ACT & SAT

Pros and Cons: Taking Both the ACT and SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Typically, a student will take either the ACT or the SAT as their college entrance exam. However, a growing trend shows that more and more high schools students are taking both tests. Are you considering taking one or both the ACT or SAT? If you’re thinking about the latter, here are some ACT or SAT …

ACT & SAT

When Should Students Take the ACT / SAT?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Students generally take the ACT or SAT in the spring of their junior year. Why should you consider taking it earlier than that, or multiple times? The truth of the matter is that you are almost guaranteed to increase your score by taking the test a second …

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 College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 7, 2026

Key Takeaways Colleges don’t favor the SAT over the ACT or vice versa. The most important factor is the score of the test you take. States, however, do tend to have regional testing preferences. Some states lean heavily ACT, others lean SAT, and many fall somewhere in between. When choosing which entrance exam to take, …

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 …