The SAT and ACT are each held 7 times a year in the United States. Ever ask yourself where you can take the SAT or ACT? These tests are conducted at various high schools, colleges, universities, and places across the country. These educational institutions where the tests are held are called test centers. Every state has one or more SAT/ACT test centers depending on its population.
Finding the Testing Centers
You can find the complete list of SAT test centers using College Board’s online test center locator. You can find the list of ACT test centers using the search feature on the ACT website.
Now that you’ve got the list of testing centers, the next step is to choose where you should take your test. Yes, where you take your test can make a difference to your test scores. It is important to give this some thought and make the right choice.
Here are two factors to take into consideration when deciding where to take your SAT/ACT.
1. Proximity to the Center
When you look up the test centers in your state, you will find that they are scattered at various locations around the state. Some centers will be much closer to you than others.
As a general rule, it’s always better to choose a test center that’s closest to you. That way you don’t have to worry about leaving home several hours in advance to ensure you make it there on time. The day of the test can be stressful. Anything you can do to lower your stress levels can help. Just choosing the nearest test center can help you stay more relaxed. Students who are more relaxed tend to perform better on their tests.
Is the nearest center a long drive away from home? In that case, think about how you are going to get there on the day of the test. You may also consider booking a hotel close to the center for the night. That may be a better alternative to driving several hours on the day of the test.
2. Familiarity with the Center
Are you familiar with any of the test centers? This does make a difference too. Imagine walking into an unfamiliar building and spending time looking for the room where the test is being held. One wrong turn could cause unnecessary stress as you try and find your bearings.
When you’re familiar with the center, you know exactly how to get to the location from home. Once inside the building, you’ll feel less stressed if you know how to get to the room where the test is being held. These little things can do a lot to help you perform better on the test. If your high school is one of the centers, that may be your first choice. It will give you another edge when taking the test. Every little bit helps.
If you are not familiar with any of the buildings, it is a good idea to take some time to check out the center ahead of time.
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