College Entrance Exams (SAT/ACT)
SAT, SAT Subject Tests & the ACT
The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are a suite of tools designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century.
SAT
The SAT is the most widely used college admission test. Learn what it tests and how you can best prepare. Learn more
Official SAT Practice - no charge! (http://khanacademy.org/sat)
- Personalized to you
- Interactive
- 8 full-length, real practice tests
- Get instant feedback
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests can complement or enhance your college admission credentials. Learn more
When's the Best Time to Take the SAT?
The SAT and other College Board tests are offered several times a year. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year.
Create a test-taking schedule based on your college application plan.
ACT
The ACT® test is a curriculum- and standards-based educational and career planning tool that assesses students' academic readiness for college. Test scores are designed to reflect what students have learned throughout high school and provide colleges and universities with information for recruiting, advising, placement, and retention. Learn more
ACT Test Prep - absolutely free! (http://act.org)
- Free Study Guide
- Free online practice for each subject
- Live and recorded webinars
PSAT
The Preliminary SAT provides firsthand practice for the SAT. You receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses allowing you the opportunity to focus on your weakest areas prior to taking the SAT. Learn more
Received your PSAT Results?
- See your PSAT/NMSQT scores and your projected SAT score.
- Review questions you got wrong—and why.
- Practice for the SAT with hundreds of practice questions.
- Save your college searches.
- Take a personality test to find majors and careers fit for you.
FAQ's
1) Many universities are no longer requiring the SAT or ACT score. Should I still take the exam?
The answer depends on many factors such as which schools you're applying to, as well as your intended major and program of study. The changes and updates to the admissions policy surrounding the college entrance exams are constantly changing, which adds more confusion for prospective college applicants. The best way to decide whether you should take the SAT or ACT for college admissions would be to frequently check the university websites for the most up-to-date information as you get closer to the college application season.
2) How can I prepare for the exams, if I choose to take it?
Here are ways to prepare for the SAT and/or ACT from free to expensive in ascending order:
- Do the Official SAT and/or the ACT Question of the Day every day https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-question-of-the-day and http://www.act.org/qotd/.
- Check out the free SAT test prep at Khan Academy at: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
- Use your PSAT Score Report and booklet to study for the SAT.
- Get an SAT or ACT test prep book from the library, bookstore, or purchase online.
- Take the two Saturday prep class offered by Santiago Canyon College or Santa Ana College, www.sccollege.edu/StudentServices/CS and www.sac.edu look for “Community Services Program.”
- Take classes or work with a tutor through a private test prep company such as Elite, Ivy West, Kaplan, Catalyst, Princeton Review, and others.
3) What is a “good” SAT/ACT score?
Students are advised to research the mid-range scores at the schools they are interested in applying to. Average scores vary widely based on the difficultly of gaining acceptance to the school. SAT/ACT scores are important when looking for “best fit” colleges. Try to avoid comparing your scores to other student’s scores. Remember, colleges look at more than just SAT/ACT scores when evaluating applications.
College Testing Updates
- CSU will not consider SAT/ACT scores for admissions eligibility
- UC will not consider SAT/ACT scores for admissions or scholarships
- Check private school admissions requirements to see if SAT/ACT is required, each private school varies
Sending Your Scores (CSU's and UC's)
CSU's
To send your SAT scores to all the Cal States, log on to College Board, click on send scores, click on "More Options" and enter 3594 in the code box.
UC's
To send your SAT or ACT scores to all the UC's, log on to College Board or ACT, click on send scores, and select a UC school. By selecting one school, your scores will automatically be sent to all the UC's.
Sending Your Scores (CSU's and UC's)
CSU's
To send your SAT scores to all the Cal States, log on to College Board, click on send scores, click on "More Options" and enter 3594 in the code box.
UC's
To send your SAT or ACT scores to all the UC's, log on to College Board or ACT, click on send scores, and select a UC school. By selecting one school, your scores will automatically be sent to all the UC's.
School Code
CHS school code - 052267