Understanding the PSAT, SAT, and ACT
A family guide to what each test is, whether you need it, when to take it, and how to prepare with confidence.
First question: do you need scores?
It depends on your college list. Colleges fall into three groups, and many students apply to all three.
Test required
A growing number of public schools in certain states (Texas, Georgia, Florida, etc.) and other colleges require the SAT or ACT, including MIT, the Ivies, Stanford, and Caltech.
Test optional
Scores aren't required but are considered if you send them. A strong score can strengthen an application and sometimes helps with merit aid.
Test free
For the graduating class of 2027, the UC and Cal State systems don't consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions, even if you send them.
UC is reviewing its testing policy. Any change is expected to affect future classes, not students applying this fall. Policies change often, so always check each college's current rules.
SAT or ACT: side by side
Every college that accepts scores accepts both equally. There's no better test, only a better fit for each student.
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital only, taken in the Bluebook app | Paper or digital |
| Length | 2 hr 14 min, plus a 10-minute break | 2 hr 5 min core; 2 hr 45 min with Science |
| Sections | Reading and Writing, then Math (98 questions) | English, Math, Reading (131 questions); Science and Writing optional |
| Scoring | 400 to 1600 | 1 to 36 composite, from English, Math, and Reading |
| Adaptive? | Yes. Your first module sets the difficulty of the second. | No. Everyone sees the same questions. |
| Pace | About 70 to 95 seconds per question | About 42 to 67 seconds per question |
| Math | Calculator allowed throughout, with Desmos built in | Calculator allowed throughout; four answer choices |
| Scores back | About 2 weeks | Usually 2 to 4 weeks |
| Test months | Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, May, Jun | Sep, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul |
| Often fits | Students who like short passages, more time per question and a strength in math. | Quick, steady workers, and those with a strength in reading. |
The fastest way to decide: take a timed practice test of each, then commit to the one where the student scores higher and feels more comfortable.
How the digital SAT works
Each section has two modules. How you do on the first module decides whether the second is harder or easier, so careful, accurate work from the start pays off.
There's no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank. The SAT has been fully digital in the U.S. since 2024.
What changed on the ACT
The ACT was redesigned in 2025. The core test dropped from 215 questions to 131, gives about 18% more time per question, and has four answer choices in Math instead of five. The 1 to 36 scale stayed the same.
Should you take Science? Yes, it's reported as a separate score and doesn't affect your composite. Some schools still require this section.
The PSAT: practice that can count
The PSATs are digital, taken in Bluebook, and mirror the SAT. Colleges don't see PSAT scores, and you sign up through your high school.
PSAT 8/9
Grades 8 and 9 · 240 to 1440
A first look at the format and a baseline for measuring growth. No heavy prep needed.
PSAT 10
Grade 10, spring · 320 to 1520
Same content as the PSAT/NMSQT. A useful checkpoint as you start leaning toward the SAT or ACT.
PSAT/NMSQT
Grades 10 and 11, October · 320 to 1520
Taken in junior year, it's the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
National Merit
Only the junior-year October PSAT/NMSQT counts. Students are ranked by a Selection Index from 48 to 228, and each state sets its own Semifinalist cutoff. California's is among the highest in the nation, around 220 in recent years.
A grade-by-grade roadmap
1
Grades 8 and 9
Take the PSAT 8/9 as a baseline. Focus on strong reading and math foundations, not test prep.
2
Grade 10
Take the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT. Try a practice test of both the SAT and ACT to find the better fit.
If aiming for National Merit Scholar status, we recommend engaging in rigorous test prep the summer after 10th grade, leading up to the October exam in 11th grade. Many students will take an official SAT that month as well, if they are feeling well prepared.
3
Grade 11, fall
Take the October PSAT/NMSQT and a practice ACT. Compare scores here and then decide if you'll be focusing on SAT vs. ACT from here on out.
4
Grade 11, winter and spring
Prep for 8 to 12 weeks, then take your first official test in the spring.
5
Summer before senior year
Review your results with your BCP counselor. If a retake makes sense, prepare for an August or September test.
6
Grade 12, fall
Final retake by October for November early deadlines, or by December for most regular deadlines.
The goal: finish testing in the fall of senior year, before applications are due. Most students test two or three times at most.
How to prepare: smart, not just hard
Start with a practice test.
Know your baseline before building a plan.
Practice in the real format.
Timed and on screen in Bluebook for the SAT, or in the format you'll take for the ACT (we recommend digital for calculator benefits).
Target weak areas.
Focused review of your mistakes beats taking full-length test after full-length test.
Build stamina and pacing.
Take at least a couple of full practice tests under real conditions before test day.
Free official practice
Bluebook
Full-length digital SAT and PSAT practice tests
Khan Academy
Official SAT lessons and skill practice
ACT.org
Free practice tests in the new ACT format
Registration, test day, and scores
Before you test
Register for the SAT at collegeboard.org and the ACT at act.org. Sign up for the PSAT through your school.
Register early. California test centers fill fast, and ACT registration closes about five weeks before test day.
Ask your school counselor about fee waivers if cost is a concern.
If you have a learning difference or other need, request testing accommodations through your school well in advance, since approval can take several weeks.
On test day, bring
Always: your admission ticket, an acceptable photo ID, and a snack and water for the break.
SAT: a fully charged device with Bluebook installed and your exam set up in advance. A calculator is optional since Desmos is built in.
ACT on paper: No. 2 pencils and an approved calculator.
Sending scores
Many colleges superscore, combining your best section scores across test dates. You can usually choose which scores to send, though a few colleges ask for all of them.
Not sure which test to take, or whether to test at all?
Your BCP counselor can look at your college list and help you build a testing plan that fits.
Test dates, formats, and college policies change. Confirm details at collegeboard.org and act.org, and check each college's testing policy directly. Sources: College Board, ACT, National Merit Scholarship Corporation.