SAT and ACT Information
We recommend that students take the SAT and/or ACT for the first time in their junior year. Most juniors will choose to take this test in the Spring of their Junior year. Taking the test in Junior year is recommended because it gives students ample opportunities to retake the test later in their Junior year or during the beginning of Senior year. Many students choose to take the test(s) multiple times in pursuit of higher scores. Many colleges require submission of the SAT or ACT, though some are moving toward a test-optional policy. Students should check with each college/university they are considering to learn about their requirements. These requirements are often posted on the Admissions sections of the school's website.
Most colleges will take either the SAT or the ACT without preference for one or the other. We advise students to review test materials for both tests to see which they feel more comfortable with. We often advise students to take both the ACT and SAT, and then re-take the test that they performed better on. For more information about the differences between the ACT and SAT, please view our presentations here.
Some colleges will additionally require the SAT Subject Tests. For more information about these tests, click here. We recommend that students take a SAT Subject Test soon after they have completed the course at RCHS... especially if they have just finished taking the respective AP Test!
The SAT was revised for March 2016 and beyond. To learn more about the changes present in the newly revised SAT, please view the presentations that school counselors gave to students and parents or click here to view literature about this change from the College Board.
Most colleges will take either the SAT or the ACT without preference for one or the other. We advise students to review test materials for both tests to see which they feel more comfortable with. We often advise students to take both the ACT and SAT, and then re-take the test that they performed better on. For more information about the differences between the ACT and SAT, please view our presentations here.
Some colleges will additionally require the SAT Subject Tests. For more information about these tests, click here. We recommend that students take a SAT Subject Test soon after they have completed the course at RCHS... especially if they have just finished taking the respective AP Test!
The SAT was revised for March 2016 and beyond. To learn more about the changes present in the newly revised SAT, please view the presentations that school counselors gave to students and parents or click here to view literature about this change from the College Board.
Signing Up for the SAT and/or ACT
Ready to sign up? There are a few things you need to know about. First, registration is NOT conducted through the School Counseling Office. Students/Families are responsible for completing the registration online through the ACT and SAT websites respectively. School Counselors are happy to assist students with questions about registration, but they do NOT sign up through our office. Click the buttons below to visit the ACT and SAT registration websites.
Additionally, it is important to note that seats for each administration are limited. Students are encouraged to sign up well in advance in order to reserve a spot at their desired testing location. This also helps avoid late-fees when registering past the first deadline! Please note that RCHS does not host the ACT and SAT on all available test dates. You may need to travel to another location. View our calendar for dates that RCHS hosts the ACT/SAT.
Study and Test Prep Resources
Fee Waivers
Some students may be eligible to receive fee waivers to take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, and AP Exams. If a student is eligible for a fee waiver, they should see their school counselor for a copy of a fee waiver BEFORE completing the online registration. If you are unsure about whether you qualify for a fee waiver, see your school counselor!
Final Tips
RCHS Counseling Newsletter - contains important updates about SAT/ACT dates, deadlines, study tips, etc! Our newsletter is sent via email weekly. Click here to sign up. We recommend that both students and families sign up!
Make sure you read the test day requirements carefully - you must bring an approved photo ID and your test ticket (created when you register). You will not be permitted to enter the testing site without both of these pieces of information. If you have any questions, please see your school counselor well in advance of the test date!
Make sure you read the test day requirements carefully - you must bring an approved photo ID and your test ticket (created when you register). You will not be permitted to enter the testing site without both of these pieces of information. If you have any questions, please see your school counselor well in advance of the test date!