Right now, the SAT and ACT are quite different.
Here are the main characteristics of each test:
The SAT is a completely digital test with two sections: Reading & Writing and Math. The SAT is also a computer adaptive test, meaning that the questions may get more rigorous based on your performance. The SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete.
The ACT test will be changing significantly in April 2025. For now, the ACT is still a paper and pencil test (digital may be an option at your testing center) and consists of four required sections and one optional section: Math, English, Reading, and Science. The Writing section is optional. The current version of the ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long.
It depends on your student's strengths. The best way to find out if a test suits your student is to try it out.
We recommend that students take a mock, or practice, test of each type to see which one yields a higher score and how they feel when taking each test. It's important to note that most colleges accept either. Generally, we don’t recommend tutoring for both tests. Mindspire offers free mock baseline testing. To register for mock tests, please complete this form and we will contact you to find a testing time that works with your schedule.
The exact time it takes to prepare varies based on the student’s baseline score and their goals.
Generally speaking, students should start preparing after they have completed some Algebra II. This gives students ample time to take a baseline test, study, take practice tests, and retake the exam a few times, if necessary.
The best way to get a baseline score is to take a mock test with Mindspire. We offer free mock baseline testing. To register for mock tests, please complete this form and we will contact you to find a testing time that works with your schedule.
A "good" score varies based on individual colleges. For highly competitive schools, SAT scores currently range from 1400 to 1600, while ACT scores fall between 30 and 36. We recommend that you research the average scores of accepted students at your student’s target colleges to determine what score would be best for your student to be a highly qualified applicant. If you have any questions about what colleges are right for your student, our Mindspire College Advisors are here to help. They can help to determine if a particular school should stay on your student’s college list.
To talk to one of our Student Success Specialists about your student, please complete this form and we will arrange a time to discuss your needs with College Advising.
Preparation time varies depending on the student’s current skill level and goals. At Mindspire, we only offer one-on-one tutoring, which makes our program extremely efficient. We don’t have a manufactured curriculum where every student is taught the same material. Our expert tutors develop a curriculum specifically for each student so that we can tackle any areas where there may be challenges with pinpoint accuracy. Mindspire optimizes your student’s preparation time.
On average, students at Mindspire tutor for an hour at a time, once or twice per week during the school year. In between sessions they have homework to complete. We also include opportunities for practice tests so that the student can see their score increase and be motivated to continue with the program. These tests help our tutors determine if there are areas of curriculum on which we need more focus.
To talk to one of our Student Success Specialists about your student, please complete this form and we will arrange a time to discuss your needs.
The SAT has two main sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, each scored on a 200–800 scale.
The ACT consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. The composite ACT score is an average of these four section scores. The ACT also offers an optional essay, but only a handful of schools in the US require that section.
We recommend you research any college you are considering to determine their application requirements.
Yes, many students take the SAT or ACT more than once to improve their scores. Colleges often consider your child's highest scores. Some schools "superscore," meaning they take the best section scores across multiple test dates to create the highest possible composite score. We recommend that Mindspire students plan to take the official test at least twice, if not three times, during their tutoring program.
At Mindspire, our expert tutors will develop a plan specifically catered to your student which includes when they should sit for an official test.
While SAT/ACT scores are important, they are just one part of the college admissions process. Most colleges use a holistic approach, also considering GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Test-optional schools say they place less emphasis on SAT/ACT scores yet admissions statistics have shown that they still value strong scores for admission, scholarships, and/or merit-based aid.
Mindspire also offers College Advising services to help you determine the best schools for your student to apply, based on a variety of factors. Our advisors offer comprehensive services including creating a list of potential colleges, crafting your individual profile, and resume writing. We can also offer guidance with essay brainstorming and building, supplement creation, and completing your applications.
We are happy to discuss your specific needs for College Advising at your convenience. To talk to one of our Student Success Specialists about your student, please complete this form and we will arrange a time to discuss your needs.
With test-optional policies, students are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores to apply. However, strong scores can enhance an application, especially at competitive schools or for merit-based scholarships. Students should research each college’s policy and decide whether submitting scores will strengthen their application. The farther away we get from COVID-19 policies, the more we are seeing colleges revert back to requiring standardized testing.
The most effective way to manage test anxiety is for the student to have an overwhelming sense of confidence in their ability to do well on the test. There is no substitute for test preparation. Students can manage test anxiety by practicing regularly, taking full-length timed tests, and feeling confident in themselves.
At Mindspire, our tutors help build a student’s confidence in their abilities. We can also teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to help students who may get momentarily overwhelmed. It also helps to get a good night’s sleep before the test and eat a healthy breakfast. We recommend avoiding last-minute cramming. On test day, you can encourage your child to take it one question at a time and not dwell on mistakes.
Both the SAT and ACT offer accommodations for students with disabilities, such as extended time, extra breaks, or the use of technology. Parents should work with their student’s school to submit the necessary documentation early, as the approval process can take several weeks. If your student has testing accommodations, please let us know. We will provide those accommodations during all of their mock tests.
At Mindspire, we have tutors who have experience with helping students with particular learning differences. Be sure to share that information with us so that we can help your student in the way that is best for them. To talk to one of our Student Success Specialists about your student, please complete this form and we will arrange a time to discuss your needs.
SAT and ACT test dates are offered several times throughout the year. It's recommended to register at least 1-2 months before the test date to secure a spot at your preferred testing center. Test dates and registration deadlines are available on the SAT (College Board) and ACT websites.
View the schedule and register for the SAT
View the schedule and register for the ACT