Helpful Tips for Registering for the SAT and ACT
When it comes to optimizing your test results, there is content to master, there are strategies to learn, and there is stamina to build. But more than a month before the actual test, you will need to register for it.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your tests outside of the standard test prep curriculum.
Make a Plan and Start Early: Students can feasibly start their testing journey as early as freshman year, but should start no later than fall of junior year to give them enough time to hone in on one test in particular and improve their score through test prep. Registration deadlines are usually about a month before the actual test, but don’t wait until the last minute! Especially in the current climate with COVID-19 protocols, spaces for test-takers can be limited. Click here for the 2021-22 Test Dates for the ACT and SAT.
Order the Detailed Test Answer Report: Certain test dates will allow for you to order the test questions and student answer report for exact test taken. This is known as the Test Information Release (TIR) for the ACT, and the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) for the SAT. In my nine years as a test prep coach, this has consistently been one of the most helpful pieces of data a student can provide me. It helps us to get right to the heart of the student’s weaknesses and pacing.
Do NOT Automatically Send Your Test Scores to Colleges: When you register for your tests, they offer the option to send your scores automatically to a few schools of your choice at no additional cost if you sign up to do so in advance of taking the test. At $12-$16 per score report to be sent to each school after the fact, it can be tempting to take advantage of this. But what if you don’t want them to see the scores from this particular test? If you have a bad test day, you can’t stop those scores from going to your pre-selected schools. My advice is to wait until you see your scores before you send them to your prospective schools. The $12-16 is worth the peace of mind that you aren’t sending subpar scores.
Do NOT Answer Every Optional Question During the Registration Process: While registering for these tests, you will be asked a litany of questions. What are your academic interests, grades, career goals, etc. Many of these will just put you on a bunch of mailing lists and result in constant Spam. If a question is not required (if it is not marked with an asterisk*) during the test registration process, I advise you not to answer it.
Plan to Take the Test at Least Three Times : After you have taken each test once and received your scores, you can determine which is your better test using the ACT/SAT Concordance Chart. Use the Test Date Calendar (above) to plan out when you will take your better test for at least a second and third time. There is nothing holding you back from taking it as many times as you want, but you must be done by October (if applying Early Action/Early Decision) or December (if applying Regular Decision) of your senior year, except in very specific circumstances.
