Standardized Tests

Yes you can. Most schools will accept your highest score on either test, regardless of how many times you took it.

Some experts, however suggest that after 3-5 times, your score is not likely to increase significantly. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT to prepare for the SAT and the PACT to prepare for the ACT are also helpful as they provide a predicted score range and may show you areas of personal strengths and weaknesses.

Start at least during your junior year. This gives you time to improve on any weak areas and give the schools you are interested in the opportunity to start sending you materials.

ACT statistics show that 77% of students' scores stayed the same or went up after re-testing, so there is little reason not to retake the test.

Statistics for the SAT were not found.

• Get plenty of rest the night before
• Dress comfortably and in layers – in case the room is hot or cold
• Arrive 15 minutes early but not more (testing centers are rarely open earlier)
• Pace yourself
• Know the instructions and format for each section
• Answer the easy questions first
• Check over your work if time allows
• Be careful on the answer sheet – mark answer ovals completely, erase changes completely
• Read information on individual tests about guessing
• On reading sections of both tests, read the questions before reading the passage. You will then know what to look for in the passage
  Absolute words such as "always", "never", and "all of the following except", demand an absolute answer

• Take a watch, digital if possible. Set at 12:00 at the start of all sections (makes it easier to tell when time is up)
• Take a calculator – most four-function, scientific or graphing calculators will work. Be familiar with how to use it
• Take an official photo ID and your test admission information/slip
• Take a number of sharpened #2 lead pencils