ACT & SAT

Colleges That Don’t Require the SAT or ACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 1, 2025

There are over 3,500 colleges, universities, and institutions that offer degrees in the United States, but did you know that more than 2,100 of these schools don’t currently require SAT or ACT scores should you apply? Many colleges are currently test optional, while a handful are test free. If you didn’t score well or you’re …

ACT & SAT

Preference of the ACT or SAT by State (Infographic)

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The ACT and the SAT are the two largest college entrance exams in the country. Certain ACT / SAT scores can qualify students for scholarships and grants. Most colleges require students to submit their scores of one or the other in order to apply. There are a ton of interesting statistics about the entrance exam–did …

ACT & SAT

100 Must-Know ACT and SAT Vocabulary Words

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 12, 2025

Key Takeaways: When taking the ACT or SAT, you’ll come across a variety of vocabulary questions that require you to use context clues to answer them—but knowing the words beforehand gives you a major advantage. Building your vocabulary and practicing definitions can help increase your confidence and knowledge on test day. From A-Z, we’ve compiled …

ACT & SAT

What You Need to Know About Submitting an SAT or ACT Re-score Request

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you’re likely aware, there have been recent changes to both the SAT and the ACT. The “New” SAT has been changed from the 2400 scale back to a 1600 scale, along with a restructuring of the sections and scoring criteria. The ACT has also been changed. Specifically, the writing/essay portion of the test which …

ACT & SAT

16 Critical ACT Math Practice Formulas You MUST Know

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 7, 2023

Do you really need to memorize ACT math formulas? As daunting as it seems, memorizing the math formulas for ACT is essential. The ACT doesn’t give you a math formulas sheet, which means you’ll have nothing to refer to when solving the math problems on the test. Adding to the challenge is the fact that …

ACT & SAT

7 Steps to Help Improve Your ACT Score

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on January 13, 2025

If your ACT score is lower than you expected, even after you studied and took practice exams, you might feel a little discouraged. However, if you sat for the test sooner rather than later there is plenty of time (and chances) to improve your ACT score. Even if you don’t get reach your dream school’s …

ACT & SAT

What is a Good PSAT Score?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 24, 2024

A “good” PSAT score is usually in the 75th percentile, or 1075 to 1130 in recent years. Often seen as the “practice SAT,” the PSAT lays the groundwork for your SAT prep, helping you better understand where you are and where you want to be. However, score in the 99th percentile and you could actually …

ACT & SAT

How to Improve SAT Scores: A 10 Step Guide

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Getting high scores on the SAT is important. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting into more competitive colleges and qualifying for certain scholarship opportunities. The key to opening these doors is knowing how to improve SAT scores. Before taking the test the first time, you may have known the theory on …

ACT & SAT

What to Do If You Can’t Afford to Take the ACT or SAT

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

One thing that comes as a shock to many students is that it costs money to take the ACT or SAT and some students can’t afford it. In fact–it’s not cheap. It costs about $30-50 to take either test, depending on whether or not you include the optional writing portion. Plus, there are extra fees …

ACT & SAT

How is the New 2016 SAT scored?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The score of your SAT test is a pretty big deal, and since college admittance chances, scholarships, and future job or internship possibilities can all be linked to how well you do, it’s important to understand just what that number means. Here we’ll break down just how the SAT is scored. What does your score mean? Well, …