Standardized tests are a rite of passage across the country. With college admissions becoming increasingly challenging, excelling in the ACT, American College Testing, and the SAT, Scholastic Assessment test, can open the doors to your dream college. The question is, how do you prepare effectively for these tests?
The ACT and SAT are both college entrance exams, but they have some key differences. They’re administered by two different organizations. The SAT are utilized by schools on the coasts of the US, for example the East Coast and West Coast schools, however, the ACT utilizes the Midwest schools. In the ACT, you can get up to a score of 36, and for the SAT, a score up to 1600. Both of these tests are beneficial for college.
When it comes to the ACT/SAT, one important factor you need to put into consideration is the cost of the registration. The cost may vary depending on how many times you want to retake the test, as well as the different options available. The ACT alone is $94, the ACT with no writing portion is $69. If students want to change test options, such as adding or removing the writing test past the late deadline, the cost is $25.
Understanding the registration process is the first step to success. Signing up for the ACT and SAT is a straightforward process, the best way to sign up is on South’s website. On the search bar, type in ACT/SAT, and there will be a tab called “ACT/SAT Information.” On this tab, it lists everything you need to know: the prices, test dates and deadlines.
Students can sign up for the ACT by clicking on “ACT REGISTRATION,” or you can click on this link https://www.act.org/. From there, it will take you to a different website where you would register for the ACT by putting in your information. For the SAT, it will take you to CollegeBoard, or you can click on this link https://mysat.collegeboard.org/login. From there, put in your account information. Choose your test dates and pay for your registration.
It’s important to check your email for every update. Counselors play a crucial role for these tests, helping students with preparations, deadlines and the registration processes.
“We will get you help. I help students all the time get registered,” Jim Allen said, senior counselor.
By offering advice and support, counselors ensure that students are well-prepared and comfortable for the tests.
As the tests come up, it’s crucial that students feel ready, both physically and mentally. Grady Smith (‘25), who took the ACT test his junior year, had great preparation methods for the ACT test.
“Good night’s sleep, good food and some studying several weeks out. You’ll only do as good on game day as you practice,” Smith said.
With the right strategies, students set themselves for success. It’s essential to create a study plan, this creates consistent practice; it’s also important to prepare for these tests way before, that way, students won’t feel overwhelmed and stressed.
“The most important factor is time management,” Carson Wellbrock (‘25) said.
XELLO is a great way to test prep for the ACT/SAT. Students can access this through the “Links and Resources” tab in their XELLO account. The library is also a great resource to study. South High’s library offers a variety of ACT/SAT books.
If you have any further questions, contact or visit your counselors, teachers or other staff members. Be sure to take advantage of South High’s website.
