Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the SAT & ACT
The SAT and ACT are standardized tests used in the college application process. These tests are administered by the College Board and American College Testing, respectively.
Watch: IHS Counselors' video on SAT versus ACT
The College Board offers the SAT several times a year, which may be taken more than once. Colleges will super score SATs (e.g. take the best Math score and the best Reading score from different SAT dates). It's the student's responsibility to register in advance, keeping in mind each college's application due date. There are limited spots at each location, so early registration helps. Most students take the SAT during late Sophomore through Junior year. Register for SAT HERE with the College Board. Starting in 2022, IHS has offered the official SAT during the school day in March for juniors only. Watch the IHS Weekly Bulletin in January. The cutoff date will be early February.
ACT.org offers the ACT several times a year, which may be taken more than once. It's the student's responsibility to register in advance. There are limited spots at each location, so early registration helps. Most students take the ACT for the first time during Junior year, and a second time in the fall of Senior year. Updates, read ACT News/Blog. Register for ACT HERE with ACT.org. Currently, IHS does not plan to hold the ACT at the school.
PSAT mirrors the SAT format, focusing more on reasoning than content, including sections in Mathematics, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing & Language.
The PSAT is given to all IHS Sophomores and Juniors during the school day, but only Juniors may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition, co-sponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
However, some students elect to take both tests, in hopes of increasing application options, and possibly performing better on one test over the other. Today, most colleges allow students to submit the best score, for either test. As a result, taking both tests could be a smart strategy.
Questions: contact ihptsaCCP@gmail.com.