ACT & SAT

What calculators are allowed on the ACT?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 7, 2026

Key takeaways: All math questions on the ACT can be solved without a calculator, but some are tedious and complicated. You are allowed to bring 4-function, graphing, and scientific calculators to the ACT, or you can use the built-in calculator for the online exam at testing centers. You are not allowed to use calculators with …

ACT & SAT

How long is the digital SAT? Everything you need to know

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 18, 2025

Key takeaway The SAT went fully digital in the spring of 2024, replacing the paper-and-pencil exam with a computer-based test that now takes 2 hours, 14 minutes. While the digital SAT still tests for college readiness and has the same scoring scale, it is also now shorter, more secure, and adapts based on student performance. …

ACT & SAT

Cracking the Code: How ACT Practice Questions Can Boost Your Score

By College Raptor StaffPublished on September 4, 2025

Key Takeaways The ACT is a key part of college admissions and scholarships. It includes four main sections and one optional essay. Practicing with ACT questions builds test skills and confidence. Use trusted sources like ACT.org and test prep companies. Study regularly, review mistakes, and keep improving. The ACT isn’t just another standardized test. It …

ACT & SAT

What are the “Easiest” AP Classes?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 20, 2025

Key Takeaways Taking AP classes is great for boosting your GPA, allows you to earn college credit, and helps you stand out on college applications. Based on the 2024 score distributions, these are the ten AP classes that the majority of students scored a 3 or higher on: AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Research, …

ACT & SAT

ACT Test Dates in 2026-2027

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 28, 2026

Key Takeaways If you’re thinking about taking the ACT in 2026, you’ll want to make sure you sign up for one of the test dates (June, July, September, October, or December). You can register for the ACT and see your scores by signing up for a MyACT account. Planning ahead for the ACT means you …

ACT & SAT

From Practice to Perfect: PSAT to SAT Conversion

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 7, 2025

The PSAT can help you prepare for the SAT, as it’s often seen as the “practice” SAT (though it really stands for Preliminary SAT). While it’s not a perfect 1:1 ratio, you can convert your PSAT score to an SAT score to see how you would have done if you took the real deal SAT. …

ACT & SAT

8 Must Know SAT Grammar Rules

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 9, 2024

How is your grammar? The SAT tests more than your reading comprehension — it also tests that you know the rules of grammar. To tackle this portion of the exam, here are 8 grammar rules you should know before you sit for the SAT test. 1. The Subject and Verb Must Agree Every complete sentence …

ACT & SAT

What Is the ACT Exam and Should You Take It?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 19, 2024

Key Takeaway The ACT (which stands for American College Testing) is a three-hour entrance exam that measures college readiness in English, math, reading, and science. There is also an optional essay section. While it is not required for you to submit your ACT scores to most colleges, it’s generally recommended that students take it to …

ACT & SAT

Understanding SAT Deadlines

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 6, 2024

The SAT is offered year-round, but that doesn’t mean future college students can take the exam whenever they want to. In order to be counted towards a college application, the SAT needs to be taken before a specific date. In this article, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the different SAT dates you need …

ACT & SAT

How Long Is The ACT?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 19, 2025

Key Takeaways The Enhanced ACT takes 2 hours 15 minutes for the core test or up to 3 hours 25 minutes if you also do the optional sections. Section timing varies from 35-50 minutes, depending on the section. The test consists of 215 questions, which are broken up into 4 mandatory sections and 1 optional section. …