Test Preparation Resources - College and Postsecondary Options
So you want to go to college. Explore the resources on this page so you are prepared to take college admissions tests.
What are the SAT and ACT?
Both the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT) are tests. The scores from these tests are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. In most cases, colleges do not prefer one test over the other and neither is considered harder than the other. Historically, students tend to do better on one test over the other.
Both the SAT and ACT offer free practice through their websites, including entire practice tests. The actual tests are about 3 hours long and consist of multiple choice questions and optional essays. It is recommended that you test once by the end of your junior year and again at the beginning of your senior year. You are responsible for sending your scores to college. Your counselor CANNOT do this for you.
SAT® (College Board) Resources
- SAT Suite of Assessments
- How to Register for the SAT Online
- Test Day Checklist
- Find Out What Your SAT Scores Mean
- How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges and Universities
- Free Online SAT Events: Take a free practice test, attend a sample class with one of our highest-rated teachers, or challenge yourself with an SAT® bootcamp
- How to Link Your College Board and Khan Academy Accounts to get free, personalized practice on Khan Academy
ACT® Resources
- ACT home page
- Helpful things to know when registering for the ACT
- Everything you need to know for the day of the ACT test.
- Viewing, Sending, and Understanding Your ACT Test Scores
- Sending Your ACT Scores to Colleges and Universities
- ACT Academy: the go-to place to get personalized practice.
- Free Online ACT Events: Take a free practice test, attend a sample class with one of our highest-rated teachers, or challenge yourself with an ACT® bootcamp.