SAT & ACT Exam Information

Students who are planning on attending a 2 Year College (Ex. MVCC, Herkimer) do not need to take the SAT or ACT for admissions - they are not required

If you are planning on attending a 4 year college right after High School (or you want to apply to some), the majority will require one of the exams for admissions. Some colleges are test optional (meaning it is not required) such as Utica College. That information would be found on the college’s website. 

Thus, if you think you want to apply to a 4 year college in the Fall - then I would recommend you take one of the exams. 

The biggest difference between the 2 exams is that the ACT has a science component to their exam. Both exams are scored differently and have different timing of sections. Check out this website for a breakdown of differences

Exam Differences

No! All colleges will tell you that they only need one exam to review your application.

Yes, you can take the exam more than once but you do not have to. If you are trying to improve your score, you can certainly take the exam again. 

For the SAT - When you take the exam more than once, they will combine your subscores from each exam date to create the highest score. For example, if you did better on the math the first time you took the exam, and then better on the English the second time you took the exam - they will combine those 2 scores to create the best score for you when reviewing your application for admissions. 

Every college is different in terms of their score range. I would suggest reviewing that information online or reaching out to me! But remember, every college looks at the total package when reviewing your application - not just SAT/ACT scores - Such as: Did you take challenging courses in high school, overall GPA, school and community activities, letters of recommendation, etc.

You should take one of the exams in the Spring, Summer or Early Fall. I suggest spring or summer in case you do want to take the exam again - you have the Fall as that option. 

Yes! I have prep books available in my office and there are also many free resources right online. Just google ACT/SAT Prep!

SAT Registration 

Cost of the exam is $60. You will have to pick a testing location (we do not host the exam), you will need to upload a picture of yourself, and you will have to pay for the exam via credit card. 

ACT Registration

Cost of the exam is $68 without the essay and $93 with the essay. You will have to pick a testing location (we do not host the exam), you will need to upload a picture of yourself, and you will have to pay for the exam via credit card.