Student Guide: SAT/ACT
La Vernia High School Guidance Counseling 8/27/2021
Testing Dates
SAT:
October 2, 2021
November 6, 2021
December 4, 2021
March 12, 2022
May 7, 2022
ACT:
September 11, 2021
October 23, 2021
December 11, 2021
February 12, 2022
April 2, 2022
Registration at: collegeboard.org, act.com
School Day SAT for Juniors (no registration required):
March 2nd, 2022
School Day PSAT TBA
Sending Scores: Score Choice Video
Top 10 ACT/SAT Tips From Peers & School Counselors
1. Get a good night sleep and eat a good breakfast.
"I wish I would have known that a good night sleep the night before the test makes a big difference."-Bryson Padalecki, 2020 Graduate
2. "Study by using an online program or Khan Academy. While studying may not fully prepare students to get a high score, it will definitely help them get comfortable with how questions are formatted on the SAT."-Nicole Utt, 2020 Class Top 10
3. During the test, make sure you answer every question because they will not take points off for wrong answers. If you do not know an answer make an educated guess (SAT).
4. "Also, pay attention to the time you have remaining because you don’t run to run out of time before finishing all the test questions." -Kaitlyn Klepac, 2020 Valedictorian
5. Statistically your score is likely to increase by 2 points for the ACT and 40-80 points on the SAT after each attempt at each test.
6. The SAT has only 3 components which are: reading/ writing, an optional essay, math with a calculator/math without a calculator. The ACT has 5 components that includes: English, math, reading, science and optional writing. If you have strong science skills/aptitudes, it’s recommended that you take the ACT.
7. Most importantly when it comes to choosing which test you want to take please do your research! Become familiar with which schools you are interested in and their minimum test score requirement. This will help you make the best decision. We highly recommend that you take both tests as they are widely accepted and you may do better on one versus the other.
8.Both the ACT and SAT exams have a time limit.
9. Remember to verify with the institutions that you are applying to understand if that particular college requires the writing portion of either the SAT or ACT.
ACT Vs. SAT Which is right for you?
Both the SAT and the ACT are nationally administered, standardized tests that help schools evaluate your application and see how prepared you are for college courses.
Take a quiz to find which is right for you!
Important Links
Khanacademy.org: Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Our math missions guide learners from kindergarten to calculus using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps.
March2success.com: March2Success provides an online study program to help students prepare for standardized tests, improve school work and review materials. We also provide tools for educators and parents to track and encourage their students
Collegeboard.org: College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.
Magoosh.com: Magoosh.com is online test prep program that provides preparation for ACT/SAT. Magoosh claim "If Magoosh SAT doesn't improve your total score by 100 points or more, we'll give you a full refund."
SAT Test Day Check List
What to Bring
- Your Admission Ticket
- Acceptable photo ID
- Two No. 2 pencils with erasers
- An approved calculator
- Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens) are permitted without the need for accommodations. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under the student’s desk during testing. For policies on other medications and medical devices, contact Services for Students with Disabilities.
Important:
Print Your Admission Ticket
Sign in to your College Board account to print your Admission Ticket. You can’t get into the test center without it.
Nice to Have
- A watch (without an audible alarm)
- Extra batteries and backup equipment—you’ll have to ask for permission to access them. They cannot be on your desk during the test.
- A bag or backpack
- A drink or snacks (for your break)
- Breakfast before you arrive
What Not to Bring
- Any devices, including digital watches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive, or play back audio, photographic, text, or video content (with the exception of CD players used for Language with Listening Subject Tests only)
- Audio players/recorders, tablets, laptops, notebooks, Google Glass, or any other personal computing devices
- iPods or other MP3 players
- iPads or other tablet devices
- Laptops, notebooks, PDAs or any other personal computing devices
- Any texting device
- Cameras or any other photographic equipment
- Separate timers of any type
- Protractors, compasses, rulers
- Highlighters, colored pens, colored pencils
- Pamphlets or papers of any kind
- Dictionaries or other books—there are no exceptions, even if English is not your first language
- Food or drinks (except for during breaks), unless approved by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities. Learn more about testing with accommodations.
Your school counselor can share a complete list of prohibited devices—just ask to see the Official Student Guide.
Get Cash For Improving Your Score
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Apply to Colleges: $1,000 Apply to the schools you want to attend.
Complete Your Journey: $40,000 Complete all six scholarship steps to be eligible for a $40,000 scholarship. Learn More