First - Testing is one piece of the admission review - it does not make or break your application decision.

Next - Remember that very few schools require test scores - but more schools are adding it back to the admission requirements each year. For example, if you are applying to Dartmouth or a public college or university in the state of Florida, you will have to submit test scores. If you're applying to a public school in the state of California, your test scores will not be used during the application review (they are Test-Free).

How do schools evaluate test scores?

Your test score is just a part of the evaluation. One data point amongst several they use to determine whether you are admissible. They understand the context - one Saturday morning score vs. 3 years of performance in the classroom.  Grades matter more.

Follow this link to research testing policies for each school.

**ACT vs. SAT ** **-**This resource will help you determine a direction. Go with whichever option works for you. Colleges do not have a preference.

Should you decide to test, preparation is paramount. Like anything, building the muscle memory involved with test taking can be beneficial. Focusing on strategy - how you navigate the test, solve problems, etc. - will make test day much more manageable.

Many students try to take both tests. Our advice is to pick one and put your time and energy into preparing for it.

Test Prep Options

• Check with your school counselor - most high schools offer some form of test prep course or tutoring.
• There are several free online resources - Khan Academy and ACT Academy
• Very affordable SAT prep from the website 1600.
• Local tutors can be phenomenal and are sometimes reasonably priced.
• Look into Compass Prep - Download their Compass Education Group guide to testing here. They are experts in this realm.