As a student-athlete, you know the college recruitment process can be tough. But did you know your performance on the SAT or ACT can affect your chances of getting into your dream school? These tests are crucial in the college admissions process, especially for student-athletes.
In this post, you’ll learn:
• What are the SAT and ACT?
• When to take the test?
• How do I prepare for it?
• How the test scores are used by college admissions
The SAT and ACT are standardized tests required for college admissions in the United States.
SAT
It stands for Scholastic Aptitude Test, focuses on math and English, and assesses a student's academic readiness and potential for success.
ACT
American College Testing, which tests English, math, reading, and science.
Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities in the United States and help admissions officers determine if a student is ready for college-level work. The tests are also important for your eligibility (clickable to blog about eligibility).
The choice between the SAT and ACT is personal and can depend on the student's strengths, interests, and test-taking preferences.
Some students may feel more comfortable with the format and content of one test over the other. Therefore, it is best to research both tests and take a practice test to make an informed decision.
The SAT and ACT are typically taken during a student's junior or senior year of high school. However, some students may choose to take the tests earlier or multiple times to improve their scores.
It's important to check the test dates and registration deadlines for the SAT and ACT and plan accordingly.
SAT test dates & registration deadlines
ACT test dates & registration deadlines
Keep in mind that some colleges have specific test date requirements. It's thus best to research the requirements of your target schools early on. The best time to take these tests depends on the student's readiness and schedule. However, it is crucial to start early, as some colleges have application deadlines before the test dates.
Several resources are available for students to prepare for these tests such as online practice tests, test-prep books, and tutors.
Student-athletes need to find a method of preparation that works best for them. This can be self-study, group study, or one-on-one tutoring. It is also important to start preparing well in advance, as these tests need significant time and effort to master.
At +31 Sports, we also offer tutoring services to help student-athletes prepare for the SAT and ACT,
Colleges use the SAT and ACT scores to determine if a student's academic profile is strong enough for acceptance.
However, for student-athletes, these scores can be different standards as they need to meet the requirements of the NCAA Eligibility Center. The NCAA Eligibility Center sets minimum test scores that student-athletes must meet to be eligible to play sports in college.
If you are unsure about how to prepare or when to take your SAT or ACT? Reach out to us directly.