It is the middle of the fall college admission test season with two tests each, SAT and ACT, left for this year. November 5th and December 3 are the dates for the SAT. For the ACT we have October 22nd and December 10th remaining. As a general rule of thumb, the October ACT and November SAT are the latest test dates that will enable students to submit their scores in time for next fall's application deadlines. Some schools will accept the December tests, but it is best to confirm with the student's target schools before committing to the tests.
With this in mind, we decided to share a few of our college admissions test 'Q & A's' from our web site. The complete list is available at http://www.chyten-wf.com, we hope you find these questions and answers helpful and informative.
Q: Do colleges really take only your best three individual SAT component scores no matter how many times you take the test?
A: Yes, most colleges do take a student's highest SAT Reading, Writing, and Math scores from each and every SAT he or she takes and combine them to determine one's high SAT score. Some colleges, though, will instead consider a student's highest sitting; his or her highest overall score attained in one day. Other colleges have still other policies in dealing with multiple test scores. It is best to check with specific colleges to determine their policies. Either way, it is advisable for most students to take the SAT two or more times.
Q: When are the best times to take the SAT?
A: First and foremost, one should take the SAT when adequately prepared. There is little value in taking the SAT merely for practice, since there are many opportunities to take practice tests that are accompanied by detailed analytical reports such as Chyten's Magnostic. Because the College Board has optional score reporting for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, early and often is the operative phrase. Taking tests multiple times gives each student the best chance of earning high scores. It should be noted that a small minority of schools ask students to report all scores. It should also be noted that the College Board will only report the scores requested by students, regardless of a college's policy.
Q: How many times should one take the SAT?
A: Students should take the SAT as many times as is necessary to reach his/her potential.
Q: How many breaks are there during the SAT? How long are these breaks?
A: There are three breaks totaling approximately 11 minutes during the three hour and 45 minute long SAT. These include a five-minute break after section two, a one-minute stretch break after section four and another five-minute break after section six. There are no breaks during the last four sections.
Q: If one gets very low test scores relative to one's ability, when should he or she take it again?
A: In order to answer this question, an analysis of the reasons behind the poor test performance must be conducted. If the poor performance was due to lack of preparation then clearly one needs to take adequate time to be well prepared prior to taking the test again. If the reason was test anxiety or nervousness, it might be best to deal with those issues quickly and to retake the test as soon as possible. If the reason for poor test performance had to do with maturity or mental readiness, one might consider waiting a longer period of time before taking the test again. In some students, a great deal of maturation occurs between junior year and senior year. This maturation can manifest itself in an increased readiness to prepare for tests which can, in turn, result in higher scores.
Q: Should one take the ACT in addition to the SAT?
A: The ACT does have some distinct advantages over the SAT, making it an attractive alternative or addition to the SAT. In general, the ACT tends to have more reading, favoring those who are stronger in that area. In addition, the math tends to be more straightforward and less tricky. Quite intriguing is the fact that some schools accept ACT scores in lieu of both SAT and SAT Subject Tests! Preparation for the ACT is quite different from preparation for the SAT. Therefore, additional training may be necessary for a student to really take advantage of the differences between the two tests. One way to avoid this extra preparation is to take Chyten's ACT vs. SAT Comparison Test which is accompanied by a detailed Magnostic Report.
Q: Is the ACT easier than the SAT?
A: What is easier for one person may not be easier for another. A more relevant question might be: Is the ACT easier or better than the SAT for me?; The best way to determine this is to take Chyten's ACT vs. SAT Comparison Test to find out which test is better for you. Some students definitely do find the ACT to be easier than the SAT, while others find it equally or even more difficult. There are a few generalizations one can make in comparing the two tests. First, the ACT tends to be more straightforward and less cryptic than the SAT. Some students find this preferable and it may be the reason that the ACT seems to have a reputation as being somewhat easier than the SAT. ACT has a science reasoning section, in which students are called upon to interpret data, graphs and charts, in order to answer questions. Although no specific scientific knowledge is required, one must have the ability to reach logical scientific conclusions by interpreting and evaluating data. ACT grammar tends to be more reading based than is SAT grammar. The ACT reading section is, in many people's opinion, harder than the SAT's reading sections. Unlike questions on the SAT, ACT reading questions do not follow the order of the passage. ACT math is definitely more straightforward than SAT math.
Q: How many SAT Subject Tests do colleges require?
A: Many colleges do not require any SAT Subject Tests. Those that do, typically require two. Some require three. Others may suggest or require that you take specific SAT Subject Tests. It is best to check with target colleges to determine their specific SAT Subject Test requirements. You may also check with your Chyten College Counselor who has a comprehensive list of admission requirements for the most popular colleges. It should be noted that colleges that do not require SAT Subject Tests are generally willing to consider them in the application process. Submitting SAT Subject Test scores may even serve to elevate you over other admissions candidates.
Q: How many SAT Subjects Tests can/should one take in one sitting?
A: Students are allowed to take as many as three SAT Subject Tests on a given day, and in our opinion should always take three. With optional score reporting, students can pick and choose which scores are sent to colleges, so there is no downside and much potential upside to taking three tests in a sitting.
Q: Which colleges don't require standardized tests?
A: There are more than 700 colleges and universities that have a test optional policy. The list of these institutions is ever changing. You can find an up to date list at fairtest.org. There are also many publications that contain this information. However, even colleges that do not require standardized test scores will accept them. Therefore, high test scores can give an admissions candidate an advantage even at a school that does not require test score submission.
Q: When is the last time one can take the SAT to have the results in time for 1) early action 2) early decision?
A: Both early action and early decision do limit the number of test dates available to a student in his or her senior year. Although admissions deadlines vary slightly from college to college, in most cases, one can take advantage of both the October and the November test dates of senior year. In the case of the November test, a student will have to manually send the score report to early decision and/or early action colleges. This actually works to a student's advantage, since he/she can decide whether or not to send the scores. In fact, only in rare cases should a student use the College Boards™ complimentary reports offered with the SAT. Instead, each student should decide after seeing the scores, whether or not to release them.
Q: Do colleges really look at the SAT essay or at SAT Writing in general?
A: Each college and university is slightly different in how it views and uses the SAT Writing section. Some have fully integrated SAT Writing into their applicant selection process as part of the SAT. Others view the SAT Writing section as they would an SAT Subject Test. In other words, they view it as a separate and important piece of the admission puzzle. Some colleges surveyed indicated that they would use the SAT essay for one or more reasons. Some said they would use the SAT essay not only for admissions but for placement as well. Also, some colleges indicated that they will use the SAT essay as a spontaneous measure of students' writing ability and as an application essay verifier.
Q: How many practice tests should one take to be optimally prepared for the ACT or SAT on test day?
A: Practicing for major tests by taking real practice tests under real conditions gives a student immeasurable benefits. From dealing with the fatigue factor, to increasing familiarity with test rules, to getting the opportunity to see and experience real tests, to feeling the anxiety that naturally goes along with standardized testing, practice tests can be a powerful tool in building test-taking confidence and scores. Chyten recommends that all students take at least two real actual conditions practice tests with Magnostic report. Three to four practice tests is more optimal.
Q: What is the best thing to do from 48 hours prior to taking a big test up through the morning of the test?
A: Two nights before taking a big test is the most important time to get a good night's sleep. If one is so nervous that a good night's sleep is not possible, then it is a good idea to get some exercise that can then lead to a good night's sleep. Getting a good night's sleep the evening prior to a test is also important. On both evenings, students should use learned techniques and strategies on easy and medium level questions in order to increase confidence and improve memory of those techniques and strategies. The night of a big test, students should collect everything that they will need for the test: calculator (allowed on SAT and ACT) with fresh batteries, two sharpened #2 pencils with good erases, picture I.D., admission ticket, a snack (power bar or breakfast bar (for example) and a beverage.
The morning of a test is also very important. Being mentally prepared to work hard on 100 or more questions over an extended period of time is essential. One should review advice and materials given by one's SAT teacher or tutor. Practice on one or two easy or medium level questions to prime the pump. Going over a few previously solved hard questions is a good idea. Get to the test center early. When there, try to relax. Breathe slowly and deeply. Think about a quiet place, or a quiet moment. Stay focused on the task; don't allow yourself to become distracted by what is happening in and around the test center.
