PSAT Test and SAT Overview

Overview

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.

Fast Facts

• 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.

Why the PSAT/NMSQT Is Important

When your child takes the PSAT/NMSQT, they open the door to more benefits than you might think.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

How to Sign Up

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

How to Practice

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

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.

Who Sees PSAT/NMSQT 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

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PSAT and SAT Tutoring

ONE-TO-ONE SAT PREP TUTORING - SESSIONS CAN OCCUR IN-HOME, AT OUR OFFICES, ONLINE VIA LESSONSPACE, AT A LOCAL LIBRARY OR COFFEE SHOP.

“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)

VIEW OUR ACT VERSUS NEW SAT COMPARISON CHART

VIEW OUR ACT SCORES VERSUS NEW SAT SCORES CONCORDANCE CHART 

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

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What is the Average SAT Score?

What is the Average SAT Score?

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.

SAT Section Scores and Total Scores

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.

Calculating the SAT Average

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.

SAT Score National Averages for the Class of 2021

• ERW: 533

• Math: 528

• Total SAT score: 1061

SAT Averages vs. SAT Percentiles

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.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

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.

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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 COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

It takes hard work to guarantee your college application stands out. Make it rise to the top of the pile by becoming familiar with the application process and getting organized. A lot of moving parts go into applying to college— tests, essays, recommendation letters, transcripts—and each element has a deadline attached. Make careful note of deadlines for each school you're applying to so you don't miss them!

• How many schools to apply to

• Early decision and early action

• Completing your application

• Nailing your college interview

• Making your final decision

HOW MANY SCHOOLS TO APPLY TO

There are a ton of schools out there, but applying to too many colleges is a common mistake. Submitting your application to between five and eight colleges is suggested. Of that list, you should include a variety of dream schools, safety schools, and possible schools:

• Dream schools are colleges you know will be a challenge to get into.

• Safety schools are colleges you know are very likely to accept you.

• Possible schools are the colleges you have a good chance of getting into.

Applying to colleges in each of these categories will increase the chance that you get accepted into at least one, or ideally more than one, giving you the ability to choose.

EARLY DECISION AND EARLY ACTION

Early Decision and Early Action are options that allow you to apply to a college early and receive the admissions department's decision in advance of traditional applicants. Many colleges now offer early admission programs because they present significant advantages; applicants can receive increased consideration since colleges tend to admit a higher percentage of early applicants than they do normal applicants. There's also the obvious benefit of advanced peace of mind if accepted and more time to plan for the move to the school. Colleges enjoy the benefit of enrolling students who really want to go to their school and meeting enrollment goals early.

In addition to the benefits of early admission, there are also restrictions that are important to understand. Early Decision, for example, is binding; if you submit Early Decision to a college and they accept, you must attend that college. You will also not be able to apply for more financial aid after this point. Early Action, on the other hand, is not binding; you can submit Early Action to a college, get accepted and have until the following spring to decide whether or not you want to attend.

COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION

The Common Application

Accepted by more than 900 colleges and universities, the common application is a convenient option that allows you to complete a single application to send to a number of schools.

The Common Application (official site)

Application Fees

For just about every college application you submit, you'll be required to pay a nonrefundable application fee which ranges from $43 to $90. It's important to keep this in mind as it may affect the number of colleges to which you want to apply. Students from low-income families may also request application-fee waivers which are available through most college admissions offices.

Writing A College Essay

A good college essay is a critical part of the application process. The essay can often be a distinguishing factor for an applicant, so you want it to be well-written. However, don't be intimidated; the most important element of a college essay is that it's about you. Even if a topic is chosen for you already, a college essay is really just a way for admissions advisors to get to know you more intimately, hear your perspective and relate to you on a personal level. This is one area you know a lot about, so just remember to infuse as much of "you" as possible into your essay.

NAILING YOUR COLLEGE INTERVIEW

A college interview is an opportunity for you to make a personal impression on an admissions officer and increase your chances of acceptance into a college. Most colleges don't require an interview; however, having that face-to-face interaction with an admissions officer can prove invaluable come application review time. It's a way for you to differentiate yourself from others and show your personality in a way that you can't on a piece of paper. Practice and preparation will help you do well during your college interview.

MAKING YOUR FINAL DECISION

After all the hard work that goes into the application process, receiving your admission notifications can be exciting. Most colleges start notifying students in early spring, either by email, or traditional letter, or both. Upon receiving your notifications, you only have a few weeks to decide which school you will attend, since most colleges set May 1 as the deadline for committing to a school.

The difficulty of your final decision depends on how many schools you got into and whether you were accepted to your dream school, possible schools, or safety schools. If you have been accepted by ALL of the colleges you applied to, ironically, your decision could be more difficult. To help, review the research you did on each school and your priorities. By re-evaluating what's most important to you, you will find the right fit. If you have been accepted to only some of the colleges you applied to, your decision will actually be a bit easier. Use the same criteria to find the school best suited to you.

If you have not been accepted to any of the schools you applied to, you still have options. Though colleges rarely reverse an admission decision, you can try calling the admissions department to see what their policy is on an appeal. Appeals are usually only considered when you can prove there was information missing, overlooked, or that something was entered incorrectly on your application materials, such as your school counselor submitting the wrong grades.

Another option is applying to a two-year community or junior college. Such schools typically have fewer admission requirements, often have rolling admissions (applications are accepted for a longer period of time), are less expensive, and can help get you into a four-year school in the future by way of a transfer.

Lastly, if you're willing to wait a little bit, you could try to improve your application by retaking the ACT/SAT for a higher score and then reapply next semester. Just make sure to check the schools' reapplication rules. Read on below to find out how.

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2021-2022 MOCK ACT/SAT TEST DATES  

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.

PACKET INCLUDES:

• ACT/SAT ANSWER SHEET

• ACT/SAT TEST BOOKLET

• TEST INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE SIGN UP NO LATER THAN MONDAY DURING THE WEEK OF THE MOCK TEST. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS DURING REGISTRATION, SO THAT WE CAN MAIL YOU A TESTING PACKET.

ALL ACT/SAT TESTS WILL BE PROCTORED VIRTUALLY THROUGH LESSONSPACE. THE DAY BEFORE EACH TEST, STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE AN EMAILED LINK TO JOIN THE VIRTUALLY PROCTORED TEST. THE TEST INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE USED SHOULD A STUDENT LOSE CONNECTION TO THE TESTING LOBBY. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE A WORKING BUILT-IN MIC (OR A HEADSET) AND AUDIO ON YOUR LAPTOP/DESKTOP.

ACT

Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below. 

Mock ACT test dates:

• January 8, 2022

• February 5, 2022

• March 5, 2022

• April 16, 2022

• May 21, 2022

SAT

Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below.  :

Mock SAT test dates:

• January 15, 2022

• February 19, 2022

• March 19, 2022

• April 9, 2022

• May 14, 2022

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. 

Mock ACT and SAT (Group Testing)

TESTS INCLUDE

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 2021-2022 school year.

In-Office or In-Home Testing (One-To-One) 

TESTS INCLUDE 

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 testing at our offices 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. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report from our testing software.

Rules on SAT Test Day

What to Expect on SAT Test Day

All test centers follow the same procedures and rules, which you should get familiar with before test day.

Important:

SAT Essay

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.

Not yet registered?

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.

Check for Test Center Closings

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.

Doors Open at 7:45 a.m.

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.

Get the test day checklist.

Testing Starts Between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

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.

Breaks

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.

Dismissal

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.

Devices

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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Test Prep Deals

Buy Any Test-Prep Package, Get 3 Hours Free
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.

We are here to support! As we handle the academics, this gives you time to ensure they are ready for “the world”.

No More SAT Essays

College Board Will No Longer Offer
SAT Subject Tests or SAT with Essay

As students and colleges adapt to new realities and changes to the college admissions process, College Board is ensuring its programs adapt with them and is making some changes to reduce demands on students. College Board is no longer offering SAT Subject Tests in the U.S.. Because SAT Subject Tests are used internationally for a wider variety of purposes, College Board will provide two more administrations, in May and June of 2021, for international students.

• Students currently registered for an upcoming Subject Test in the U.S. will automatically have their registration canceled and fees refunded.

• Students who are currently registered for, or plan to register for, an upcoming Subject Test outside the U.S. can still test through the June 2021 administration. Students who no longer want to take Subject Tests can contact College Board’s Customer Service to cancel and receive a refund.

College Board will also discontinue the optional SAT Essay after the June 2021 administration.

• Students who are currently registered, or plan to register, for an upcoming SAT with Essay will still be able to test through the June 2021 administration. Students who prefer to cancel the optional Essay portion of their SAT can do so in their online account, with no change fees, until the registration deadline.

• After June 2021, the Essay will only be available in states where it’s required as part of SAT School Day administrations. Students scheduled to take the SAT on a school day should check with their school about whether the Essay will be included.

Writing remains essential to college readiness and the SAT will continue to measure writing and editing skills, but there are other ways for students to demonstrate their mastery of essay writing, and the SAT will continue to measure writing throughout the test. The tasks on the SAT Reading and Writing and Language sections are among the most effective and predictive parts of the SAT.

SAT FAQ:

What is the current 2021 SAT administration schedule?

You can find SAT test dates and deadlines here.

 

When will registration open for fall 2021 and spring 2022 SAT administrations?

Registration for fall 2021 and spring 2022 will open in June 2021.

Why is College Board discontinuing SAT Subject Tests?

To reduce demands on students. The expanded reach of AP and its widespread availability means the Subject Tests are no longer necessary for students to show what they know.

What should I do if I’m already registered for or was planning to take SAT Subject Tests?

Students in the U.S. who registered for the May and/or June 2021 Subject Tests will automatically have their registrations canceled and fees refunded. No further action is needed. If you were planning to submit Subject Test scores, check directly with the colleges you plan to apply to for alternative ways to strengthen your applications.

Students outside the U.S. can still take SAT Subject Tests in May and/or June 2021. Check with the colleges you plan to apply to for their SAT Subject Test policy so you can decide whether Subject Test scores will be valuable to you. If you no longer want to take Subject Tests, you can contact Customer Service to cancel your registration and get a refund or change your registration to take the SAT. The best way to contact Customer Service is to call +1-212-713-7789 (international). Customer Service hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you can’t call, email customer service at sat@info.collegeboard.organd be sure to include the following information: test month, test year, first name, last name, full address, date of birth, and name of school.

 

When will registration for international students who want to take Subject Tests in May and June be cut off?

International SAT and SAT Subject Tests Administration dates and deadlines can be found here.

Why do international students still get to take SAT Subject Tests through June, but U.S. students don’t?

Subject Tests are used internationally for a wider variety of purposes, such as advanced standing/placement at universities and local credential equivalences for entering colleges and/or as credentials for international students planning to study in some countries.

I’ve already taken SAT Subject Tests. Will colleges still accept those scores?

College Board has reached out to its member colleges, and they’ll decide whether and how to consider students’ Subject Test scores. Students should check colleges’ websites for the most up-to-date information on their application policies.

How long will score sending for SAT Subject Tests be an option?

Students can continue sending their Subject Test scores.

 

How can I show my skills in specific subject areas without the opportunity to take SAT Subject Tests?

College Board has continued to enrich and expand access to AP courses, which let students showcase their skills through challenging coursework. Many colleges already use AP course participation and exam scores as indicators of a student’s ability and interest in a particular subject area. And colleges also have access to information about student performance in key subject areas through their SAT scores, high school transcript, course selection, and other measures. Check directly with the colleges you plan to apply to for alternative ways to strengthen your applications.

 

Why is College Board discontinuing the optional SAT Essay?

College Board is adapting to respond to the changing needs of students and colleges. This change simply streamlines the process for students who have other, more relevant opportunities to show they can write an essay as part of the work they’re already doing on their path to college.

What should I do if I’m already registered for or was planning to take the optional SAT Essay?

Students can still take the optional SAT with Essay through the June 2021 administration. Check with the colleges you plan to apply to for their SAT Essay policy so you can decide whether taking the optional SAT Essay will be valuable to you. If you no longer want to take the optional Essay portion of your SAT, you can cancel in your online account, with no change fees, until the registration deadline. For information on how to add the Essay to your SAT registration, click here. visit collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/policies-requirements/changes.

 

Will colleges still consider Essay scores if I submit them?

Check with the colleges you’re interested in about their policies. If you take the SAT with Essay, colleges may consider your scores as part of their holistic review process. Students registered for the SAT with Essay can cancel the Essay portion if they choose to.

For more information on this development, please visit the official College Board websitehere.

Mock ACT/SAT 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

• 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.

Register for a mock test by clicking on a specific test date below.

Mock ACT test dates:

January 30, 2021

February 27, 2021

March 27, 2021

April 10, 2021

May 8, 2021

Mock SAT test dates:

February 13, 2021

March 13, 2021

April 24, 2021

May 22, 2021

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.

Setting ACT and SAT Score Goals

It is important to set score goals based upon the student’s baseline practice test scores. You want to set score goals for each section of the test. The goals are based upon the middle 50% scores, for the last freshmen class, to get accepted to a certain college or university. This is why it’s especially important to take a full-length practice test as an initial diagnostic. Not only does it reveal the weakest areas for the student, but it also helps in determining score goals. Another important aspect to taking a practice test is that it will reveal how much prep is needed.

Local Virginia, Maryland and DC middle 50% ACT/SAT scores:

American University:

SAT Middle 50%: 1180-1360 (Critical Reading and Math)

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 27-31

Catholic University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 510-610

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 500-610

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 22-27

Christopher Newport University:

SAT Middle 50%: 1070-1230 (Critical Reading and Math)

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 23-27

Frostburg State University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 430-540

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 430-530

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 420-510

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 18-22

College of William and Mary:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 630-740

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 640-730

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 29-33

Georgetown University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 660-750

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 660-750

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 29-33

George Mason University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 530-630

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 520-620

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 24-28

George Washington University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 610-700

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 590-690

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 600-700

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 27-31

Howard University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 460-680

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 470-670

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 430-670

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 19-29

James Madison University:

SAT Middle 50%: 1180-1270 (Critical Reading and Math)

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 26-28

John Hopkins University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 680-780

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 660-740

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 660-760

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 31-34

Longwood University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 460-540

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 460-550

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 19-23

Loyola University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 560-640

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 540-630

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 25-29

Marymount University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 460-560

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 470-570

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 460-560

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 20-24

Old Dominion University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 470-570

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 460-560

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 18-23

Radford University:

SAT Middle 50%: 950-1100 (Critical Reading and Math)

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 19-24

Salisbury University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 540-620

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 540-610

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 530-610

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 22-26

Towson University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 500-590

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 490-580

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 500-580

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 21-25

University of Mary Washington:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 500-590

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 510-620

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 490-600

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 22-26

University of Maryland:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 620-730

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 580-690

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 29-33

University of Richmond:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 620-720

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 590-690

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 600-690

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 28-31

University of Virginia:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 630-740

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 620-720

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 620-720

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 29-33

Virginia Commonwealth University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 500-600

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 500-610

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 490-590

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 21-26

Virginia Tech:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 580-680

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 540-640

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 25-30

Washington and Lee University:

SAT Math Middle 50%: 660-720

SAT Critical Reading Middle 50%: 650-740

SAT Writing Middle 50%: 650-730

ACT Composite Middle 50%: 30-33