SAT, ACT, test-optional, AP exams, here's what matters, what doesn't, and how to make the most of your testing options.
The testing landscape has shifted dramatically. Most schools are now test-optional, but that doesn't mean scores don't matter.
Digital format as of 2024. 2 sections (Reading & Writing + Math). Total score 400-1600. Takes about 2 hours 14 minutes. Offered 7 times per year.
4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science). Score 1-36. About 3 hours. Offered 7 times per year. Optional Writing section. Some schools require it.
Most schools are test-optional, you choose whether to submit scores. A strong score helps; a weak one can hurt. Know each school's policy before deciding.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams demonstrate rigor. Scores of 4 or 5 on AP exams can earn college credit. Admissions uses course rigor, not just GPA.
At test-optional schools: submit if your score is at or above the school's middle 50% range (check the Common Data Set, Section C13). Withhold if it's below. A score below their range is more likely to hurt than help, even at test-optional schools.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Digital (computer or tablet). Two sections: Reading & Writing and Math. |
| Score Range | 400-1600 total (200-800 per section) |
| Duration | ~2 hours 14 minutes (with breaks) |
| Frequency | 7 times per year: Aug, Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, May, Jun |
| Score Reporting | Score Choice: you choose which scores to send. College Board sends all scores unless you opt for Score Choice. Check each school's policy. |
| Superscore | Many schools superscore the SAT, they take the highest section scores across multiple test dates. If a school superscores, take it more than once. |
| Fee Waiver | Available for eligible low-income students. Ask your school counselor. Waiver also covers 4 free college score reports. |
| Register | College Board at sat.collegeboard.org. Register 4-5 weeks before the test date. |
Tests reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary in context, and evidence-based analysis. New digital format uses shorter passages. 54 questions in 64 minutes (split into two modules).
Covers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, and data analysis. Calculator allowed throughout (unlike old SAT). 44 questions in 70 minutes (two modules).
The digital SAT is adaptive: if you do well in module 1, module 2 gets harder (but the scoring ceiling goes up too). It's faster and more fair than the old paper SAT.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | 4 sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science. Optional Writing (Essay). |
| Score Range | Composite score 1-36 (average of 4 section scores) |
| Duration | ~2 hours 55 minutes without writing; ~3 hours 35 minutes with writing |
| Frequency | 7 times per year: Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct, Dec |
| Science Section | Not about specific science knowledge, tests data interpretation, graphs, and scientific reasoning. Strong readers often do well. |
| Superscore | More schools superscore ACT now. Check each school's policy. If they superscore, take it multiple times. |
| Fee Waiver | Available for income-eligible students. Ask your counselor. Includes free score reports to 4 colleges. |
| Register | ACT at act.org. Register 2-5 weeks before test date depending on location. |
Both are accepted everywhere. Take a free practice test of each (Khan Academy for SAT, ACT.org for ACT) and see where you score higher. Students who are strong in science and have fast reading speed often prefer the ACT. Students who prefer slower, more methodical problem-solving often prefer the SAT. Your gut reaction after taking both matters too.
Test-optional means you choose whether to submit scores. But policies vary, understand each school's policy before deciding.
You choose whether to submit. If scores are above the school's middle 50%, submit. If below, it's usually better to withhold, but check if there's a clear statement that scores are truly not considered.
The school does not consider test scores even if you submit them. True test-blind schools include some California schools (CSUs, some UCs). Rare, confirm directly with admissions.
Scores are required. MIT returned to test-required in 2024. Yale, Dartmouth, and some others have also reinstated requirements. Always verify each school's current policy.
Some schools are test-optional for admission but require scores for merit scholarship consideration. Check the scholarship section of each school's financial aid page.
At most test-optional schools, students who submit scores are admitted at a higher rate than those who don't, because students who submit tend to have higher scores. This doesn't mean you should submit low scores. It means: submit if your scores are competitive; withhold if they're not. Check Common Data Set Section C2 to see what percentage of admitted students submitted scores, a big clue about how much scores matter at that school.
AP and IB courses demonstrate academic rigor. Strong scores can also earn you college credit, saving time and tuition money.
College Board's Advanced Placement exams. Scores 1-5. Take in May. Most colleges award credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5, though policies vary. A 4 or 5 is generally most valuable.
Admissions counselors look at whether you challenged yourself. Taking APs (even if you score a 3) shows ambition. Taking no rigorous courses, even with a perfect GPA, can raise flags.
Many schools give credit for AP scores of 4 or 5. CUNY schools often give credit for 3+. This can let you skip intro courses, graduate early, or double-major without overloading.
International Baccalaureate is rigorous and internationally recognized. Full IB Diploma (score 30+) is highly valued by competitive schools and often earns significant college credit.
You can take the AP exam without taking the course. Some students self-study APs in subjects they're strong in. Talk to your counselor, some schools note self-studied vs. class-taken APs differently.
CUNY and SUNY both accept AP credits. Most CUNY schools give credit for scores of 3 or above. SUNY policies vary by campus. Check each school's credit equivalency chart.
You don't have to pay for prep. There are excellent free resources, and some affordable paid options if you want structure.
Official College Board partner. Full-length practice tests, personalized practice plans, video explanations. The best free SAT prep available.
khanacademy.org/sat ↗Free full-length ACT practice tests and sample questions on the official ACT website. Also has tips on each section.
act.org ↗8 free official digital SAT practice tests in Bluebook (the testing app). Use the same app as the real test, great for simulating test conditions.
bluebook.app.collegeboard.org ↗Free articles and guides on both SAT and ACT strategy, section by section. Good for understanding how scoring works and which questions to prioritize.
prepscholar.com ↗Score improvement guarantee programs. Higher cost but structured. Good if you struggle with self-directed study.
princetonreview.com ↗Self-paced and tutored options. More affordable than Princeton Review. Has strong ACT prep specifically.
kaptest.com ↗NYC DOE offers free SAT/ACT prep through school programs and free PSAT administration. Ask your guidance counselor what's available at your school.
schools.nyc.gov ↗Free practice tests, flashcards, and question banks for SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Also offers paid tutoring sessions if you want one-on-one help.
varsitytutors.com ↗Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in spring of junior year (March-May). This gives you time to see your score, decide if you want to retake, and have results ready for EA/ED applications in October/November senior year. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of junior year; it's the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships.
Tests are one piece. Your essays, activities list, and recommendations are where you really get to show who you are.