ACT & SAT Testing Information

General Testing Information

Students take either the ACT or SAT test as part of the college application process. Almost every student that attends a college has taken the ACT or SAT. What exactly are these tests? Which one should you take? We strongly encourage students to take both tests at least once. This will give you an idea of which test showcases your abilities, and you can concentrate on increasing the score of your "best" test.

ACT

The ACT contains four sub-tests in English, Math, Reading, and Science (optional, but we recommend students take it as colleges differ on requirements). A separate ACT Writing Test is also available but very few colleges require it. Each sub-test has a high score of 36. The three sub-test scores of Math, English, and Reading are averaged together for a Composite Score. Some colleges look at the sub-tests individually; others consider the entire Composite Score. Click here to register for the ACT.

SAT

The SAT assesses your math and English skills. It also contains an optional writing portion (not needed for most colleges). Each section has a maximum of 800 points, with a high score of 1600 for the math and verbal sections. Many college websites will discuss their "freshman profile" and list the SAT scores out of 1600. Please check with your prospective college or university admissions office to see what test are required for admission. Click here to register for the SAT.

Students that receive Free or Reduced Lunch

If you are a Junior or Senior on free/reduced lunch, you qualify for a fee waiver to take the SAT or ACT.

SAT Fee Waiver

At least two weeks before the registration deadline, you will request an SAT fee waiver directly from The College Board. Information about requesting a fee waiver directly from the College Board. Click here for more information about requesting a waiver.

You must be logged into your College Board account to request the fee waiver. If you are asked to provide an email address for someone at the school (this sometimes happens), please use your counselor’s Outlook email address when you make your request:

Amy Burke (A-G): amy.burke@gcpsk12.org

Mike Weiland (H-O): mike.weiland@gcpsk12.org

Katrina Cole-Garner (P-Z): katrina.cole-garner@gcpsk12.org

You will receive an email within a week letting you know if your request was approved or denied.

If you feel that your request was incorrectly denied, please contact your counselor with your name, student ID, and grade level. We can check your eligibility and may be able to provide a code if necessary.

ACT Fee Waiver

Please email your counselor with your name, student ID, and grade level to request an ACT fee waiver. We will email you with the code and instructions. You must request at least two weeks before the deadline - requests closer to the deadline may not be honored.