SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

Determining all the different requirements for transferring colleges can be a huge hassle. One of the most common questions students have is whether they need to submit SAT scores to apply as transfer students.

There's no single answer to this question, but this guide will explain some common policies about SAT scores for transfer applicants. It'll also go over how to determine whether you need to submit SAT scores and how much attention schools pay to these scores when they also have your grades from another college.

With all the news about the new digital SAT, you may be wondering if you can take the SAT online now. However, now that it's possible to take the SAT on a computer, that doesn't mean you can take the exam at home or any time you log onto the internet. 

What is taking the digital SAT like and how is it different from taking the SAT online? This guide will answer all your questions!

Did you miss the registration deadline for the SAT test date you wanted? Don't fear—you still might have a chance to take the test if you get on the waitlist.

In this article, we give you instructions on how to register for the SAT waitlist, followed by some advice on whether it's the right choice for you.

Studying on your own for the SAT/ACT can feel like trying to prepare for a marathon when you’ve never even run one before: it can be overwhelming and you have no idea what to do or where to start.

This is why a prep class is often an excellent idea. Classes teach you all the components of the exam, give you tips for test day, and ensure you get the score you want. But as you might’ve guessed, classes can be pretty expensive, making you wonder: are ACT prep classes worth it? Are SAT prep classes worth it?

We’ll go over the biggest benefits of SAT/ACT prep classes, how to figure out your own prep class budget, and how to ensure you get your money’s worth.

Many students assume colleges will see every score they've earned on the SAT and ACT when they apply.

However, while some top-tier schools do require your full testing histories, many don't. Some even allow score choice for the SAT, which allows you to send only the scores you want them to see, or they allow you to pick your best ACT test date.

If you're aiming for a top-tier school like an Ivy League, Stanford, or MIT, read this guide to learn how they evaluate standardized tests to help you best prepare.

Some colleges will guarantee admission to applicants who meet certain requirements for test scores and GPA. These schools are good choices for students who are looking for sure bets in the college application process.

In this guide, I've compiled every school that offers guaranteed admission based on SAT/ACT scores, along with other requirements like residency and GPA. If you're lucky, you'll fit the criteria at one or more of these colleges and be 100% certain of your acceptance if you choose to apply.

Not all admissions processes are created equal. One major point of difference among colleges these days is how admissions officers consider your SAT scores. More and more schools are de-emphasizing SAT scores as part of your application with test-optional and test-flexible policies. Some colleges has even eliminated SAT scores completely!

There are now more than 1,000 accredited, bachelor-degree granting institutions that have changed their approaches to standardized test scores. Keep in mind that the majority of colleges, especially the more prestigious schools, do still require (and strongly consider) SAT scores.

Let's take a look at the different score policies and the schools that no longer require applicants to submit their SAT scores for admission.

Is the cost of registering for the SAT a financial difficulty for you and your family? You may be eligible for an SAT fee waiver, which covers the full cost of registration for the SAT, with or without the essay section.

We'll explain what criteria you need to meet to be eligible for an SAT fee waiver and guide you through the steps to using it. With this guide we hope to help you overcome the barrier of testing fees in your path to college.

When's the latest you can take the SAT or ACT if you're submitting an early decision college application? You might be surprised by how late some colleges accept SAT and ACT scores—and how early others require them!

Read on to find out the latest dates on which you can take the SAT and ACT, and get specific dates for top colleges.

Is English your second (or third or fourth) language? If it's anything but your first, then you may have to take the TOEFL to get into university in the United States. The TOEFL is an English language test that shows you have the language skills to succeed in college.

As another admissions test, the TOEFL shares some similarities with the more ubiquitous SAT. This guide will compare the two tests, as well as give you some tips for preparing for both. If you're a non-native English speaker planning to apply to a U.S. college, then read on to learn the ins and outs of your testing requirements.

Many high school tests are curved, but what about the SAT? Is the SAT curved? Can when or whom you take the exam with affect your final SAT score?

In this article, we'll answer all of your questions about the SAT curve. First, we'll closely examine whether there actually is an SAT curve and discuss how the SAT is scored. We'll then look at potential SAT curve trends and give you tips on how you can use typical SAT scores to your advantage.

Here we look at international SAT test dates. The test months haven't changed since last year, but the dates have! We've recorded what we've learned in this article.

UPDATE: SAT test dates are now the same globally. Get the most up-to-date info on upcoming SAT dates here.

As some people are preparing for summer, others are preparing for the SAT. If you’re a junior thinking of taking the SAT before senior year, the June SAT can give you a chance to raise your scores and get a head start on the college application process.

In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the June SAT, including when it is, when its registration deadlines are, and when scores are expected to come out. We’ll also give you a detailed list of the pros and cons of the June SAT to help you decide whether this test date is ultimately right for you.

Yep, you read that correctly: in May 2020, the University of California Board of Regents voted unanimously to stop requiring the ACT and SAT as part of admissions applications. In other words, if you're applying to a UC school, you won't have to submit your ACT or SAT scores.

Before you get super excited, there are some caveats you should know about. That's why we're breaking down the changes — and answering your FAQs! — below.

May is a busy month for students with end of year exams, sports, and activities, but there is one more thing you might want to consider: taking the May SAT in your junior year. Taking the May SAT can help you boost your score and be competitive for early action or early decision at your top schools.

In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about the May 2025 SAT, including registration deadlines, how to register, and when your scores can be expected to come out. We'll also go over some pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right test date for you.