SAT/ACT Prep
Entrance Exams
College entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT, continue to play an important role in the college admissions process. Completion of an entrance exam is typically required for admissions consideration at most four-year colleges and universities in the country, and scores can frequently be used for placement at most two-year colleges in Washington. This means that taking the SAT or ACT during high school provides students with the most options as they consider their postsecondary pathways. Just taking the SAT or ACT, however, is not enough. Students who achieve college-ready scores are more likely to gain admissions and are less likely to spend time in pre-college (remedial or developmental) courses, which is connected to their likelihood of completing their degrees.
Conducting SAT and ACT testing during the school day is a powerful way to reduce the barriers associated with offsite testing such as transportation, test fees, and building upon the momentum of all students engaged in testing, rather than just some students opting in.
PSCCN strongly recommends that districts that implement in-school SAT and ACT testing also provide preparation and results analysis support to each student, ensuring that students are well-informed of success strategies and able to accurately interpret scores and next steps. PSCCN works to assist districts to achieve equitable access to college placement exams and identify best practices around supporting students for readiness and success so test scores and placement are not a barrier to postsecondary attainment. If your district is interested in support, please contact us.