Test Prep
Test smarter, not harder
The right strategy saves time and raises scores. Here is everything you need to know about standardised testing — and what to do about it.
SAT vs ACT: Which one?
Every college in the US accepts both equally. The choice should be based on your strengths, not prestige. Here is how they differ:
SAT
- Digital format, adaptive (section-level)
- 2 hours 14 minutes
- Math is roughly half the score
- More vocabulary-in-context
- Score range: 400-1600
- Best for: Strong readers who are solid (not necessarily exceptional) in math
ACT
- Paper or digital depending on state
- 2 hours 55 minutes (plus optional writing)
- Includes a dedicated Science section
- More questions, faster pace
- Score range: 1-36 (composite)
- Best for: Fast workers who are comfortable with science/data interpretation
Pro tip: Take a timed practice test for each. Whichever feels more natural and yields a higher score relative to percentile — that is your test.
What score do you need?
Your target score depends on where you are applying. A good rule of thumb: aim for the 50th percentile or above of admitted students at your target school.
Ivy League / Top 20
SAT: 1500+
ACT: 34+
Top 50
SAT: 1350-1500
ACT: 30-34
Competitive State Schools
SAT: 1200-1400
ACT: 26-31
Merit Scholarship Range
SAT: 1300+
ACT: 29+
Use our college research tool to find the exact score range for any specific school.
Testing timeline
Sophomore Fall
Take the PSAT for practice. Use the score to identify weak areas.
Sophomore Spring/Summer
Begin focused prep. 30 minutes a day is more effective than weekend cram sessions.
Junior Fall
Take the PSAT/NMSQT (October). This is the qualifying test for National Merit.
Junior Winter
Take your first real SAT or ACT. December or February are common dates.
Junior Spring
Retake if needed. Most students improve 50-100 SAT points on a second attempt.
Junior Summer
Final retake opportunity if needed. Focus prep on specific weak sections.
Senior Fall
Last chance to test (October/September). Send scores to colleges.
Free resources
You do not need expensive test prep. These free resources are as good as — or better than — most paid courses.
Test-optional strategy
Many colleges went test-optional during COVID and some remain so. But “test-optional” does not mean “test-blind.” Here is how to think about it:
- Submit if your score is at or above the school's middle 50%. A strong score always helps.
- Do not submit a below-average score. It cannot help and may hurt.
- Going test-optional means the rest of your application must be stronger. GPA, essays, and activities carry more weight.
- For merit scholarships, scores often still matter. Many auto-merit awards are score-based even at test-optional schools.
AP and IB exams
AP and IB scores demonstrate college-level readiness and can earn you credit, saving thousands in tuition.
- AP scores of 4 or 5 are accepted for credit at most colleges. Some accept 3s.
- IB Higher Level scores of 6 or 7 typically earn credit. Standard Level usually does not.
- Take AP/IB courses in subjects you are strong in. A B in an AP class is often viewed better than an A in a regular class.
- Do not overload. Colleges want to see rigour, but they also want to see you thriving — not drowning.
Why the PSAT matters more than you think
The PSAT is not just practice. In your junior year, it is the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which awards $2,500 scholarships — and, more importantly, can unlock massive full-ride offers from colleges that recruit National Merit Finalists.
National Merit timeline
- October (Junior Year): Take the PSAT/NMSQT
- September (Senior Year): Semifinalists announced (top ~1% per state)
- February (Senior Year): Finalists announced
- Spring (Senior Year): Scholarship winners notified
Even if you do not qualify for National Merit, the PSAT gives you a realistic SAT score prediction and connects you with Khan Academy for personalised practice.