The SAT, ACT, and PSAT: Everything You Need to Know
Tom Ehlers
Founder
Method Learning
What’s Our Goal?
Use higher ACT and SAT scores to…
Get accepted to more places/have more options
Earn more $$ in academic merit aid
A higher score can…
If you only remember ONE THING from this presentation…
Predictability�warrants preparation
The exams are standardized: they must test the same set of skills in the same way on every administration
If a student gets just 1 more question correct on the SAT, how many points does his or her score often go up?
National Averages
SAT
1030
(out of 1600)
ACT
19
(out of 36)
Should a student take both the SAT and ACT?
If you get a question wrong on the SAT or ACT, you lose how many points?
Changes to the ACT
What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?
Differences between exams
SAT
ACT(w science)
How much time should I put in each week to prepare for the tests?
SAT 2025 -2026 Test Dates
ACT 2025 -2026 Test Dates
July 12, 2025
What would I do if I an 11th grader?�(or if I was in 11th grade)
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Oh my goodness, I do!
11th grade timeline
The ACT “My Answer Key” Service
What would I do if I had a 10th grader?�(or if I was in 10th grade)
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Put all of my academic energy into my classes
Take the most challenging classes I can and focus on my GPA
So what is the next step? How can I improve my score most efficiently?
John Glenn HS
provides all students with access to my SAT/ACT/PSAT program
John Glenn HS
students access my program through their Castle Learning accounts
Create your free Parent Account
Get access to:
Questions?
Features of the Digital Test
Section-Level Adaptivity
Module 1
Same average difficulty for everyone
R&W: 27 Q – 32 min
Math: 22 Q – 35 min
Module 2 – Harder
Higher average difficulty
R&W: 27 Q – 32 min
Math: 22 Q – 35 min
Module 2 – Easier
Lower average difficulty
R&W: 27 Q – 32 min
Math: 22 Q – 35 min
Slightly > 50% correct*
< 50% correct*
No score cap
Significant score cap in upper-mid 500s
2. On balance, students prefer the Digital SAT to the previous, paper SAT. No surprise:
Upcoming SAT and ACT
classes
https://www.methodlearning.com/classes
3. The SAT remains a very literal test:
4. Students who take the Digital SAT multiple times will have a large advantage:
An Example: “Red Flag” Words
Where’s the error?
The congressional panel issued their findings after conducting an investigation that lasted for over a year.
The congressional panel issued their findings
The congressional panel issued its findings
SAT vs. ACT: on which test do you have more time per question?
Private tutoring and classes
How many sections are on the SAT? the ACT? (putting aside the optional essay section)
Poll: True/False: The ACT Science Section test students on science knowledge?
College admissions today is more competitive than ever before
Strong test scores give strong grades more credibility
The less information an applicant gives, the more the college will scrutinize the information the applicant does give
A high score is better than no score
Anything that a college says is optional, (if you are serious about going to that college), you do.
Students who submit strong test scores are offered more generous academic merit aid packages.
The SAT and ACT test students on skills they will need for success in college: reading comprehension, fundamental math and grammar concepts.
Students can and will be successful on these exams with the right preparation
There is a “Submitter Advantage”
(Students who submit strong test scores have a greater chance of being accepted)
For parents/students who want/need something in addition to the web-based program…
Polls: How many times?
Ideal number of times?
How many times can a student take these exams?
Can you mix and match your best scores?