s important to develop an effective test prep strategy. From selecting the right test to setting score goals and creating a testing timeline, a good test prep plan can make all the difference in students’ performance on the ACT or SAT. Here are some test prep tips to help students prepare for the SAT or ACT.
Test-Taking Strategies: How to Ace the College Test Prep
Exams like the SAT, ACT, PSAT and AP tests can all seem overwhelming at first. Being asked to complete an academic assessment is already stressful, and it’s even more challenging to perform well under timed conditions when the stakes are high.
The good news is that it’s possible to put most of your test-taking anxieties at ease and ace your college test prep. The secret to performing your best is taking advantage of tried-and-true test-taking strategies that will set every student up for success.
Test Prep 101: Guide to the SAT Math Section
By IvyWise Master Tutor
The SAT Math Test is divided into four main sections: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics in Math.
Navigating Fall Testing in 2020
What You Need to Know if Testing is on Your Radar This Fall
This fall, students may feel like they’re approaching a crossroads. While many originally planned on taking the PSAT, SAT, or ACT during their fall semester, the COVID-19 pandemic has added a layer of uncertainty to their college preparation plans. As some testing sites begin to reopen, new questions have emerged. Some students may be wondering whether they should register for a fall exam, what taking the SAT or ACT during the COVID-19 pandemic will look like, and what their options are if they decide against sitting for an exam.
How to Set Test Prep Goals for 2020
Get a Head Start on Planning for the New Year
With the new year right around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about your test prep goals for 2020. Whether you’re a freshman who is just beginning to think about college, a sophomore gearing up to start test prep, or a junior who is already in the thick of it, there are concrete steps that you can take in 2020 to get closer to achieving your test prep goals.
Colleges That Don’t Honor Score Choice
Learn How Score Choice Works and Which Schools Honor It
For high school students navigating the college application process, the back-to-school season is about a lot more than starting new classes. In addition to coursework, many students are preparing all of the components of their college applications, including submitting test scores.
What’s on the SAT?
Learn About Every Kind of Question You Can Expect on the SAT
Performing well on standardized tests is about so much more than thinking quickly and bubbling in the answers. In order to really excel on exams, it is important to have a thorough understanding of exactly what the test will cover and review accordingly.
Testing Accommodations for the SAT and ACT
Learn What Kind of Accommodations Are Available for the SAT & ACT
The SAT and ACT can feel overwhelming for any test taker, but for students with learning differences or disabilities there can be an additional piece to the testing puzzle: obtaining appropriate accommodations in order to have the best chance of reaching their goal score on test day.
4 Standardized Testing Tips for International Students
Starting Early and Working Smart Can Help International Students Get Ahead on Standardized Tests
By Richard, IvyWise Master Tutor
When it comes to getting a great score on the ACT or SAT, the process of preparing and studying for the exam can seem quite complicated, especially if students are applying from abroad and aren’t familiar with the test. Instead of stressing out, know it can be done—as long as students learn about the exam and create a testing strategy.
4 Easy to Overlook Tips for the ACT and SAT
An Expert Tutor Breaks Down 4 ACT and SAT Tips That Many Students Overlook
By Richard, IvyWise Master Tutor
The college prep process can often be complicated, and the complexities of this journey can make it easy to overlook a few key tips that have a great record of helping students raise their ACT and SAT scores and pave the way toward long-term success.
SAT vs. ACT: Which Exam Is “Better?”
SAT vs. ACT: Which Exam Is “Better?”
A common question that families consider when their college-bound students are preparing for the SAT or ACT is “which test is better?” Or “are the ACT and SAT considered equally in the application review process?” There’s been a long-held myth that one test is favored over the other, however, that’s simply not the case.
What Students Need to Know About Superscoring
Here Is The IvyWise Guide To Superscoring With Instructions On How To Send SAT And ACT Score Reports
A question we often receive is “what is superscoring?” College-bound students are often confused about what it means to superscore, which colleges do it, and how it impacts submitting their SAT or ACT scores. But we’re here to help! Here’s what students need to know about the logistics of superscoring and how it may improve your score profile when applying to college.
SAT and ACT Prep: How Many Practice Tests Should I Take?
Take Multiple SAT and ACT Practice Tests As Part of Your Test Prep Plan
Practice tests are an integral part of any test ACT prep program, especially when you’re preparing for the SAT or ACT. Regardless of the test you plan to take, practice exams give you an opportunity to challenge your skills and gauge your progress.
SAT Calculator Hacks From An Expert Tutor
Tips and Free Tools For Students Using Calculators On the SAT
By Priyam, IvyWise Master Tutor
It’s SAT and ACT season for college bound students, and many will go into these tests with a calculator in-hand. Make sure you know how – and when – to use it.
Innovative Free Apps To Help You Step Up Your SAT and ACT Vocabulary
Utilize Free Resoures To Supplement Your Test Prep
By Megan, IvyWise Tutoring Manager
Expanding your vocabulary is important in high school, especially when preparing for the SAT or ACT, as they both have sections that will test your reading skills and your knowledge of certain words and their definitions. There are a number of free apps that students can use to enhance their vocabulary and make the most of their test prep.
How Many Times Should I Take the SAT or ACT?
Students Should Avoid Taking College Entrance Exams Too Many Times
Junior year is a big testing year for college bound students, and as they prepare for the SAT or ACT many students might not be taking the test for the first time. It’s not uncommon for students to take the SAT or ACT multiple times, but how many times is too many?
