SAT, ACT and AP tests: Do they actually matter? 

It depends. 

Some colleges require the SAT/ACT, some are test-optional, and some are test-blind. While most colleges shifted to test-optional in 2020, many are shifting back toward requiring or recommending the SAT/ACT. 

Generally speaking, students are strongly encouraged to study for the SAT if they want to: 

• Be competitive for highly selective colleges (even if the college is test-optional).
• Get into the Honors Colleges of the University of Oregon or Oregon State University (they are test-optional, but high test scores will help)
• Attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCUs - See notes below)
• Be considered for large scholarships or college grants at any college or university (except for test-blind schools)

Students do not need to worry about the SAT/ACT if they want to: 

• Attend test-blind colleges
• Attend any state university in Oregon, which are all test-optional
• Attend a WUE school
• Attend community college
• Get an apprenticeship
• Join the military (although military-bound students will need to study for and take the ASVAB test)

For more information about the SAT/ACT tests and whether students should take them seriously, check out Get Schooled's video.

Practice, Practice, Practice with Practice Tests:

SAT Test Prep Tips: 

• Take a lot of practice tests. If you prefer to take practice tests on paper, you can find them here: 
  • Digital and printable versions of official SAT practice tests
  • More PDF practice tests

• Study with Khan Academy, The most highly recommended FREE SAT prep. Specific tips from high-scoring SAT takers include: 
  • Reading: Read all Level 4 passages
  • Writing: Review each concept until you are solidly at Level 3 in every topic.

• Attend iUrbanTeen's after school tutoring in the Jefferson library!

• Download Magoosh, a free app for SAT flashcards. Study on the bus, while you're waiting in line, with your friends between classes! 

• Review grammar and punctuation Grammar Rules and Critical Reader  before taking the reading and writing section

Articles

This is a great article about how to prepare for the SAT. 

SAT Strategies:

"One of the most important things to understand before you start studying is this: The SAT exam is not an IQ test. It’s not designed to evaluate raw intelligence. As such, you can achieve a perfect score no matter what your IQ is – you just need to prepare properly. 

With the right preparation, you can significantly improve your SAT score. The key is to change your perspective. You need to see the exam as the test-makers do, not get stuck in a test-taker mindset. In this guide, we’ll cover eight tried-and-true SAT strategies. By following these techniques, you can prep your way to a perfect 1600."
 

A note on HBCUs and test scores

A combination of test scores and GPA determine how much financial aid students receive at most HBCUs. For example:

• Livingstone College, students must earn a 
  • 1200 SAT/ 26  ACT for the Presidential scholarship (full tuition, room and board scholarship)
  • 1000 SAT/ 21 ACT for the Board of Trustees Scholarship ($10,000/year)
  • 900 SAT/ 19ACT for the Holistic Scholarship ($7,000/year)
• Alabama A&M University, Students must earn a: 
  • 28 ACT/1310 SAT & 3.75GPA for the full Presidential Scholarship (full tuition, room and board)
  • Students can receive $4,305 with a 16 ACT/880 SAT if they earn a 4.0 GPA
  • Students receive $4,305 with a 18 ACT/960 SAT if they earn at least a 2.0 GPA
  • (The lower your GPA, the higher the test scores need to be)
• Philander Smith University
  • 28 ACT/1300 SAT AND a 3.8GPA earns students the full tuition, room and board Presidential Scholarship
  • 25-27 ACT/1230 SAT AND a 3.5 GPA earns students full tuition and fees scholarship
  • 20-24 ACT/1030 SAT AND a 3.0 GPA earns students $6,000/year
• Harris-Stowe State University Admissions Requirements
  • Students must earn a 2.5 GPA and a minimum of 16 ACT or 860 SAT to be admitted