Info on the SAT/ACT
ALERT:
Due to COVID-19, UCs, CSUs, and many private universities are not requiring students to have a SAT/ACT score on file for Fall 2020 and beyond.
Online resources for SAT prep ▾
This is the organization the SAT is administered and run by. The CollegeBoard website includes:
- General information about the SAT and the concepts being tested
- Test dates and deadlines to register
- Registering for the SAT (free with fee waiver from your school)
FREE SAT prep that:
- is personalized based on a student's past performance on the PSAT or practice SAT tests
- allows you to create your own study schedule
- provides informative videos on exam strategies, how to answer specific types of questions, and breaks down concepts
- allows you to take practice tests online and focus on areas of weakness
► 1600.io →
1600.io is a website with free detailed SAT test explanations and walkthroughs. You can sign up for the free course bundle which covers official practice tests 1-4 along with videos covering SAT strategies and resources. This website is great for reviewing mistakes and learning how to solve specific problems.
► r/SAT! on Reddit →
Reddit is a more remote social media platform compared to other applications. The r/SAT subreddit features topics and discussions for the popular SAT where students can share their experience and other knowledge. This resource is not necessarily a study source, but rather a place to see other people’s perspectives when approaching the SAT.
Prep books ▾
► The Official SAT Study Guide →
Released by the CollegeBoard, the Official SAT Study Guide (2020 version) contains 8 official practice tests and descriptions of all test sections. It also has instruction on strategies and general information about the test. This book is a good purchase because of the great length of practice problems provided.
► The Critical Reader: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading →
One of the most popular SAT Reading books, it provides students a comprehensive guide to the test. It breaks down the section, giving students insights on how to approach question types and includes targeted practice.
► The College Panda: SAT Math Advanced Guide and Workbook
Nelson Phu’s prep book has many math topics in the SAT with practice and guided explanation. This book is great to work on fundamental math skills and help shape your understanding of math processes.
Practice tests ▾
Practice tests are essential to achieving a good score on the SAT. Practice tests allow students to acquire knowledge of the test format and develop their strength test taking skills. You should take at least one full-length practice test under real timed conditions in preparation for the SAT.
Be cautious when choosing practice SAT tests! You should only take practice exams that are official material that has been distributed through CollegeBoard! Using official material is important because it effectively resembles the testing format and questions that will appear on your administered SAT.
Although popular choices, practice tests from other sources such as Princeton Review, Barrons, and Kaplan WILL NOT imitate the testing format as closely as official material. Students may end up wasting time practicing on problems that will not appear on the SAT.
► CollegeBoard has SAT practice tests on their website that can be downloaded in PDF format. Each downloadable practice SAT includes the usual test (evidence-based reading and writing and math), optional essay prompt, and answer explanations.
Official CollegeBoard practice tests can also be accessed through Khan Academy. The tests are given electronically and automatically scored.
► Public library
Ways to study ▾
► Test prep or tutoring
Students can opt to attend tutor centers or hire independent tutors in order to boost their SAT score. Help from tutors will make it faster to identify weaknesses and learn how to approach and solve problems. However, tutoring can be very costly. Average prices start at $70 per hour and personalized programs can bill a charge of up to $1000 and more! People opt for tutoring services because guided practice can facilitate progression and tutoring can ensure a student stays on track with studying. There are a wide range of tutoring services available for students’ needs whether it’s through online instruction or in person assistance.
Make sure to read student reviews before purchasing test prep or tutoring services.
Find out if your school is offering test prep on campus.
► Self-studying
Self-study is another method for preparing for the test. This route is more cost effective but requires diligence. Students self-studying can use online resources such as Khan Academy as well as prep books to study for the exam.
Tips for self-studying:
- Set a study schedule, including timed practice tests
- Use a combination of resources: Khan Academy, prep books (you can borrow them for free from the library or buy them for discounted prices online)
Developing a study plan ▾
Check out these resources for creating a SAT study plan:
How to Build an SAT Study Plan: 4 Sample Schedules - PrepScholar
Planning Your SAT Practice - Khan Academy
Sample SAT Study Plan - CollegeBoard
Build your study plan depending on your schedule. Hours of study should be chunked into times that are optimized for your routine. Everyone’s study schedule will vary but all schedules should be planned according to the date of your SAT. Make sure your schedule has enough time for you to learn concepts and practice test questions thoroughly. Always start early!
Registering for the SAT ▾
Test dates and deadlines to register can be found on CollegeBoard’s website here: https://www.collegeboard.org/
- Registration is offered online through CollegeBoard’s website and through mail, but online is easier and faster.
To register:
Go to CollegeBoard’s website here.
- Sign in with your CollegeBoard account
- Navigate through SAT Suite Assessments > SAT > Register for the SAT
- You will need to pick a testing center and upload a clear and recognizable picture of yourself in oreder to create a SAT admission ticket. The admission ticket is used for identification to allow test takers into the testing center.
- Testing centers that administer the SAT can range from a nearby high school or far away colleges, so you should plan transportation accordingly.
Taking the SAT for free:
- Your school might administer the SAT on campus for free (all LAUSD schools offer the SAT every March).
Beyond that, you might be eligible for test fee waivers through CollegeBoard if you qualify for any of the following:
- You’re enrolled in or eligible to participate in the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (you are eligible for this if you receive free food at school).
- Your annual family income falls within a certain range.
- You’re enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (such as Federal TRIO programs like Upward Bound).
- Your family receives public assistance.
- You live in federally subsidized public housing, are in a foster home, or are homeless.
You’re a ward of the state or an orphan.
Last updated: 05/21/20
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