Frequently Asked Questions

When are the SAT and SAT Subject Tests offered?
How important is the SAT?
How many times should I take the SAT?
How do scores from the new SAT compare with scores from the old SAT?
Does the Writing section even count?
When is the ACT offered?
How does the ACT differ from the SAT?
How do I register for SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT?
Do colleges see all of my SAT, SAT Subject Test, and ACT scores?

When are the SAT and SAT Subject Tests offered?
Here are the 2012-20123 dates:

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How important is the SAT?
Different schools have somewhat different priorities in making admissions decisions. But nearly all agree in the importance of your grades, course schedule, SAT scores, extracurricular activities, and application itself. The SAT score is critical because it is the best standardized measure colleges have of comparing students from different schools, different states, and even different countries. Although this score is not the single most important determinant to admission, it is one of the principal 3 or 4 criteria that colleges have. That's why SAT preparation is a valuable investment in your future.

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How many times should I take the SAT?
Most students sit for the SAT two or three times. Colleges generally accept your highest reading, math and writing scores, even if they are earned on different days. Because that's the case--and because you usually do not have to report unflattering SAT scores to colleges--there's little to lose by taking the SAT multiple times. That said, there is a point of diminishing returns. When a student's scores are not likely to increase substantially with a re-test, it's probably best to devote one's energy and time to other pursuits!

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How do scores from the new SAT compare with scores from the old SAT?
The reading and math scores on the new SAT are designed to be comparable to the verbal and math scores from the old SAT. So if you have an older sibling--or if you simply want to understand your scores on the old 1600-point scale--you can easily do so by adding your reading and math scores together. Because the writing was not on the old SAT, that score has to be evaluated separately.

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Does the Writing section even count?
When the new SAT was introduced in 2005, many colleges were hesitant to use writing scores in the admissions process. That is because admissions officers were unclear about how to interpret the new writing scores. But schools are using the writing  more and more. In some cases, they are evaluating writing scores on equal footing with math and reading scores; in other cases, they are evaluating the writing as an extra score--much as they might evaluate an SAT Subject Test score. Some schools continue to indicate that they are not using writing scores for admissions purposes. But all colleges see writing scores on a student's College Board transcript. So you want to make sure that you are prepared for the writing portion of the SAT.

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When is the ACT offered?
Here are the 2012-2013 dates:

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How does the ACT differ from the SAT?
The ACT is more of a knowledge test and the SAT is more of a reasoning test.  Both exams test math, reading, and writing skills, but the ACT includes a Science section that accounts for 25 percent of a student's ACT Composite. Despite these differences, the tests are far more similar than they are different.  As a matter of fact, a strong majority of students either score comparably on the two exams or better on the SAT.  The SAT is scored on a 2400-point scale whereas the ACT "Composite" is measured from 1-36. Scores can be compared with a concordance table.

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 How do I register for SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT?
The easiest way to register for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests is online through the College Board website. You can register for the ACT through ACT Headquarters. Otherwise, you can talk to your high school guidance counselor to obtain the appropriate paper forms. You can re-register for exams over the phone or online. Make sure that you register well in advance of the test date to reserve a spot at the test center of your choice. If you are late, you will have to pay a late fee and will probably be blocked from your first-choice test center.

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Do colleges see all of my SAT, SAT Subject Test, and ACT scores?
Not anymore! Starting with the class of 2010, students can generally withhold unflattering SAT, SAT Subject Test, and ACT scores from college reporting. So if a student sits for these exams multiple times, he can typically pick and choose what to send.  There are exceptions, so you should be sure to check with each individual college to which you're applying.

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For more in-depth answers to these and other questions, please call us at (301) 881-7700 in the Washington area, (410) 532-9400 in the Baltimore area, or email us.