ACT & SAT

What Did the First ACT Test Look Like?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

As far as standardized tests go, nothing much has changed about the ACT since its conception. The test has always been composed of four sections. The sections when the test first rolled out in 1959 were English, mathematics, social studies, and natural science. The ACT has always been an achievement test—a study of what you …

ACT & SAT

What Was the First SAT Like?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Over 90 years ago, college-bound students worried about their SAT, just like you how you worried about your SAT.  Back in 1926, students knew the SAT as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Evolved from the 1901 essay exams and original IQ tests, the SAT tested your knowledge before college. It also made the application process and …

ACT & SAT

ACT & SAT Score Conversion Chart

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Say you got a 25 on the ACT—ever wonder how that would translate to an SAT score? Despite their many similarities, when you take the ACT or SAT, you’ll find out that they are still two very different tests. One of their primary differences centers around how it’s scored. So while there is a grand …

ACT & SAT

Understanding Your SAT Scores

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s a certain anxiety in the air after you’ve taken your SAT. You now have to wait for your SAT scores and wonder how well you did. Once they arrive though, do you understand what they mean? Here’s a quick rundown on how to read your results: Overall Score  The SAT was recently revamped in …

ACT & SAT

How to Study for the PreACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Even though the PreACT is a prep exam for the actual ACT, it doesn’t mean you should skip the study sessions. The PreACT is fairly new and was only released in fall of 2016, but there are still some ways you can get prepared. Take The ACT Practice Test  The PreACT is almost identical to …

ACT & SAT

What are SAT Subject Tests?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The standard SAT format includes sections on Reading, Math, Writing & Language, and an optional essay. But did you know there are additional, optional tests you could take? In fact, there are twenty! What are the SAT Subject Tests? The SAT Subject Tests focus on specific subjects and are an opportunity for a student to …

ACT & SAT

Scholarships for Students with Impressive ACT/SAT Scores

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

The daunting SAT and ACT tests can be thought of in many ways. A random sampling of college seniors, after time to reflect on their test experience, variously described the tests as “rites of passage,” “milestones,” “headaches,” “stressful,” and “rewarding.” The bottom line is that all the above is true. Being truthful, the tests are …

ACT & SAT

National Average Score for the ACT Writing Section

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 26, 2024

The writing section of the ACT is optional, but it can be a great way to show off your writing skills and initiative to potential colleges. Some schools require it from their applicants, including Martin Luther College, United States Military Academy (West Point), and University of Montana Western. Currently, the national average score for the …

ACT & SAT

National Average Scores for the ACT and SAT (2016 Data)

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ever wonder where you fell on the spectrum of other ACT/SAT test-takers? In the 2016 cycle, nearly 2.1 million students in the US took the ACT test, while about 1.7 million took the SAT. That’s a lot of tests! Take a look at the national average SAT and ACT scores in 2016 (and their sub-tests) …

ACT & SAT

About The SAT: SAS Student Answer Service

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Much like the ACT, the SAT also has a service that can help you review your results, known as the Student Answer Service. Here’s a quick overview so you can determine if this service is right for you. What is the Student Answer Service? The Student Answer Service, also known as the SAS, is a …