SAT: Frequently Asked Questions

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While you can technically take the SAT as many times as you'd like (it's offered 7 times a year), 

• only take one test if you reach your target score on the first try.
• most students take at least two tests with the goal of showing improvement. 
• try not to take more than three officially administered exams. Most colleges will only consider the highest composite score (unless they create a superscore from your best sections). Instead, take as many practice tests as you can. 

This answer is entirely subjective:  a good SAT score gets you accepted into your goal college or university. As a test-taker, start by researching the average SAT scores of incoming freshmen at the institutions you're applying to. 

As of July 2021, the College Board no longer offers the Essay portion of the SAT (with the exception of some in-school administrations of the exam). 

1. Most Michigan schools have opted for a free in-school administration of the SAT in the March of their junior year. 
2. While both tests are each roughly 3 hours long without the essay sections, the ACT contains 61 more questions in total than the SAT. 
3. While SAT questions are more trickily worded, the ACT tests more advanced content in Math and Science. 
4. Both tests require heavily require the development of proper pacing and elimination strategies. 

Start by taking a practice SAT test and a practice ACT test. Evaluate the percentiles of your scores (SAT and ACT) and where you feel more confident with content and pacing, and select the test that helps you put your best foot forward in your college applications!

It depends on two things: your starting score and your target score. The farther apart those two numbers are, the longer the necessary prep time! Have questions about building a study plan? 

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Click here to view a sample official score report from College Board. More details on specific areas of strength and weakness are available in your full online score report.