What is College Testing?
The SAT and the ACT are standardized tests taken by all students entering college or university that demonstrate their readiness to study at a higher educational institution. Despite the growing popularity of test-optional admission programs, the scores from such tests continue to be an influential part of your application process, frequently acting as an important criterion for merit-based scholarships and advanced classes enrollment. Specifically, the SAT emphasizes skills in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics, whereas the ACT assesses English, mathematics, reading, and science proficiency. Instead of thinking about standardized tests as yet another obstacle in your life, consider using them to demonstrate your best qualities on equal terms.
What is the SAT?
The SAT or Scholastic Assessment Test is an online, adaptive test created by the College Board to evaluate the literacy, numeracy, and writing abilities of high schoolers in preparation for college-level work. The exam is divided into two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math, with scores ranging from 200 to 800 in both sections for a maximum combined score of 1600. The test employs a "multistage adaptive" design where the difficulty level of the second module in each section changes according to one's performance on the first.
In the Reading & Writing portion, skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar are tested via brief excerpts from literary works, historical documents, and scientific articles. The Math section covers topics such as "Heart of Algebra," "Problem Solving and Data Analysis," and "Passport to Advanced Math." While calculators are permitted in all parts of this section, it's advisable to practice doing the math without one as much as possible. Aside from the numerical score, taking the SAT gives applicants access to a standard by which their achievements can be evaluated regardless of different education systems. The good grades serve as an invaluable "door opener" to many prestigious programs and generous scholarships.
IMPORTANT SAT DATES
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October 3, 2026
10.03.2026
First testing option. Registration deadline is TBD.
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November 7, 2026
11.07.2026
2nd Testing option. Registration deadline is TBD.
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December 5, 2026
12.05.2026
3rd Testing Option. Registration deadline is TBD
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March 6, 2027
Final Testing option. Registration deadline is TBD
What is the ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) is a test that is meant to measure the preparedness of a student for college studies using his/her high school studies as the standard of evaluation. The difference between the ACT and SAT lies in the fact that while the latter is an aptitude test, the former is regarded as an "achievement test" since it is focused on assessing what the student actually knows about the four compulsory subjects: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, and one optional: Writing (essay).
One of the unique qualities of the ACT is that it is a very quick test, featuring a Science section that tests your skills in graph interpretation, data analysis, and experimentation design rather than measuring your knowledge on certain scientific concepts. What sets the math portion of the ACT apart is that it covers a wide variety of subjects like geometry and trigonometry, and you will be required to use a personal calculator throughout the whole test. Due to the focus on speed and vast amount of knowledge in the ACT, this test would be ideal for candidates who are good readers and can work quickly. Another positive aspect of the ACT is that it is used by college admission officials to measure your understanding of the typical high school curriculum.
ACT TESTING DATES
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October 17, 2026
Registration deadline is September 11th, with initial scores are releasing on October 27th.
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December 12, 2026
Registration deadline is November 6th, with initial scores releasing on December 22nd.
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February 27, 2027
Registration deadline is January 22nd, with initial scores releasing on March 16th.
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April 10, 2027
Registration deadline is March 5th, with initial scores releasing on April 20th.
How do I Study?
Preparing for the SAT and ACT starts with acknowledging how different the two tests may be in terms of their personalities. At the same time, there is a great deal of similarity between the two exams when it comes to basic algebra, grammar, and reading skills. The best thing to do is take a diagnostic test for each and find out which one is easier to you, but initially, work only on the parts of the curriculum that are common to both – linear equations, punctuations, etc. As the exam date gets closer, concentrate on test-specific tips: work in the Desmos calculator included in the new Digital SAT, and practice adjusting to the Bluebook modules; on the ACT, improve your timing because it's more challenging in this test and focus on reading and interpreting data for the Science section.
Studying Prep
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Khan Academy
The best and cheapest way to study for the SAT. Trusted by colleges and professors nation wide. Sign up for free!
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Free ACT Prep
Studying prep for the ACT that is free and comes straight from the organization that provides the tests.
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ACT & SAT Prep
An alternative study prep, that offers a 14-day free trial to help students study for both the SAT and ACT.