Do I need the SAT or ACT for college?
The SAT and ACT are college entrance exams which are optional to apply for many universities, but not all! Sometimes they’re required (maybe for a specific program), and many times an above-average score can…
- support a student’s application
- demonstrate language or academic ability
- and ensure they win lots of financial aid and scholarship money.
Not sure whether testing is right for you? We’re here to help! Let’s start with the first step:
Step 1: Check this free guide to the SAT & ACT to see if you need a test score
Step 2: Take this short quiz to get a personalized SAT vs ACT recommendation
Step 3: Take a free, official practice test to check your starting score
Taking a practice test helps you assess which test is most comfortable for you and get your baseline score.
If you’re happy with your score, you’re ready to register for a test! If not, it might be time for test prep…
Step 4: Choose the best SAT or ACT test date (and register if you’re ready)
| ACT Test Dates | ACT Registration Dates | ACT Score Release Dates |
|---|---|---|
| February 14, 2026 | Jan. 7th | March 3rd |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6th | Apr. 21st |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8th | June 23rd |
| July 11, 2026 | June 5th | July 21st |
| September 19, 2026 | Aug. 14th | Oct. 6th |
| October 17, 2026 | Sept. 11th | Oct. 27th |
| December 12, 2026 | Nov. 6th | Dec. 22nd |
| SAT Test Date | SAT Registration Dates | SAT Score Release Dates |
|---|---|---|
| March 14, 2026 | Feb. 27th | TBD |
| May 2, 2026 | Apr. 17th | TBD |
| June 6, 2026 | May 22nd | TBD |
| August 15, 2026 | TBD | TBD |
| September 12, 2026 | TBD | TBD |
| October 3, 2026 | TBD | TBD |
| November 7, 2026 | TBD | TBD |
| December 5, 2026 | TBD | TBD |
Step 5: Make an informed and personalized testing plan
Junior and senior year can be chaos, so having a testing game plan is crucial. This can include…
- Setting a timeline and budget that considers your schedule and score improvement goals
- Determining what subjects you need to work on
- Choosing the right test prep course
- Looking at any upcoming changes to the tests so that you can be prepared
- Gathering advice from the experts on where to spend your time and energy
- Estimating potential college costs to see which tests and scores will help you save money
Feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes it’s best to make a testing plan with a little help:
Hear the latest from SAT & ACT experts to make sure you are fully prepared for test day
Back-To-School Test Prep Tips
The start of the school year comes with so many new classes, assignments and extracurricular activities that test prep can often get pushed to the side. Why prioritize doing practice tests when the SAT or ACT is months away?
How To Apply For Accommodations On The SAT/PSAT
Applying for accommodations for standardized testing is a lengthy process that involves collaborating with school coordinators weeks in advance to ensure each student receives the correct accommodations.
What We Know About The ACT So Far
ACT announced it will be updating its college entrance test over the next two years. These changes come in the wake of the SAT’s digital test relaunch in December 2023 and the SAT’s permanent shift to an entirely new digital test format in March 2024.
OR: Sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert to see where testing fits into your college plan
Finally, Step 6: Choose the test prep course that’s perfect for you
Not sure what to choose?
Check out what our past clients have to say about our course!
Both of my sons loved it!
My son’s score went up significantly by taking the Higher Scores Test Prep SAT course. He was able to be independent in his studying but had support. My younger son will be doing this program when it is time for him to get ready for his SATs.
5-Star Service!
Our son David began his SAT prep just weeks before his final attempt to raise his score. He raised his score by 60 points! Those 60 points landed him an additional scholarship for $4,000! I’m a believer.
She was absolutely thrilled
One of my children has never been a good test taker, but she implemented the Higher Scores strategies and found that they really worked! Her scores in English and Reading were each 3 points higher than her practice test.
Boom! She scored a 33!
Boom! … That was the first word out of my daughter’s mouth when she got her December ACT score back. She tossed her phone to me and I quickly found out why… she scored a 33! I couldn’t be more proud of her. She was diligent studying the material, and it paid off!
Review when it’s convenient
My son has a very busy sports schedule running XC and Track year round. We also had vacations planned and he couldn’t take advantage of the SAT review sessions offered by his school. Luckily, I found Higher Scores Test Prep. He was able to review when it’s convenient for him, even when we went on vacations. My son was very happy with his SAT score. Earlier this month, we received the news we have been hoping for. He was accepted at his top pick for Engineering school!