Demystifying the SAT & ACT: Your Guide to Standardized Testing

Welcome back to the EduTate blog! I'm in the midst of approaching Early Action deadlines with seniors (talk about "scary" times). In my last post, we discussed how to find the right Independent Educational Consultant to guide you on your college journey. Now, it's time to dive into one of the most stressful and confusing parts of that journey: standardized testing.

The world of the SAT and ACT can feel like a maze of acronyms, deadlines, and conflicting advice. The goal of this post is to give you a clear map and compass to navigate it all -- or at least a way to unmuddy the waters a little bit.

How Colleges Actually Use Your Scores

It's a common misconception that every college looks at a test score in the same way. In reality, their approaches generally fall into two categories, and unfortunately, this seems to change yearly for many schools.

• The Formulaic Approach: The Academic Index Many large public universities that receive tens of thousands of applications use a formula called an Academic Index (AI) as an initial screening tool. This formula combines a student's GPA and standardized test scores into a single numerical value. If a student's AI meets a certain threshold, their application moves on to a human reader. While it may seem impersonal, it’s a way for these schools to manage a massive volume of applicants efficiently.

• The Holistic Approach: One Piece of the Puzzle Most selective private colleges and many public universities use a holistic review process. Here, your test score isn't a gatekeeper but rather another piece of information in your file. It provides context for your transcript. For example, a high test score paired with a slightly lower GPA might indicate that a student at a very rigorous high school has strong academic potential. Conversely, a stellar GPA with a lower test score might still showcase a hardworking and successful student. In this model, your essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars carry significant weight.

The Big Decision: SAT or ACT?

Students often ask if they need to take both the SAT and the ACT. The answer is a firm no. Colleges don't have a preference for one test over the other, so your goal is to submit the best score you can on the test that's best for you.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:

Feature	SAT	ACT
Structure	Reading/Writing (combined) & Math	English, Math, Reading, & Science (optional)
Science Section	No dedicated section.	Yes, focuses on data interpretation. Now optional.
Math Focus	Heavily emphasizes algebra and data analysis. A calculator is allowed on only part of the math section.	Broader scope, including more geometry and trigonometry. A calculator is allowed on the entire math section.
Format	The new Digital SAT is adaptive; your performance on the first module affects the difficulty of the second.	Available in both traditional and digital formats. The new redesign is much shorter.

The best way to decide? Take a full-length, timed practice test for both the SAT and the ACT. See which one feels more comfortable and where you score higher. That's your test.

What's your preferred standardized test?

• The SAT
• The ACT
• I have no idea.

Timing is Everything: Your Testing Timeline

The ideal time for most students to take their first official SAT or ACT is during the second semester of their junior year (January-June). By this point, you've covered most of the relevant math and English curriculum in school, but you still have the summer and fall of your senior year for potential retakes if needed.

Taking the test at the end of the first semester of junior year (e.g., the December test date) is also a viable option for students who feel prepared. The ultimate goal is to have your testing completed before the start of senior year so you can focus entirely on your applications. That said, many students have the option to submit updated test scores even after they submit their application.

Decoding the Lingo: Test-Optional, Test-Preferred & Test-Required

The testing landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Here's what the different policies mean for you:

• Test-Required: Just as it sounds. These schools require you to submit an SAT or ACT score for your application to be considered complete.

• Test-Optional: This is the most common policy today. You have the choice to submit your scores. The key question to ask yourself is: "Does my test score strengthen my application?" If your score is at or above the school's average for admitted students, it will likely help. If it's significantly below, you may be better off not submitting it and letting the other parts of your application shine. Honestly, this would be a great time to reach out to your admissions representative and ask the question directly: "Should I submit my test scores if I have a..." You might be surprised how many will give you a straightforward and honest answer!

• Test-Preferred/Test-Recommended: This is a subtle but important middle ground. While a score isn't strictly required, the college is indicating that they'd really like to see one. An application without a score may be at a slight disadvantage compared to a similar application with a strong score.

To see an up-to-date list of every college's testing policy, the best resource is Fairtest.org. I highly recommend bookmarking this site.

My Two Cents: The Necessary Evil

Now, for my honest opinion. As much as I dislike the stress and inequity associated with standardized testing, I also recognize that for many schools, it's a necessary evil.

For a large state university or a highly selective institution that receives 50,000+ applications, a test score provides a standardized data point that can be used to compare students from thousands of different high schools with different grading systems and levels of rigor. It helps them sort through the initial pile. Is it a perfect tool? Absolutely not. But it's a tool they have.

Because of this, my advice to most students is to prepare for and take the SAT or ACT. A strong score can open doors and strengthen your application, especially in a test-optional world where submitting a good score can give you an edge.

The good news? Test preparation is more accessible than ever. The partnership between Khan Academy and the College Board provides high-level, personalized SAT prep completely free of charge (there is definitely a charge at some point). That said, test prep is all about finding what works best for the student, whether that be online, group classes, or 1-on-1 sessions with a tutor. Find a system that works for you.

Tackling standardized tests is a marathon, not a sprint. By understanding how they work, choosing the right test, and timing it well, you can take control of the process (as much as possible) and make it work in your favor.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

Jarrett