College Admissions Testing

 

Standardized tests (SAT & ACT) provide colleges with a common measure to help them make admissions decisions. Additionally, they are one indicator of a student’s readiness to do college-level work. Test scores may also be used as a criterion for awarding merit-based financial aid.

 

• The vast majority of higher education institutions accept both the SAT and the ACT for college admission and regard them as equally valid. Students need to take only ONE, not both, HOWEVER all students test differently.

  • BRACE Recommendation: take each test once, whichever one the student scores higher on or feels more comfortable with the student should re-take.

 

• When students should take (or re-take) the ACT or SAT or both, depends on the students’ goals, whether it be individual college requirements, college placement, and/or Bright Futures Scholarship eligibility. It is best for students to allow enough time to re-take a test if necessary.

 

• The writing section on each test is “optional” HOWEVER if the student is planning on attending a 4-year university (UF, FSU, FAMU, etc.) directly from high school, the student MUST take the writing for the school to honor the score. 

 

• Students register through the College Board or ACT web sites.

 

• Fee waivers are available for students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Eligible students can get up to two (2) waivers for the SAT and two (2) for the ACT.

 

• Students may request fee waivers in the BRACE office.