College Standardized Testing 101 Webinar

April 22, 2026 @ 6:30pm

Overview

Overview:

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• Why standardized testing matters in today’s college admissions landscape

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• SAT vs. ACT: Key differences and how to choose the best fit

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• Testing timeline: When students should plan to test

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• Understanding test-optional policies and how they impact applications

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• Planning next steps: Creating a testing plan

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• Q&A (use Q&A in Webinar)

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History of Standardized Tests

• 1926 - First SAT administered - Designed to test aptitude for learning instead of subject mastery; 1600 point scale
• 1959 - ACT founded - new test; used for subject placement as well as admissions; Primarily limited to midwestern US
• 2005 - SAT adds writing section which changes score to 2400 point scale; Then ACT adds optional writing too
• 2007- All US colleges and universities start to accept the ACT

• 2020 - Tests are cancelled due to COVID pandemic; Colleges announce test optional policies
• 2021 - SAT Writing section eliminated, return to 1600 point scale; Large percentage of U.S. schools did not require test scores for admissions
• 2024 - SAT goes digital; ACT begins to go digital; Approximately 4-5% of all colleges required SAT or ACT for admissions

2026 Standardized Testing Landscape

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• Approximately 80% of US schools remain test-optional (including the UNC system schools, if weighted GPA is over a 2.8) or test-blind (i.e. University of California schools)

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• There are a few schools that are test-flexible (choice to submit SAT, ACT, AP or IB scores)

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• It is still a mixed bag of testing requirements:
• Some schools have returned to requiring test scores
• Some schools have announced plan to require test scores over the next 1-2 years
• Some schools have announced staying test-optional indefinitely
• Some were test-optional pre-COVID and will stay that way (i.e. Wake Forest University, Colby College, Bates College, University of Chicago) �
• FairTest.org is a great site to keep up with testing requirements

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Students need to take standardized tests

in case a college

requires a score as part of admissions!

The Bottom Line:

SAT vs. ACT

SAT

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• Digital -Adaptive Test
• 2 Sections: Reading/Writing, Math
• ~ 2 hours, 14 minutes testing time
• 98 Questions
• Scoring - 400-1600 (combine 2 sections)
• Score Choice Available to send highest test dates

ACT

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• Paper/pencil or digital- fixed test structure
• 3 Sections: Math, Reading, English
• ~ 2 hours, 5 minutes testing time
• Optional 4th section -Science � Adds 40 minutes to test
• Composite Score 1-36

(avg. of English, Reading & Math)

• Science Score reported separately
• Super-Scored Score Report Sent�

* Optional writing section (not required by any school)

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Key Differences in the Test

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SAT

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• Reading & Writing + Math

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• Shorter test than ACT with Science

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• Short passages (1 question each)

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• Math focuses more on algebra & data analysis (less geometry/trig)

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• Built-in Desmos calculator

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ACT

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• English, Math, Reading (+ optional Science & Essay)

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• Longer reading passages (multiple questions each)

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• Includes (optional) Science reasoning section (data/critical thinking)

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• Math is more balanced (includes more geometry & trigonometry)

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• Digital version includes Desmos calculator

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Test Scores are one piece of the overall application schools consider.

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Standardized Testing in College Admissions

Testing for College Admissions

• Both the SAT and ACT are equally accepted by colleges.
• Most students take the SAT or ACT in their junior year. (If a student is taking Math III Honors, in 9th grade, we encourage them to take it earlier.)
• It’s best if juniors are done with testing by August before senior year.
• We encourage students to take a test at least 2x
• SuperScoring - colleges take your highest test subsection scores from different test dates and combine them into your best possible overall score. Scores generally need to be from the same test type (SAT or ACT)��Example: If a student takes the SAT twice:� Test 1 (Feburary 2025): Math 600, Reading 650 � Test 2 (June 2025): Math 700, Reading 620

Superscore: Math 700 + Reading 650 = 1350 (using your highest scores from each section)

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College Counseling will help students determine the best plan when applying to test-optional schools

How do scores help?

• If they are at or above a school’s middle 50% admitted range
• For merit scholarships and honors programs

When Test Scores May Not Be Necessary

If applying to test-optional schools and:

• Scores fall below a college’s middle 50% range
• GPA and rigor are already strong
• If scores do not accurately reflect the student’s abilities
• Does this score help my application?

When it is time to apply, plan to talk with your counselor about the best plan for you!

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Applying Test Optional in College Admissions

Finding School-Specific Test Requirements

When researching test score requirements, the most reliable place to look is directly on each college’s official website, typically under the Admissions, First-Year Applicants, or Applying sections.

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Do I Take SAT or ACT?

General Information

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• All colleges/universities will accept either SAT or ACT
• Schools do not need ACT with writing; we do recommend taking the science section
• Majority of schools superscore test results; so taking a test more than once is helpful
• Many schools remain test-optional at this time; unsure about UNC system beyond class of 2028

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Which Test is Better for You?

Possible Approaches to Test-Taking

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Option A: Stick with SAT, if PSAT has gone/does go well�Option B: Take PSAT in Oct; Take ACT in Dec; Compare scores & retake better test

Option C: Take 1 SAT and 1 ACT; Retake the better one

Option D: Take practice tests of both and focus on the one that is a better fit

Option E: Work with a tutoring agency to help determine better fit test

SAT and ACT Dates - 26-27 School Year

How to Register

SAT Registration- collegeboard.org

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ACT Registration - ACT.org

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Helpful Tips:

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• Register early—test centers fill quickly
• Do not send scores to any schools at the time of registration.
• Can skip the optional questions when registering setting up the account to register
• Gibbons is not a testing center
• ACT- Take the science section at least 1 time
• ACT- Essay is not neccesary

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Prep Resources

• Decide individual or group tutoring to review test or concepts, if needed: �View list of some test prep resources in Schoology

• Free online tools at ACT.org, College Board, Khan Academy and free practice tests with other test prep organizations.

• Use low cost review tools: Magoosh or Quizlet

• Try using AI to give you practice questions and ask for explanations of how to solve if you are stuck

AP Tests

• Two reasons students take APs: Want to be challenged and possible college credit
• Some colleges consider submitted AP exam scores in admissions, while others only use them for college placement or credit after a student enrolls (scores of 3 or higher is considered passing, but college credit varies by school)
• If a student takes AP classes and opts the AP Exams, the scores could play a role in college admissions.
• Helpful when applying to more selective institutions; Strong AP scores (especially 4s and 5s) could help differentiate students in a competitive applicant pool
• Always secondary to grades and course rigor and are generally not required
• Won’t make or break an application, but can add a additional information and context�
• Many students take AP classes, so strong performance on the exam can add more information about the student’s grasp on subject matter.
• Will a school award credit? Search the schools website for “AP credit” or Google “[College Name] AP credit policy.”

Current Freshman To Dos

Summer

• Review PSAT report to see what areas were strong/weaker
• If enrolled in Math III H or higher math, consider taking a standardized test in summer or fall
• Informally or formally visit colleges to explore fit
• If taking AP World History next year, consider the prep course (info to come)

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Fall of 10th grade

• Do best on PSAT/NMSQT in October (for course placement and projected SAT score)
• If finished Math III H or higher in 9th grade, consider taking a standardized test this school year.
• Visit with college admissions reps coming to Gibbons to learn about their application testing requirements
• Keep grades strong

Current Sophomore To Dos

Summer

• Review PSAT report to see what areas were strong/weaker
• Determine SAT and/or ACT test dates to take during Junior year. Consider commitments. Try to have all testing done by August 2027
• Discuss test prep needs and desires and research options
• If taking AP US History next year, consider the summer prep course
• Visit colleges (formal tours recommended)

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Fall of 11th Grade

• Take PSAT/NMSQT seriously. Last PSAT and is part of NMS program.
• Confirm testing plan. Ensure registered/registering for SAT and/or ACT test(s)
• Meet with College Admissions Reps that come to Gibbons (SCOIR) to learn about school and testing policies
• Visit more colleges (formal tours recommended)
• Keep strong grades in school

Questions?