College Admissions Tests
What is a College Admissions Test?
You have probably already heard of the ACT or SAT. These are examples of college admissions tests. Colleges and universities use these tests to help them decide which students to accept. The tests are designed to offer a consistent way to show that a student is ready for college-level work.
Should I take a College Admissions Test?
Taking a college admissions test helps you keep your options open for college applications and may help in other ways. You may have already taken an admissions test like the PSAT or ACT during high school since Utah provides free ACT testing to some or all high school juniors at public schools.
But, what if the college that you want to go to does not require the ACT or SAT? There are other benefits to taking these exams even if you don't need the test for your college application. Your scores may be used in other ways.
- ACT or SAT scores may be used to award merit scholarships for incoming students.
- Scholarships sometimes require the score as part of the application process.
- If you are a great test taker, taking the ACT or SAT may boost your application.
Which test is right for you?
The two main college admissions tests are the ACT and the SAT. ACT is more common in Utah and is offered at many area high schools. The three-hour test consists of four multiple-choice sections covering English, reading, mathematics, and science. There is also an optional essay 40-minute ACT Plus Writing essay test.
Most colleges will accept either test. They each vary slightly in content and in general, students may do better on one test over the other. The Princeton Review has a more complete comparison of both tests.
If you are still undecided, taking a few practice tests might give you a better idea which test would suit you better, as well as prepare you for the test.
ACT
What is the ACT?
The American College Testing (ACT) is a test offered in many high schools and is more commonly used for admission to colleges and universities in Utah. The three-hour test consists of four multiple-choice sections covering English, reading, mathematics, and science. There is also an optional essay 40-minute ACT Plus Writing essay test.
SAT
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a test administered by the College Board and is widely accepted at schools across the United States. The three-hour test, not including breaks, is a multiple-choice covering reading, writing and language, and math. Some colleges may also require you to take additional one-hour SAT Subject Tests.
How to register
To register, visit the website of the test that you have selected. Allow plenty of time since registration may take longer than you would expect. During the registration process, you will need the following information to register:
- High school course details
- Headshot Photo
- Credit card or payment
Talk to your GEAR UP office or school counselor about the test and whether you qualify for a fee waiver.
Register for the ACT
Register for the SAT
How should I prepare?
During the months before your test date, practice taking the test. Become familiar with the format of the test that you are taking. Free learning resources are available online, at your school, and at the library. Taking these practice exams can help you discover your strengths and weaknesses and teach you how to manage your time during the test.
Your USU GEAR UP office makes Tutor.com available to every student. Tutors are available 24/7 and can help you find test prep resources, practice tests and worksheets to get you started. They can also review problems on the interactive whiteboard and provide real-time test taking and essay writing tips.
On the night before the test, get a good night's sleep. Set out your admission ticket, identification, an acceptable calculator, No. 2 pencils and erasers, and a snack before going to bed. Set your alarm so you wake early enough to have time for a good breakfast.
On test day, know where your test center is located. Arrive at the test center early. Leave extra time to get there in case you run into delays. Bring a snack to eat during breaks so you can stay focused and sharp. Be confident. If you've been working hard in your classes and practicing for the test, you should be ready to do well.
What happens next?
Students typically receive their ACT or SAT score reports about 2 - 4 weeks after taking the test. Each test website and various other websites will give you information to help you better understand the scores that you have received in each section of the test.
You can choose to have the scores you received sent to colleges and scholarship programs. There may be additional charges to send these reports.
What if I don't test well?
If you are not satisfied with your scores on either the ACT or the SAT you can retake the test. This may help boost your score. Retaking the ACT gives you a superscore made up of your highest section scores (in English, Reading, Math, and Science) across all test dates you've taken.
Most students who retake the ACT/SAT get a higher score the second time around, so you may benefit from taking an exam more than once. It is important to remember that your test scores are only one part of your whole application. College applications are a balance of grades, test scores, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay. Make sure you give the right amount of attention to everything.