ACT & SAT

History of the SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

The SAT is such a normal occurrence for high school seniors and incoming college freshman, that many don’t think about the roots of the test today. It’s actually less than a 100 years old. Here’s how the SAT become one of the most used standardized tests across the United States. Early Beginnings In the 1900’s, …

ACT & SAT

Who Can Take the PreACT?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

In March of 2016, ACT announced that it had devised a new test aimed at 10th-grade students to help them prepare for the ACT their following year. This test, aptly called the PreACT, or Preliminary ACT, follows the same format as the full ACT: The two tests are scored the same way, they follow the …

ACT & SAT

PSAT Guide: Who Is Eligible, Test Taking Tips, and More

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 24, 2024

Key Takeaways: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), is a test administered by College Board with the participation of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It tests students on reading, writing, and math. The PSAT is usually taken by high school students in their junior year. Scoring high on the PSAT can qualify students to …

ACT & SAT

Can I Get My ACT/SAT Fee Waived?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you go to register for the SAT or ACT, you may notice there are fees attached. The SAT costs $43, and with the essay is $54.50. The ACT costs $39.50 without the optional writing test and $56.50 with. There may be additional fees for changing your test date or receiving answer keys after grading. However, what …

ACT & SAT

What You Need to Know About the ACT’s Test Information Release

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

After you take your ACT, you’ll often receive your scores for both the multiple-choice and essay sections in about a month. However, some students may be interested to see why they received the scores they did. Thanks to the Test Information Release from the ACT, also known as the TIR, that’s possible. What is the …

ACT & SAT

What ACT/SAT Accommodations Are Available For Students With Disabilities?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

As with most tests, the ACT and SAT makes accommodations for students with documented disabilities. There are a number of examples of accommodations, which depends on the student’s needs. But, here are some of the more common ones: Extended SAT Time Extended time is available for students who may need longer to complete specific sections …

ACT & SAT

When to Guess an Answer on the ACT / SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Takers of the ACT may have heard “It’s ok to guess” during their preparation. When to guess on the ACT On the ACT there is no penalty for a wrong answer, so students are encouraged to guess if they aren’t certain on the answer. Wrong answers don’t take away points you’ve already earned, they simply …

ACT & SAT

A Great Tool to Boost Your SAT Score: The Question and Answer Service

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

Didn’t perform as well as you hoped on the SAT? Fear not, we have information on a tool that could help you meet your goals the next time around. What’s the Question and Answer Service? The Question and Answer Service (or QAS) is a service provided through the College Board. It allows students to review …

ACT & SAT

Different Ways to Study for the ACT / SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is no shortage of resources available to students who wish to prepare for their upcoming college entrance exams—the ACT and SAT. Different students respond to different methods, and so there are a variety of ways to study up for the tests. Read on to discover just a few different ways to study. In-Person Review …

ACT & SAT

3 Fun Facts About The ACT/SAT

By Roxie the RaptorLast updated on December 22, 2022

Thoughts about the ACT or SAT give most students sleepless nights.  Well, it is an important test but getting overwhelmed by it is not going to help. These few fun facts about the ACT/SAT are just what you need when you are looking for a short, refreshing distraction from the intense studying. The SAT was …