Long before you take the SAT or ACT, you should have an exact target score in mind. This score is based entirely on the colleges that you are planning to apply to.
It's not the score that other people say you should get. It's not the score that sounds right.
This score is mathematically determined by researching the colleges you want to apply to. If you don't calculate this score, you'll be led astray from the study plan that's best for you. You might think a great score is out of reach, or you might be complacent about a lower than average score. You can find the average scores for acceptance at your desired school’s website.
Once you have your target score, compare your score with this target score.
How likely are you to improve your score to this level?
Here's a set of very general guidelines for gauging potential improvement on your SAT/ACT score:
+0-50/+0-1: Do some prep before the test. You might achieve this score improvement just by retaking the test if you did especially poorly last time. Not too hard, especially if you've taken the test just once.
+50-160/+1-4: You will need serious prep on a dedicated schedule. You'll need a smart system to figure out where your weaknesses lie and how to improve them. You won't be able to achieve this just through sheer effort. Possible with hard work and smart studying.
+160-260/+4-7: You will need to do very serious prep. You have some major gaps to fill before you start mastering the test. You will benefit from a personal tutor who can spot your weaknesses and teach you strategies. Possible with serious dedication, time, and a great study plan.
+260-400/+7-10: Dedicated prep for an extended period of time. You will most likely need an excellent 1-on-1 tutor who can teach you the fundamentals and make sure you stay committed. Difficult, but possible for the very motivated.
400+/10+: Nearly re-education. You have major content gaps from school and need to be taught fundamental content. You'll need hundreds of hours of work. Very difficult. Re-evaluate your target colleges if possible.
These are general guidelines and depend heavily on your exact situation. The more you've prepped and the more tests you've taken up to this point, the harder it is to improve your score from here on. If you've taken the test 5 times and prepped hard, improving your test score on the 6th test by 100 points will be difficult. You'll need a completely different approach from you've already tried to make any improvements from this point forward.
Why every point matters on the SAT and ACT test
Did you know improving by just a single test point can be worth thousands of dollars in financial aid for your college education? The SAT'/ACT® test is important to your future—and can open up new opportunities for college and career.
If, after getting your scores, you’re thinking of retaking the SAT/ACT, consider if one or more of the following applies to you:
• Do you feel that your scores should be higher than those received?
• Did you have any problems during the tests, like misunderstanding the directions or feeling ill?
• Have you taken more coursework or an intensive review in the areas covered?
• Do you want to apply to a college that requires or recommends the writing test?
Certain restrictions apply to retesting:
• You can test only once on a given SAT/ACT test date (National, International, or through State testing or District testing).
• ACT has a policy regarding the number of times you can retake the ACT.
• You can take the SAT as many times as you like. But should you? Each person is different. Everyone has a target score for the college of their choice. Research the SAT score requirements of colleges you’re applying to before you begin the admissions process so you can set goals for retaking the SAT.
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Winter/Spring 2020 Mock Test Dates
These tests are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment, and VHES will provide all materials, including the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, pencils, and a test proctor. Parents receive a nine-page detailed diagnostic report that reveals strengths and weaknesses.
View sample ACT/SAT diagnostic reports:
Northern VA/DC - ACT / SAT
Richmond VA - ACT / SAT
Charlotte NC - ACT / SAT
The registration fee is $25 per test. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test they are scoring higher on, using our score concordance chart to make a test recommendation. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT.
Testing Dates and Locations:
Vienna, VA
Wesley United Methodist Church
711 Spring Street, SE
Vienna, VA 22180Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
Charlotte, NC
VHES
15720 Brixham Hill Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28277Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020
SAT - 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
Richmond, VA
Richmond Community Church
11801 Nuckols Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
Warrenton, VA
VHES
4263 Aiken Drive
Warrenton, VA 20187Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020
SAT - 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
Raleigh, NC Test dates TBA