For almost 50 years, the SAT has played a pivotal role in the college admissions process. The upcoming transition from the traditional paper-and-pencil format to a digital, adaptive SAT marks one of the most significant changes since its inception in 1926. The Class of 2025 will be the first cohort of U.S. students to undergo both the PSAT and SAT in a digital, adaptive format.
Early acceptance rates at these institutions showed a significant advantage over regular decision rates, according to U.S. News data. Though crafting a standout college application can be a time-consuming and stressful process, submitting an application in the fall, well before the typical winter deadline for regular admissions, is possible.Read on to find out more.
For almost 50 years, the SAT has played a pivotal role in the college admissions process. The upcoming transition from the traditional paper-and-pencil format to a digital, adaptive SAT marks one of the most significant changes since its inception in 1926. The Class of 2025 will be the first cohort of U.S. students to undergo both the PSAT and SAT in a digital, adaptive format.
At Vint Hill Education, we take immense pride in being leaders in private in-home and online SAT and ACT tutoring, with a track record that speaks for itself. We recognize that every child is unique, with their own set of academic strengths and weaknesses. It is because of these differences that we firmly believe a one-size-fits-all approach, such as a commercial classroom course, may not fully meet your child's specific needs.
Back in September of 2018, ACT made the change to computer-based tests for all students outside the US. It’s only time that the SAT will follow suit.
College Board has recently announced that the SAT (and also PSAT) will also become a computer-based test starting in 2023. The SAT will become digital first, beginning with the March 2023 test. PSAT will go computer based starting Fall of 2023.
The major advantage of taking the test online will be a quicker turnaround time for score calculation. Students will be able to receive their test scores in a few days instead of weeks. College Board also suggests that these tests will be unique for each student (but did not elaborate whether it will the order of questions that are different, or two students may receive different questions), thus eliminating the possibility of a “leak test”, which can affect all students taking the same exam.
The scores will still be out of 1600. However, the digital test will be shorter: two hours instead of three for the current paper test. Students will also be given more time per question.
The format will also be slightly changed. For the reading section, students will be given shorter passages with one question per passage. There will also be a wider selection of topics for these passages. For the math sections, there will only be one instead of two, and the students will be able to use a calculator for the entire section.
All tests before the March 2023 exam will still be paper-based. We will let you know when we find out more about the detailed changes.
Vint Hill Educational Services offers mock tests for the ACT and SAT. These are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment. For the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test the student is scoring higher on. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT. Check out our ACT versus SAT comparison chart for test differences. Sometimes the difference is like night and day, and for others, it may be a hairline higher on one versus the other. The student won't know which test is better, unless the individual takes one of each. We'll use our score concordance chart in order to make a test recommendation.
Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below.
Mock ACT test dates:
Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below. :
Mock SAT test dates:
We also offer one-to-one private mock testing at our offices or virtually through Lessonspace. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils.
We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail.
The top portion of your score report contains a big black number. This is your SAT Score, also referred to as your total score. Next to your score are the numbers 400–1600, indicating that the range of possible scores on the SAT is 400–1600. To the right of your total score is your score percentile, telling you what percentage of students who took the test did better or worse than you. In small type below your score is your Score Range…
The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that 11th graders (and some 10th graders) take in October. Like the SAT, it measures the knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and math students learn in the classroom—the same knowledge and skills your child needs to succeed in college and career.
The primary date for the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT was Wednesday, October 13, while some students took the test on Saturday, October 16 or Tuesday, October 26. See more PSAT/NMSQT test dates.
Students sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT at their school—not online. See how homeschooled students can sign up and take the test at a local school.
By taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior, students may meet the requirements to enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Additionally, the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10 connect students to another $300 million in college scholarships for students across major demographics. Learn more about the scholarships.
The PSAT/NMSQT has three parts: the Reading Test, the Writing and Language Test, and the Math Test. See what's on the test.
PSAT/NMSQT scores are available online in December. Here's how your child can see their scores.
We never send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges.
If your child qualifies for a PSAT/NMSQT fee waiver, they take the test for free. After they take the PSAT/NMSQT, your child may also be eligible for other fee waiver benefits, including 2 free SATs, unlimited free SAT score sends to colleges, waived college application fees at participating colleges and more. Learn more about fee waivers.
When your child takes the PSAT/NMSQT, they open the door to more benefits than you might think.
It connects students to more than $300 million in scholarships, including the National Merit® Scholarship Program. If your child opts into our free Student Search Service®, scholarship providers will invite them to apply.
It's excellent practice for the SAT. Both tests measure the same knowledge and skills and ask the same types of questions, so PSAT/NMSQT takers will know what to expect on the SAT.
It's the first step to a free, personalized SAT study plan. Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy® uses your child's PSAT/NMSQT score to create a customized SAT study plan with sample questions that focus on areas where they need help.
It shows student progress on the road to college. The PSAT/NMSQT is part of the SAT Suite of Assessments, a series of tests beginning in eighth grade that shows your child and their teachers whether your child is on track for college.
It shows which Advanced Placement Program® (AP) courses your child is ready for. The PSAT/NMSQT Score Report indicates which college-level AP courses your child has the potential to succeed in.
Read More About It
For Students: Scholarships and Recognition
About the SAT Suite of Assessments
Parent's Guide to Official SAT Practice
For Students: Discover Your AP Potential
The only way your child can sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT is through their high school. Each school's signup process differs, so your child should talk to their school counselor to learn more.
Some students pay a small fee to take the PSAT/NMSQT, but many students have test-related fees covered in full or in part by their school. If your child qualifies for a PSAT/NMSQT fee waiver, they test for free. For more information, talk to your child's school counselor.
Read More About It
Learn About the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10
PSAT/NMSQT Fee Waivers
The best way your child can prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT is to pay attention in their high school classes and study the course material. Students who do well in school are likely to do well on the PSAT/NMSQT.
Because the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT focus on the same subject areas and ask the same types of questions, your child can use Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy to practice for the PSAT/NMSQT. It's a free, interactive study tool that provides a personalized practice plan that focuses on exactly what your child needs to stay on track for college.
Your child can download and print official PSAT/NMSQT practice tests.
PSAT/NMSQT scores range from 320 to 1520 and are on the same score scale as the SAT. This means that a score of 1100 on the PSAT/NMSQT is equivalent to a score of 1100 on the SAT. The only difference is that SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, because the difficulty level of the questions is higher than on the PSAT/NMSQT.
After your child takes the October PSAT/NMSQT, their scores will be available online in mid-December. If your child has a College Board online account, they'll get an email saying their scores are ready to view on the Student Score Reports website. If they don't, they can talk to their school counselor to get their scores.
We don't send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges. We only send your child’s PSAT/NMSQT score to:
Their school (always), school district (often), and state (often)
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Select scholarship and recognition programs (your child may opt out of)
If you want to log in yourself to see your child's score report, use the email and password your child used when they set up their College Board online account.
Once your child gets their score report, they should sit down with you and go over it. That way, you both know what to focus on to be ready for college. Score reports also indicate suitable AP or grade-level courses to take in the future.
Read More About It
For Students: Understanding Scores
For Students: Who Sees Your Scores
Student Search Service
“We were happy because this program focuses on the individual. After our daughter did the mock practice tests, it was discovered she only needed SAT math tutoring. The in person 1 on 1 prep got her up 210 SAT math points!
— Leslie N. (Washington, DC)
SAT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE (FOR JUNE 2021 TEST AND BEYOND)
Reading – 65 minutes (52 questions)
Writing and Language – 35 minutes (44 questions)
10 minute break
Math – No calculator – 25 minutes (20 questions)
Math – Calculator allowed – 55 minutes (38 questions)
On the SAT, students will have an average of 1 minute and 10 seconds to answer each question. This includes the multiple-choice questions and the math grid-in questions. This varies drastically from the ACT, which gives students an average of 49 seconds per question. The format is similar to the ACT; however, there are two SAT math sections and no dedicated science section like the ACT. There is no penalty for answering incorrectly. Therefore, students should answer every multiple-choice question. Students can only gain points on the SAT, so it’s important not to leave any questions unanswered. The SAT contains four answer choices, instead of five, which was seen on the old SAT. A new SAT report will encompass a math section with a scale score of 200-800 and a reading/writing section with a scale score of 200-800. The overall combined scale score will be 400-1600.
SAT Reading
The new SAT will focus more on academic achievement. The College Board is eliminating sentence completions from the new SAT and increasing the presence of tier 2 vocabulary. All of the SAT reading passages will be considered “long” as the College Board got rid of the shorter passages. Students will need to be skilled at citing evidence, extracting information, analyzing structure, and purpose. The new SAT reading section will include a pair of related passages and questions will ask students to draw connections.
SAT Math
The new SAT math section will focus heavily on algebra. The College Board added a sub-score to the new SAT report titled “Heart of Algebra.” Geometry will be de-emphasized, while algebra will be the main focus. There will be more real-world math problems, for example, how to leave a calculated tip at a restaurant. The new SAT will include trigonometry for the first time. Both the ACT and SAT will now contain trigonometry. Formulas are provided on the SAT, unlike the ACT, and there will be the introduction of a no calculator math section.
SAT Writing and Language
The SAT writing and language section will test students editing and revising skills. They will need to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. There will be at least one informational graphic on the SAT reading and writing section. This section will be similar to the ACT English section.
We offer SAT prep throughout the Washington DC area, Northern VA area, Richmond VA area, Fredericksburg VA area, Charlottesville VA area, Raleigh NC area, and Charlotte NC area. We will have a SAT tutor come to your home for one-to-one instruction. We will review previous SAT practice test scores or official SAT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email out a SAT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized SAT prep program.
Contact us to learn more about our SAT prep program or choose a package from below.
12-Hour SAT Prep Package $1,500.00
18-Hour SAT Prep Package $2,070.00
24-Hour SAT Prep Package $2,520.00
36-Hour SAT Prep Package $3,420.00
Last updated: Jul 15, 2022
College-bound high school seniors should keep two things in mind. The coming months will define the coming years, and you will define the coming months. That’s a bit scary, but the jitters will fade once you take control. To that end, here are 5 back-to-school tips for senior year success.
Senior year is no time to break stride in the academic marathon that high school resembles. Keep your eye on the finish line, and don’t let your grades and extracurricular activities suffer from an excess of graduation hoopla and too much focus on the college colors you want to sport.
Your studies should remain a priority, along with well-chosen extracurriculars, but be sure not to overload your schedule with the latter. Solid performances in a reasonable number of activities will look much better than the so-so record that overreaching can yield.
Two critical and forward-looking senior year duties are research and networking:
You should be researching colleges for a target list, along with college majors and concentrations suited to your skills and likes, scholarship and financial aid options, admissions essay topics, and admissions choices such as early action or regular decision. All this and more must be studied while staying current on international and national news and issues.
Networking must feature person-to-person efforts. Engage teachers who can write recommendations, counselors and admissions officers who can help shape your college adventure, and family and friends who provide critical support.
Networking should include digital footprints that advance academic and potential career pursuits. Two examples are accessing virtual college communities that yield connections and information and exploring LinkedIn and other career- and job-oriented platforms.
Charting your academic future is a study in who you are, and that includes figuring out how to find your passion and a career you love. Most students are still in the hunt when it comes to careers and majors, beginning college with a direction chosen but not a destination.
As a high school senior, however, it’s worth noting that:
Narrowing your career choices, or at least identifying your interests, will make the college decisions more productive.
You might not be ready to choose a college concentration or major based on a career path, but it’s not too soon to start the process.
You can’t get the admissions process rolling until you have a realistic list of target schools.
The essence of this tip is the senior year checklist, and the essence of the checklist is avoiding being overwhelmed by chaos. The checklist imposes a sense of order, putting things such as standardized tests, college admissions hurdles, and scholarship applications on your radar and elevating the odds for and degrees of success.
All academic goals have a timeline, so mark the important dates for each on a calendar. Scheduling apps can help, too. They are great for tracking the steps necessary to reach each goal. But if you want to stay on track, nothing beats having your primary objectives listed on a calendar on a bedroom wall. Better yet, craft a multiple-month presentation, so you can visualize several months’ worth of tasks easily.
For most, planning and preparation must fall within limits imposed by financial realities. A budget is the best way to project, track, and control spending, and it’s never too soon to start.
Budgeting is a skill that can map the financial limits affecting your college options. Use it to expose the financial gap you must close to make your college plans happen. To determine whether you can close that gap, explore financial aid options and pursue scholarships.
At USF, we offer a peer to peer financial education program called Bull2Bull (B2B). The B2B program offers education services such as coaching, workshops, and events designed to help USF students handle their finances well.
Working at the small things can be tedious; it’s easier to cope with the seemingly endless workload if you keep things in perspective:
You aren’t just studying for a high school trig quiz. You’re building an academic record that will make your college applications stand out.
You aren’t just filling out college applications. You’re trying to find the best available path to a fantastic future.
You aren’t just picking a school. You are choosing the way you will define your contributions to the world and shape your dreams.
Vint Hill Educational Services offers mock tests for the ACT and SAT. These are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment. For the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test the student is scoring higher on. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT. Check out our ACT versus SAT comparison chart for test differences. Sometimes the difference is like night and day, and for others, it may be a hairline higher on one versus the other. The student won't know which test is better, unless the individual takes one of each. We'll use our score concordance chart in order to make a test recommendation.
Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below.
Mock ACT test dates:
Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below. :
Mock SAT test dates:
We also offer one-to-one private mock testing at our offices or virtually through Lessonspace. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils.
We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail.
ACT and SAT
$25 Registration Fee (1 Mock Test: ACT or SAT) Includes test scores comparison
Mock testing for the ACT and SAT, held in a group setting. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report and phone consultation. View sample student score reports: ACT and SAT.
For the ACT and SAT, we will compare scores in order to determine which test is better for the student to take. See virtual mock test dates above for the 2022-2023 school year.
ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT and SAT Subject Tests
$125 Standard Test (In-office)
$175 Special Accommodations (In-office)
FREE Parent Administration (In-home)
One-to-one private testing at our offices, private virtual testing through Lessonspace, or in-home testing proctored by a parent. A perfect fit for students that need to get acclimated to the test format, structure, and timing. This can help to relieve nervousness and anxiety. Parents have the option of administering the test to their child for free. They can also choose to drop their student off at our offices and we will administer the test to the student. For virtual private proctoring, we will secure a date and time for one of our proctors to meet the student online. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report from our testing software. View sample reports: ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT. An individual test scores comparison chart is provided for the ACT and SAT.
Click on the links below to purchase private mock testing, or to learn more:
Private Mock ACT Administration
Private Mock SAT Administration
Private Mock SSAT Administration
Private Mock ISEE Administration
Our subject tutoring program provides students with one-to-one individualized support in math, science, reading, writing, English, history, and foreign language. For more information on this program, please visit our Subject Tutoring page.
Test prep in the summer prior to junior year isn’t for all students, but it’s a good idea for those students who are targeting an early fall test date in their junior year, as well as those who feel that they need extra help in certain subject areas before taking a first test later in their junior year. The first step is to take baseline diagnostic tests for both the SAT and the ACT to determine which test is best for you. Once you have baseline scores, a tutor will work with you to determine an appropriate test date to target as well as to develop a testing plan.
When people talk about average SAT scores, they usually have three scores in mind: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) score, the Math score, and the composite, or total, score.
You’ll see other scores on your SAT score report that measure how well you performed in specific areas of ERW or Math, but to keep things simple, this post focuses on the big three: ERW, Math, and total.
To learn more about all the SAT scores, visit the Score Structure page.
The SAT has two required sections: ERW and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200–800, so when you take the test, you’ll get two section scores—one for ERW and one for Math.
You’ll also get a total score. This is your ERW score plus your Math score. Total scores range from 400 to 1600.
The national average, or mean, SAT scores for a graduating class are calculated by adding up the scores of every student in that class who took the SAT and dividing by the number of test takers.
ERW: 533
Math: 528
Total SAT score: 1061
The national average SAT scores show you whether scores are trending up or down compared to previous years. But they don’t tell you much about your own scores.
National percentiles, on the other hand, show you where you stand in relation to other students. They range from 1 to 99 and indicate the percentage of students who scored the same as or lower than you. So the higher your percentile, the better you did.
You’ll see two types of percentiles on your score report: the nationally representative sample percentile and the SAT user percentile.
The sample percentile compares your score to the predicted scores if all students were to take the SAT. Because some students, like those not planning on going to college, may not take the SAT, we conduct research studies to estimate what their scores would be.
The user percentile compares your score to the actual scores of recent high school graduates who took the SAT during high school. If your percentile is 75, that means your score is as high or higher than the scores of 75% of students who took the SAT.
Because your user percentile shows how you performed compared to other students who may be applying to the same colleges you are, it can help you decide whether to try to improve your score by taking the test again.
If you’re not happy with your SAT results, try working with an SAT tutor and improving your study tools before retaking the test. Research shows that just 12-18 hours of SAT tutoring could help your total score go up an average of 120 points.
Remember: SAT scores are just one thing colleges look at when deciding who to admit. Your grades, after-school activities, letters of recommendation, etc., give colleges a more complete picture of who you are.
2022 Mock Test Dates
with a Live Virtual Proctor
VHES offers online mock SAT and ACT tests Saturdays at 9:00 am through Lessonspace, a teaching platform that enables our proctors to oversee virtual exams and gauge students' test readiness. Upon registering for mock tests, students will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following:
ACT/SAT answer sheet
ACT/SAT test booklet
Testing instructions
Please sign up no later than Monday during the week of the mock test. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed link to join the virtually proctored test.
Upon completion of the test, parents and students receive a 9-page diagnostic report showing how the student is performing in each dimension of the SAT or ACT. This detailed report is used to establish a baseline score, is the basis for test-prep planning, and is instrumental in helping us customize a tutoring program that addresses the most pertinent test sections. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we also provide a concordance chart with test recommendations. See what our baseline test reports look like: ACT and SAT. There is a $25 test registration fee.
Register for a mock test by clicking on a specific test date below.
Mock ACT test dates:
April 16, 2022
May 21, 2022
Mock SAT test dates:
April 9, 2022
May 14, 2022
The results of standardized tests have quite an influence on the decisions the universities and colleges make in relation to student admissions. Two major test types are the ACT and the SAT. If you are thinking of enrolling in university, chances are you will have to take one of the tests. But, which one should you? What is the ACT? What is the difference between SAT and ACT? Read on to find out!
The SAT Suite of Assessments helps students navigate their path through high school toward college and career, and offers a range of unique benefits to students.
The SAT is an admission test that's widely accepted by U.S. colleges, and the College Board has programs to encourage all students to take advantage of higher education. Income-eligible SAT takers receive college application fee waivers and all students can opt in to Student Search Service® to receive free information about admission and financial aid from colleges, universities, and scholarship programs.
The SAT Suite provides consistent feedback across assessments to help students stay on course and supports teachers as they adjust their instruction for students who are either ahead or behind. Learn more about how the assessments work together.
Students who take any test in the SAT Suite of Assessments have access to video lessons and will receive personalized SAT study resources based on their test results.Their Khan Academy® practice experience is tailored to meet individual student needs. Learn more about our partnership with Khan Academy.
Students can visit Roadtrip Nation to create free career roadmaps based on their interests. They can also explore college majors, watch videos for tips from experienced professionals, and see how to get to where they want to be.
The National Merit Scholarship Program uses PSAT/NMSQT scores to identify candidates. And scholarships offered by new College Board partners use information from the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 to expand access to scholarship dollars. Visit Scholarships and Recognition to get the details.
Using results from the redesigned SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9, AP PotentialTM helps schools identify students likely to succeed in certain AP courses and AP Exams. These students are also notified of their potential directly. Find out how these tests help schools grow their AP programs.
Within the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9, students encounter questions and tasks that closely resemble what is already happening in classrooms across the nation and the globe. This is why the best way to prepare for the assessments is to take challenging courses and to work hard in class. Learn more about these focused and useful assessments.
Vint Hill Educational Services offers mock tests for the ACT and SAT. These are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment. For the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test the student is scoring higher on. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT. Check out our ACT versus SAT comparison chart for test differences. Sometimes the difference is like night and day, and for others, it may be a hairline higher on one versus the other. The student won't know which test is better, unless the individual takes one of each. We'll use our score concordance chart in order to make a test recommendation.
We offer one-to-one in-home test prep which encompasses all subject areas. This is ideal for students looking to achieve the largest score increases. Tutoring sessions are customized based upon the student’s strengths and weaknesses, which are revealed by having the student take one of our practice baseline tests or by submitting official score reports from previous tests. Our 36-hour program includes unlimited full-length practice test reports, unlimited course books, session notes for parents, and weekly homework assignments. Virtual prep is available through Lessonspace. Tutors can also meet students at our offices, local libraries, outdoor parks, or nearby coffee shops. *Our test prep tutors must pass ACT/SAT/SSAT/ISEE/HSPT diagnostic tests before being hired. We hand-pick the best tutor for your child based upon our matching process.
Passing the SAT exam with a good score is as important as your GPA when it comes to applying to colleges after high school. So, getting a high score should be your priority while preparing for this exam. Interestingly, you don’t have to sit for this exam countless times to get your desired score. Simply read this article to learn 25 proven SAT tips and tricks that will help you excel in 2021.
The SAT, which started as an adaptation of the Army Alpha in 1926, has gone through some changes to become the modern SAT. One of the most notable changes is the splitting of the SAT exam into two sections—the verbal section and the quantitative analysis section.
What is the SAT?
Why the SAT?
How Do I Get A Perfect SAT score? (Tips and Tricks)
#1. Remove three wrong answers (Most important SAT tip and trick)
#2. Always try to understand your mistakes
#3. Pay careful attention to connotation and context
#4. Make use of finding the evidence questions to your satisfaction
#5. Use a particular plan to read the passages
#6. Take note of passage introductions
#7. Put more interest in the passages
#8. Look for direct evidence
#9. Concentrate on filling content gaps first
#10. Try to resolve questions that you missed before looking at the answer explanations
#11. Underline major parts of the question
#12. Study formulas
#13. Study grammar rules
#14. Be careful with NO CHANGE answers
#15. Skim the paragraph before answering rhetoric questions
#16. Choose the more concise answer if both answers are grammatically correct
#17. Study and Write
#18. Use certain evidence
#19. Prepare before the night of the SAT test
#20. Skip the difficult questions
#21. Bubble at the end
#22. Double-check your answers
#23. Stay calm
What SAT score do I need to get into my school of choice?
Registration for SAT in 2021
What skills do I need for the SAT test?
How do they score the SAT?
Conclusion
The SAT is an entrance exam that most colleges and universities use to consider high school students for admissions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test established and given by the College Board. SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, which was initially known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test.
The aim of the SAT is to check a high school student’s preparation for college. Also, it gives colleges one common data point which they can use to compare all applicants for admission.
Moreover, college admissions officers will assess standardized test scores together with an applicant’s high school GPA, the classes he/she took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admission interviews, and personal essays. The importance of SAT scores in the college application process varies from one school to another.
Nevertheless, the higher you score on the SAT and/or ACT, the more chances you’ll have to attend the college of your choice.
The SAT is a standardized test that shows schools that you’re prepared for college by assessing major skills like reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression. It gives schools reliable data on students’ performance in a nationwide exam.
You’ll definitely need to take the SAT or ACT if you’re applying to colleges or universities in the United States. This is because most schools need you to submit test scores together with your application. Depending on where you want to apply, your ACT or SAT score can determine about 50% of the admission decision. So, you really need a high SAT score.
Studying for the SAT is usually an uphill task for most high school students because they don’t know where to start. A nice way is with the structure of the test and best approaches to it.
Below are some of the new tips and tricks for the SAT in 2021, which will help you to excel in your quest for admission to colleges and universities.
Well, the most important SAT tip and trick to have in mind is that there is only one correct answer for each question. So, ensure that you eliminate any other second answer.
Actually, it means that your first plan on the test is to remove wrong answers. If you find any question difficult, try to find reasons to point out the flaw in most of the answers instead of reasons why some options could work.
This is a very important SAT tip and trick. Devote your time to understanding the mistakes you make on practice questions, the reasons for such mistakes, and the solution to avoid them in the future.
However, mistakes normally come from content weakness, time pressure, question comprehension issues, and careless errors. Above all, you have to understand your mistakes completely so that you can correct and improve your score.
Look for words that show positive or negative connotations in the part of the passage that the question is talking about. Honestly, this SAT tip and trick will help you to remove some choices even if you have no idea which of the remaining choices is correct.
In context, make sure that you don’t look at the exact line that is referenced in the question. Also, look at the sentences around it. Similarly, look for contrast words such as “however”, “rather than” or “still”.
Actually, the new SAT format has questions that ask you to choose a portion from the passage that serves as the best evidence for your answer to the previous question. Sometimes these questions will stump you, and you should circle them and move on. However, the remaining questions in that section can help you greatly in finding out the mistakes and clearing up vagueness. At the end of the section, go back to the question you circled and you may find you now know the right answer!
Well, there are some methods you can use depending on your reading comprehension skills. The methods include:
Read through the passage quickly
Don’t skip straight to the questions
Read the passage in full as you circle and underline important information
There is a little italicized blurb at the beginning of every SAT passage. However, this blurb gives you a bit of an idea about the passage and its author. In fact, this blurb has valuable information, and if you ignore it, you could miss out on easy points.
Whenever you want to retain information while reading passages on the SAT, you can do it by forcing yourself to engage with the material. Just treat this as a learning experience. You’ll definitely find it much easier to remember what happened in the passage.
Actually, questions on SAT reading may sometimes look subjective, but the reality is that you should try to find direct evidence in the passage to support your answers.
If you’re someone that has problems with basic math skills, you may have to put in much effort to improve. This eventually will help you to improve your SAT Math score.
However, the moment you notice you get stuck while practicing SAT Math questions—for example because you don’t like a certain content area—just work to overcome your content weaknesses before you do anything else. This SAT tip and trick is the fastest way to improve your scores.
Honestly, this is the best SAT tip and trick that will help you to truly understand how to solve questions you initially missed on the Math section.
I advise you to apply this SAT math tip and trick on the math section if you’ve missed questions by unknowingly solving for the wrong value. In fact, just underline what you need to find in the question with your pen or pencil so that you will not be confused while calculating.
There’s always a list of formulas in the SAT math section for you. If you start checking them, you’ll lose time and momentum. However, it is advised to have all the formulas memorized beforehand.
The SAT writing section has a certain systemized approach to grammar. It is advised to study the rules to reduce confusion. Even if you think you’re pretty good at grammar, it’s not always enough to just go by what “looks right” to you.
If you’re not used to some of the more outdated grammar rules tested on the SAT, just try to study them.
Once you realize that you’re answering NO CHANGE for several questions on the writing section, go back and double-check your answers. NO CHANGE will only be the answer for 25 percent or less of the questions where it’s an option.
If you’re selecting it more than that, you might be missing something. Be sure to check it again before you submit.
Rhetoric questions challenge you to inspect the whole paragraph or the whole of the passage to find the right answer. However, some of the examples of rhetoric questions are questions about sentence function, the logical sequences of sentences, and the author’s style and tone. Read through the paragraph quickly as a whole and then try to answer the rhetoric questions.
One of the very important tips and tricks for SAT Writing tests is briefness. This is one’s ability to use as few words as necessary to transmit an idea clearly. Before you can answer grammar questions correctly, you need to know which are the grammatically correct choices, then choose the most concise one.
There is an essay prompt on the new SAT that requires you to examine an argument given in a passage. The examiners want to see if you actually understand the author’s point and can write a clear explanation of how he or she builds the argument.
You’ll be given fifty minutes for the essay, so try and spend about 10-15 minutes to understand exactly what the author is saying and how you’ll draft your essay from your analysis. This essay has been made optional.
Try not to explain how the writer builds the argument in your own words, but prove your points with certain examples. If you’re skimming the passage for the first time, use a pencil to underline sentences or phrases that give evidence of the persuasive approach of the writer.
Also, you should use direct quotes in the essay to strengthen the most important points.
Students normally get nervous on the morning of the SAT test and this can make them forget a lot of things which they need for the test. So, before the night of the SAT, here is a checklist of what you need:
Admission ticket
Photo ID
#2 pencils and eraser
Calculator
If you’re having problems with a question, circle and skip it and move on before you waste too much time on it. Moreover, don’t spend more than a minute trying to answer any question in the math and reading sections. Also, don’t spend more than 30 seconds in the writing section.
Circle any questions that you skip so that they’re easier for you to pick out when you go back through the section. If you still can’t figure out the answer, take a guess!
Honestly, a nice method to save time is to fill in all your answers at the end of the section. You can do this by circling your choices in your test booklet as you go along. With this SAT tip and trick, you’ll prevent going back and forth between your test booklet and answer sheet.
Moreover, make sure you only use this plan if you already know you can finish the section with at least 3-5 minutes remaining.
Make sure that you always double-check your answers first. While going through each section, circle questions that you’re not sure of so that you can double-check strategically.
Moreover, if you have enough time, you can even go through and check all your answers. By so doing, you’ll find any careless mistake you might have made while rushing to answer the questions.
Try to keep a cool head on the test. In fact, once you see a question you don’t understand, don’t let it get you nervous. You might need to skip some questions at first. Just breathe and take it one question at a time.
SAT scores alone usually will not guarantee your admission into your dream schools. For you to stand a good chance of getting into your school of choice, try to have an SAT score that ranges from the 25th to the 75th of the colleges’ percentiles for admitted students.
On the other hand, if your score is lower than the 25th percentile for a particular school, you might still gain admission. This is because 25% of admitted students had a lower score and they still gained admission.
Students can register for the SAT using the offline method through a mail or online. Using the online method, candidates should create a login ID on the official SAT website and go ahead with the registration process.
Here are the online registration steps:
Visit the College Board official website.
Create your account.
Submit all the required details.
Select which exam you want to take together with your nearest test center.
Upload your passport photograph.
Then pay the application fee.
Also, the steps for registration by mail are as follows:
Get ‘The Student Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, which is available at schools.
The guide includes a registration form and a return envelope.
The form needs to be sent along with a demand draft.
The local representative of the SAT in India is the USIEF. The mailed registration forms will be sent to their regional office.
The SAT exam examines Mathematical, Critical Reading, and Writing skills of the applicants. It analyzes the skills which students have learned in their schools according to the College Board. Also, it tests the skills which are needed for academic success in college.
The SAT test is scored using a scale of 400-1600. There is always one score for Math and one score for Verbal—comprised of “Reading” and “Writing and Language” sections. Both sections are scored on a scale of 200-800, with a total possible score of 1600. You may take the SAT test more than once.
Passing the Standardized test is not easy but you can make it easier for yourself. It is important to study for the test. If you want to do well on the SAT test and gain admission to the college of your choice, remember that you can learn to improve your score by using these 23 tips and tricks. Read more below on assessing your current score and finding a personalized tutor if you need one.
Vint Hill Educational Services offers mock tests for the ACT and SAT. These are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment. For the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test the student is scoring higher on. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT. Check out our ACT versus SAT comparison chart for test differences. Sometimes the difference is like night and day, and for others, it may be a hairline higher on one versus the other. The student won't know which test is better, unless the individual takes one of each. We'll use our score concordance chart in order to make a test recommendation.
Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below.
Mock ACT test dates:
Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below. :
Mock SAT test dates:
We also offer one-to-one mock testing at our offices. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils.
We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail.
ACT and SAT
$25 Registration Fee (1 Mock Test: ACT or SAT) Includes test scores comparison
Mock testing for the ACT and SAT, held in a group setting. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report and phone consultation. View sample student score reports: ACT and SAT.
For the ACT and SAT, we will compare scores in order to determine which test is better for the student to take. See virtual mock test dates above for the 2020-2021 school year.
What you do in the days after taking college entrance exams is just as important as pretest prep.
Most advice about taking the ACT and SAT instructs students on what to do in the days, weeks and months before the exam. However, the post-test period is also important because it requires specific and time-sensitive action from test-takers. If you have just taken the ACT or SAT or plan to do so, follow these three post-exam steps as soon as possible:
Order additional score reports if necessary.
Decide whether to submit your scores to test-optional colleges.
Review your performance with an eye toward future improvement.
Paying ACT and SAT test-takers are allotted four free score reports – the document that outlines your results – per sitting. If you retake either assessment, you will be entitled to four then, as well. Students with fee waivers are allowed an unlimited number of SAT score reports, while on the ACT the number is an additional 20 reports per exam.
The cost is $13 per college for each additional ACT score report and $12 for each additional SAT score report. Note that rush delivery incurs an extra fee.
On exam day, many students send their scores to four schools on their college short list. But students who forget colleges on their short list or who prefer not to choose right away are not obligated to.
The College Board, for example, allows students to use their four free SAT score reports even after test day. Don’t delay too long, though. The offer expires after nine days and the fee becomes $12 unless you have a waiver. For both the ACT and SAT, students can order a new score report at any time if they decide to apply to a new college.
Not all colleges require prospective students to submit ACT or SAT scores. Some institutions have always had a test-optional policy in place while some others have adopted this stance recently.
Due to the academic upheaval provoked by the novel coronavirus, an unprecedented number of universities have abandoned their testing requirements. Duke University in North Carolina, for instance, is waiving the requirement for the 2020-2021 academic year. Others, like the College of William and Mary in Virginia, are making test scores optional for the next few years. Still others are lifting the requirement permanently.
If any of your prospective schools are softening their testing policy, carefully weigh whether submitting your scores will help or harm your application’s standing. Students who are content with their SAT or ACT scores may benefit by including them with their application materials. On the other hand, students who are unsatisfied and send their scores anyway may unnecessarily compromise their chances of admission.
As soon as they receive their ACT and SAT score reports, students tend to zero in on their composite score. The composite score summarizes a student’s overall performance, so its merit as a test-taker's focal point is understandable. In reality, though, there is much more to the score report that warrants attention.
One extremely helpful feature of ACT and SAT score reports is that they break down your performance by test section, making it easy to identify your strengths and weaknesses. When analyzing your score reports, look carefully for patterns and trends in the data. For instance, if you underperformed in algebra and geometry questions, you may particularly benefit from reviewing ninth grade and 10th grade math material before beginning college.
If you decide to retest – another decision to be weighed carefully – your score report should be the guiding force in your prep sessions. By no means is it a document you should look at only once; keep it on hand and refer to it often to ensure your studies are suiting your needs. Your score report may also dictate how you review for future college-level assessments.
Check out our ACT versus SAT comparison chart for test differences. Sometimes the difference is like night and day, and for others, it may be a hairline higher on one versus the other. The student won't know which test is better, unless the individual takes one of each. We'll use our score concordance chart in order to make a test recommendation.
WE WILL BE PROCTORING TESTS VIRTUALLY ON SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 9:00 AM. UPON REGISTERING FOR A VIRTUAL MOCK TEST, YOU’LL RECEIVE A TEST PACKET VIA USPS MAIL.
Private Mock Testing is also available. Please contact us for further information.
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the relationship between college-bound students, families, and the institutions themselves. Some believe that these changes are permanent—from the de-emphasis of SAT/ACT scores to the widening economic gap between well-off institutions and struggling universities to the trend of more students delaying their freshman year. Only time will tell how the pandemic will alter university trends for future generations. However, the following five trends will likely be of greatest impact in 2021.
Trend 1: Authenticity and resilience are prized traits for applicants
Admissions committees are less interested in students who dabble in a dozen clubs than those who go all-in on their strengths and show excellence in their chosen fields. This has never been more true than in the Covid-19 era, when many students do not have the option to participate in extracurriculars as they have in years past.
Students who have doubled down on their strengths and ‘wowed’ admissions committees by being themselves fare better than those who don’t. There are plenty of ways students can get creative and showcase their talents and hard work. Students can write books, conduct sophisticated research, and even found national and global organizations. Colleges want to see applicants with the internal drive and resilience to lead something bigger than themselves. Stories of adaptability, ingenuity, and community-mindedness will undoubtedly impress in the pandemic era.
Trend 2: Standardized tests will be “optional but preferred”
Universities in which an SAT or ACT score is optional tend to accept students with test scores more frequently than they do those students without. For example, at the University of Pennsylvania, 75% of students admitted in the early round submitted standardized test scores, whereas only 25 percent did not. So be aware that taking the SAT or ACT is probably a good idea if you are hoping to get into one of the more competitive schools.
Trend 3: More students will continue to apply to early admission programs
In the fall of 2020, early admission applications to Penn rose by 23%. MIT saw an unprecedented 62% increase in early applications from the fall of 2019 to 2020. Harvard has seen an increase of 57% from last year. This dramatic increase in early applicants among highly competitive schools may be explained by the fact that many of these schools, including all of the Ivies, no longer require SAT and ACT scores. Another factor: in years past (before the pandemic), students who applied early were more likely to gain acceptance—though the rate of early acceptance is decreasing at elite institutions due to the sheer volume of applicants. For instance, Harvard accepted about 7% of its early applicants in the fall of 2020, as opposed to nearly 14% of its early applicants in 2019. With travel plans curbed and high school seniors choosing to connect virtually with universities, students will continue applying in high numbers to highly selective colleges which they may not have considered pre-pandemic.
Trend 4: The return of international students to campus
With the advent of the Biden administration, we will see more international students back on campuses. Recent legislation that limited international student visas to four years (and in the case of some countries, two years) was in opposition to the long-standing practice of allowing students to stay in the US as long as they are in school and progressing in their studies. These policies resulted in a drastic decrease in the number of international student visas issued, from more than 600,000 in 2015 to 364,204 in 2019.
In a pre-election poll conducted by the Graduate Management Association Council, international candidates indicated that they would be more likely to matriculate in the U.S. if Biden became president. Under the new administration, federal agencies will likely work hard to facilitate international students’ higher education. It is likely we will see a significant increase in international scholars, even if some Covid-19 restrictions remain in place across college campuses.
Trend 5: More students taking a gap year before college
The Covid-19 pandemic caused many students to consider a non-traditional start to college. The number of students who chose to take a gap year rose significantly in the fall of 2020. The class of 2021 may choose a similar path and defer their college admission in order to explore non-academic interests.
The activism and organizing efforts of Gen Z, born in the late ‘90s, are well documented and have been compared to the youth movements of the 1960’s and 70’s. Members of Gen Z—which include current high school seniors—report being highly concerned about the environment, racism, discrimination against the LGBTQ community, economic inequality, and many other issues. Given the unrest in 2020 in regards to racism and pandemic inequalities, there will be a strong pull for future college students to go out and make a difference in their communities. This will especially be true if Covid-era restrictions remain in place this fall.
VHES offers online mock SAT and ACT tests Saturdays at 9:00 am through Lessonspace, a teaching platform that enables our proctors to oversee virtual exams and gauge students' test readiness. Upon registering for mock tests, students will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following:
ACT/SAT answer sheet
ACT/SAT test booklet
ACT/SAT essay prompt
Four pages of lined paper
Testing instructions
The ACT/SAT essay is optional. Students interested in taking the essay will continue with the test after the final multiple-choice section (ACT Science or SAT Math). Please sign up no later than Monday during the week of the mock test. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed link to join the virtually proctored test.
Upon completion of the test, parents and students receive a 9-page diagnostic report showing how the student is performing in each dimension of the SAT or ACT. This detailed report is used to establish a baseline score, is the basis for test-prep planning, and is instrumental in helping us customize a tutoring program that addresses the most pertinent test sections. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we also provide a concordance chart with test recommendations. See what our baseline test reports look like: ACT and SAT. There is a $25 test registration fee.
Mock ACT test dates:
more dates TBA
Mock SAT test dates:
more dates TBA
Visit our Mock Testing page to learn more.
Learn more about our test prep program.
Find out how an academic coach can help.
Interested in pod tutoring? Contact us to learn more.
All test centers follow the same procedures and rules, which you should get familiar with before test day.
Important:
If you're unsure about taking the SAT Essay, you may be able to remove or add it on test day with your coordinator's permission—if test materials, rooms, and staff are available. If you‘re able to switch on test day, there may be fees (or even a refund). Learn about changing your registration information.
On test day, bring a face covering and wear it as directed by the test center. Remember to also practice social distancing at all times.
Be prepared to answer questions about your health prior to entering the test center. If you feel sick the day of your test, please stay home and contact customer service for your options. You won’t be charged a change or cancellation fee if you stay home due to illness.
Check your test center's website for any additional or specific entry requirements it may have. If you're traveling to test, it's your responsibility to know and follow any quarantine requirements or travel restrictions in the location where you're testing. Test centers may require proof that you've followed quarantine requirements and/or travel restrictions at check-in.
Get the latest SAT covid-19 updates and information during this time.
Monitor test center closings in the days leading up to your test and the day of your test to make sure your test center hasn't changed or closed.
We also recommend you check directly with the test center, including the test center's website, on the morning of the test.
All test centers open at 7:45 a.m. and doors close at 8 a.m., unless otherwise noted on your admission ticket. You cannot be admitted once testing has started. If you're late or absent on test day, you can reschedule. We recommend rescheduling as opposed to reregistering—it will cost less. Find out more about changing your registration information. We are currently waiving all change fees.
Make sure you show up with everything you need.
Your seat is assigned, not chosen by you. Wait to be seated. Here’s what will happen next:
The test coordinator will read all instructions verbatim from a manual and can answer questions only about procedure, not about test questions or content.
The test coordinator will tell you when to start and stop working on each section.
You must work within each section of the test only for the time allotted.
You may not go back to a section once that section has ended.
You may not go ahead to a new section if you finish a section early.
Do not skip sections. Doing so may result in score cancellation, delays, or both.
After the test is finished, the test coordinator will collect and count the test books to make sure all materials have been turned in before dismissing you from the testing room.
Don’t be surprised if your test experience isn’t exactly like that of the student sitting next to you. The sections in your test book might be different.
For most students, there is one 10-minute and one five-minute break during the test, the only times you can eat and drink.
Keep your ID and admission ticket with you at all times. They’ll be checked every time you enter the testing room.
Test books, answer sheets, and calculators must remain on your desk during breaks.
You can't use this time to power up devices, like cell phones—if you do, your scores will be canceled.
If you take the SAT with Essay, you’ll likely be done testing around 1 p.m. If you’re not taking the essay, you’ll likely be done around noon.
We mention cell phones and electronics often, and for good reason. Your scores will be canceled if you don’t follow the rules around devices.
Things to keep in mind:
Test administration staff reserves the right to collect and hold cell phones and other prohibited electronic devices during the test administration, including during break periods.
If your device makes noise, or if you are seen using it, or if you attempt to access it at any time, including breaks, you will be dismissed immediately, your scores can be canceled, and the device may be confiscated.
The College Board is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items, including electronic devices, while you are in the test center.
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Jan 2, 11:39 AM – Apr 30, 11:39 AM
Prep with us for a spring ACT or SAT and receive 3 one-to-one test prep hours for free when you purchase a 12-hour package ($345 value). Please contact us to learn more by clicking the link below.
Contact us to schedule a 20-minute test prep phone consultation. We can also help decide on which test to take, ACT or SAT. After we provide our recommendation, we’ll hand-pick the best tutor for your student. Sessions can be held in-person or virtually through Lessonspace.
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