If you’re amazed and maybe even a little intimidated by how much you need to know about the big tests, when to take them, how to prepare for them, or even why they matter, you’re not alone. Luckily, we can help. We at Chariot Learning work with these issues every day, so you should fine accurate and current answers to your biggest questions here:
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What makes standardized tests useful?
Why don’t great grades automatically translate to great test scores?
How hard is it to earn a perfect score on one of these tests?
What can or should you do when your test score does not improve?
Is the SAT an intelligence test?
WORKING WITH CHARIOT LEARNING
What makes Chariot Learning so great anyway?
Does Chariot Learning have its own curriculum?
What areas does Chariot Learning serve?
Where do I find a list of upcoming practice tests administered by Chariot Learning?
How do I sign up for the Chariot Learning parent email newsletter?
Does Chariot Learning have a college-level vocabulary program?
THE SAT & ACT
What aspects of English grammar are tested on the SAT & ACT?
What math topics are tested on the SAT & ACT?
Is graphical literacy important on the SAT & ACT?
How do I request a copy of my SAT questions and answers?
How do I request a copy of my ACT questions and answers?
Does vocabulary matter anymore on the SAT & ACT?
What is an SAT or ACT superscore?
Why are math problems on the tests so wordy?
How can I make sense of percentiles?
What are SAT Subscores and Cross-test Scores?
What do “SAT” and “ACT” stand for?
How do I register for the SAT or ACT?
What if I or my student gets placed on the SAT or ACT waitlist?
How can I change my SAT or ACT test center?
Is the SAT or ACT essay still important?
How can I change my SAT or ACT essay option?
How long does it take for SAT or ACT scores to come back?
Can SAT or ACT scores be held back by the testing organizations?
Is it true that the SAT will be going digital?
THE PSAT & PREACT
Why take the PSAT?
What are the differences Between the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT?
Is the PSAT the same as a practice SAT?
How can I make sense of PSAT scores?
What scholarships are associated with the PSAT?
Do I or my student qualify for a National Merit Scholarship?
What is the PreACT?
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
What happened to SAT Subject Tests??
PLANNING
When is the best time to take the SAT or ACT?
How long should preparing for the SAT or ACT take?
Does preparing for the SAT or ACT a little bit at a time make sense?
What is the case for the February ACT?
What is the case for the March SAT?
What is the case for the April ACT?
What is the case for the May SAT?
What is the case for the June SAT & ACT?
What is the case for the July ACT?
What is the case for the August SAT?
What is the case for the September ACT?
What is the case for the October SAT & ACT?
What is the case for the November SAT?
What is the case for the December SAT & ACT?
Why is summer the best time for test prep?
What can a younger (12-15) student do to prepare for the SAT & ACT?
Is there value in testing more than once?
How many times should I or my student take the SAT or ACT?
Is preparing during the Holiday/Winter Break a good idea?
Are some SAT or ACT test dates easier than others?
PREPARATION
How can you determine the best type of test prep for you or your teen?
Is preparing for a test even worthwhile?
Why does coaching matter?
How hard is the SAT or ACT for the unprepared?
Is there a secret to score improvement?
How does effective test preparation work?
What is the best way to assess tutors and test prep providers?
How much should a great tutor cost?
Should/can someone study for the ACT and SAT at the same time?
When does an SAT or ACT class make sense?
What makes tutoring so valuable?
What is the difference between individual and small-group tutoring?
Can someone improve speed on the math sections of the SAT & ACT?
Why does reading take so long to improve?
My teen is working really hard but not seeing improvement. Why?
What if someone’s official test scores don’t match practice scores?
Is retaking the SAT or ACT worthwhile?
How can I support my teen during test prep?
Can 529 funds be used to pay for test prep?
How can a student earn a perfect test score?
What are the different ways to evaluate a score improvement?
PRACTICE TESTS
Why are high-quality practice tests so important?
What makes a great practice test?
How can someone take a great practice test at home?
How do I score tests in The Official SAT Study Guide?
When should a student take practice tests?
What is the recommendation for number, frequency, and process of practice testing?
How many practice tests do most students take?
Is there an optimal number and frequency of practice tests?
TEST DAY
What should a student do the night before the SAT or ACT?
What should students bring when taking tests like the SAT or ACT?
What should students wear when taking tests like the SAT or ACT?
What kind of photo ID is acceptable for the tests?
Are pens, highlighters, or mechanical pencils permitted on the SAT or ACT?
Are watches or timers allowed at the SAT or ACT?
What if we have problems with a proctor at the test?
How can a test taker overcome a weak or shaky start?
How long does it take for test scores to come back?
What factors should be considered when test results don’t meet expectations?
TEST ACCOMMODATIONS
How do I apply for testing accommodations?
What kind of accommodations are available on the ACT and SAT?
Do I or my student qualify for testing accommodations?
What are the extended time rules for the ACT and SAT?
Are there special accommodations for English language learners?
What does neurodivergent mean?
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
What really matters in college admissions?
Should I submit my test scores?
How do colleges evaluate test scores?
Are SAT & ACT scores good predictors of college success?
Who benefits from test optional policies?
Why aren’t great grades enough for admissions?
Should test scores matter in college admissions?
What test questions should I ask college admissions?
What does Score Choice mean?
What do I do when my or my student’s test scores are late?
Are there scholarships based on SAT & ACT scores?
How does a student write an amazing college essay?
Is there hope for students with middling grades in college admissions?
What are some rules for successful college visits?
How do I handle being waitlisted by a college?
Do students outside the United States have to take the SAT or ACT?
We also recommend the TestBright website as an exceptional source of free, expert information about testing, planning, and preparation. If you can’t find the answer to your testing questions, just ask us!