For almost 50 years, the SAT has played a pivotal role in the college admissions process. The upcoming transition from the traditional paper-and-pencil format to a digital, adaptive SAT marks one of the most significant changes since its inception in 1926. The Class of 2025 will be the first cohort of U.S. students to undergo both the PSAT and SAT in a digital, adaptive format.
Early acceptance rates at these institutions showed a significant advantage over regular decision rates, according to U.S. News data. Though crafting a standout college application can be a time-consuming and stressful process, submitting an application in the fall, well before the typical winter deadline for regular admissions, is possible.Read on to find out more.
Starting in March 2023, the SAT is set to transform into a shorter, snazzier digital test. This development is causing quite the buzz, especially for high school juniors (Grade 11). Typically, strong math whizzes have thrived on the SAT, while those leaning towards reading and verbal skills have found their stride with the ACT. However, with the digital shift, SAT takers now need to excel across the board.There's also the option of ditching the SAT altogether and channeling their efforts into the ACT.
Adequate sleep contributes to a student’s overall health and well-being. Students should get the proper amount of sleep at night to help stay focused, improve concentration, and improve academic performance.
Children and adolescents who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk for many health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, poor mental health, and injuries. They are also more likely to have attention and behavior problems, which can contribute to poor academic performance in school.
he benefits of a four-year degree are substantial and solid. Getting a college diploma will likely be the best investment anyone ever makes.
Not to brag too much, but some of us have been saying this for a long, long time.
But there’s more to the simple value of a college degree, undeniable as that is. That’s because finishing school matters, but where you finish school matters even more.
Heading back to high school? Whether you’re a high school junior or a senior these tips will help you quickly get into gear for fall semester in terms of your classes, the college admissions process, test prep and, of course, your scholarship search. Yes – there’s a lot to remember – but these tips will help you keep everything on track all semester long by starting out organized, with a plan and with right goals in mind.
Colleges universally adopted test optional admissions policies during the pandemic, in part because a handful of national SAT and ACT test dates and a flood of local test center administrations were cancelled. Test optional admissions also served to lower anxiety during a time when both applicants and the schools themselves were panicked about COVID-college. The general public became enamored with rhetoric about how removing objective data somehow produced fairer outcomes. However, feelings among applicants and their parents about test optional admissions have become more mixed as people have had time to consider its implications.
College can be demanding, so it’s essential to take advantage of the summer months to prepare yourself. From relaxing and recharging to getting organized and networking, these tips will help you make the most out of your summer break. By the end of it, you’ll have boosted your skills, made some valuable connections, and set yourself up for success.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are rigorous academic courses offered to high school students which are designed to prepare students for college-level coursework, and successful completion of an AP course may result in earning college credit or advanced standing at participating colleges and universities. After completing the AP exam at the end of the course, students receive a score ranging from 1 to 5. A score of 3 or higher is generally considered a passing score, and many colleges and universities grant credit for scores of 4 or 5.
If you have recently received your AP scores, you may be wondering what to do with them. Here are some things to consider:
If you are planning to attend college, it's important to consider your college goals when deciding what to do with your AP scores. Are you hoping to attend a highly selective college or university? Do you have a particular college or university in mind? Different colleges and universities have different policies regarding AP credit, so it's important to research the policies of the schools you are interested in attending. Some schools may require a minimum score of 4 or 5 to grant credit, while others may only grant credit for certain AP courses. Additionally, some schools may only grant credit for AP scores earned during your senior year of high school.
Once you have determined your college goals, it's important to research the AP policies of the colleges and universities you are interested in attending. Many schools publish their AP policies on their websites, and some schools may also provide this information to prospective students during campus visits or information sessions. It's important to note that AP policies can change from year to year, so it's a good idea to check for updates regularly.
Earning college credit through AP exams can have several benefits. First, it can allow you to graduate from college early or to take fewer classes each semester, which can reduce the overall cost of college. Additionally, it can allow you to take more advanced courses in your major or to pursue a second major or minor. Finally, earning AP credit can demonstrate to college admissions officers that you are capable of handling college-level coursework.
While earning college credit through AP exams can be beneficial, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. First, not all colleges and universities grant credit for AP scores, so it's important to research the policies of the schools you are interested in attending. Additionally, some schools may only grant credit for certain AP courses or may require a minimum score of 4 or 5. Finally, earning AP credit may not necessarily mean that you are fully prepared for college-level coursework in that subject area, so it's important to continue to study and to seek out additional resources if necessary.
After considering your college goals, researching AP policies, and weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of AP credit, you can decide whether to send your AP scores to colleges and universities. The College Board, which administers the AP exams, allows students to send their scores to up to four colleges or universities for free. After that, there is a fee for each additional score report. If you are unsure about whether to send your scores, you can wait until you have been accepted to a college or university and then decide whether to send your scores at that time.
If you did not receive a passing score on the AP exam, you may be wondering whether to retake the exam. The College Board allows students to retake exams in future years, and some schools may allow students to retake the exam during the same year. Before deciding whether to retake the exam, it's important to consider whether you have the time and resources to prepare for the exam again. Additionally, you may want to consider whether the college or university you are interested in attending grants credit for AP scores earned during a retake.
Your high school guidance counselor can be a valuable resource when it comes to deciding what to do with your AP scores. Counselors can provide information about college and university AP policies, as well as offer guidance on how to interpret your scores and how to prepare for retakes if necessary. Additionally, your guidance counselor may be able to provide recommendations for additional resources or support if you are struggling with a particular subject area.
In conclusion, deciding what to do with your AP scores requires careful consideration of your college goals, research into college and university AP policies, and weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of AP credit. Whether you decide to send your scores to colleges and universities, retake the exam, or seek advice from your high school guidance counselor, it's important to remember that your AP scores are just one factor in the college admissions process and do not define your academic potential or success. With the right resources and support, you can continue to pursue your academic goals and succeed in college and beyond.
Vint Hill Educational Services was designed to provide students with a one-to-one, customized, and supportive tutoring experience, taking into account each student’s skills, challenges, goals, and learning styles. Due to our individualized approach, VHES has demonstrated success in helping students increase their test scores, improve their grades, and adjust to the increasing demands of academia. Our tutors work closely with families to develop the most appropriate lesson plans, focus on the most relevant material, and modify services as needed to ensure that students meet their educational objectives.
Whether a student needs help preparing for exams, making sense of course material, or just getting organized for school, VHES offers specialized services to address each student’s academic needs. These services include Test Prep, Subject Tutoring, Mock Testing, Academic Coaching, and College Planning and Preparation. We also offer a hybrid package that allows students to receive both tutoring and coaching services concurrently. This is a great option for those who need more than just help understanding content or keeping up in class. Tutoring hours are also transferrable if students would like to switch to another service.
Our test-prep program includes a full diagnostic report that shows how the student is performing in each dimension of standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE and HSPT. This detailed report is the basis for test-prep planning and instrumental in helping us customize a tutoring program that addresses the most pertinent test sections. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we also provide a concordance chart with test recommendations. In addition, VHES offers students the option to take a practice test at home, in a group setting, or individually with one of our proctors.
We arrange sessions to suit each student’s schedule and preferred location. Most students choose to meet with their tutor in the home once or twice a week, but sessions can also be held at a public library, a local coffee shop, or our office locations if the home is not the best option. Our tutors work directly with parents to arrange sessions that work best with the student’s schedule.
All VHES tutors are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and to demonstrate content knowledge by passing multiple subject-specific diagnostic tests. We hand select the best tutor based upon the student’s needs and personality style, and parents will receive the tutor’s profile for review and approval. This profile includes the tutor’s experience, education, background, and approach to helping students succeed. Whether a student wants to brush up on a few concepts or needs intensive instruction in a particular subject, we strive to create an optimal tutor-student fit that is conducive to improved scores and school performance.
VHES offers flat-fee packages with no gimmicks or hidden costs. Each of our test-prep packages includes a baseline practice test, a full set of course books, weekly homework, access to our Teachworks parent portal, and session notes that detail the progress your child is making throughout the program. Extra sessions can be added to any of our packages, while tiered discounts are available for students who need long-term tutoring.
Most importantly, VHES has demonstrated success in helping students reach and exceed their academic goals. We track our students’ scores to ensure improvement and modify programs as needed to resolve any ongoing challenges. Our most recent performance evaluation shows that overall our test-prep students are approximating score increases of 130 total points for the SAT and 4.5 composite points for the ACT. Moreover, our programs equip students with valuable, practical, and long-term skills such as strategizing their approach to exams, optimizing their learning style, studying more proficiently, and managing their time more effectively. We at VHES take pride in the efficacy of our services and the progress of our students.
In early 2022, The College Board announced plans to shift the SAT to a computer-based format. The pencil-and-paper version will be retired and students will eventually only be able to take the test digitally (unless they need accommodations that require a physical version of the test). Moreover, the new SAT will be adaptive — the content of the test will adjust according to each student’s performance within the first module.
College Board announced in early 2022 that it will offer the PSAT/NMSQT® and SAT® tests digitally starting in 2023 and 2024. Over the last 30 years Vint Hill Educational Services has seen numerous adjustments, reconstructions, and make-overs by College Board. With each change we have adapted and found new and improved ways to prepare our students.
The top portion of your score report contains a big black number. This is your SAT Score, also referred to as your total score. Next to your score are the numbers 400–1600, indicating that the range of possible scores on the SAT is 400–1600. To the right of your total score is your score percentile, telling you what percentage of students who took the test did better or worse than you. In small type below your score is your Score Range…
The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that 11th graders (and some 10th graders) take in October. Like the SAT, it measures the knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and math students learn in the classroom—the same knowledge and skills your child needs to succeed in college and career.
The primary date for the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT was Wednesday, October 13, while some students took the test on Saturday, October 16 or Tuesday, October 26. See more PSAT/NMSQT test dates.
Students sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT at their school—not online. See how homeschooled students can sign up and take the test at a local school.
By taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior, students may meet the requirements to enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Additionally, the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10 connect students to another $300 million in college scholarships for students across major demographics. Learn more about the scholarships.
The PSAT/NMSQT has three parts: the Reading Test, the Writing and Language Test, and the Math Test. See what's on the test.
PSAT/NMSQT scores are available online in December. Here's how your child can see their scores.
We never send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges.
If your child qualifies for a PSAT/NMSQT fee waiver, they take the test for free. After they take the PSAT/NMSQT, your child may also be eligible for other fee waiver benefits, including 2 free SATs, unlimited free SAT score sends to colleges, waived college application fees at participating colleges and more. Learn more about fee waivers.
When your child takes the PSAT/NMSQT, they open the door to more benefits than you might think.
It connects students to more than $300 million in scholarships, including the National Merit® Scholarship Program. If your child opts into our free Student Search Service®, scholarship providers will invite them to apply.
It's excellent practice for the SAT. Both tests measure the same knowledge and skills and ask the same types of questions, so PSAT/NMSQT takers will know what to expect on the SAT.
It's the first step to a free, personalized SAT study plan. Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy® uses your child's PSAT/NMSQT score to create a customized SAT study plan with sample questions that focus on areas where they need help.
It shows student progress on the road to college. The PSAT/NMSQT is part of the SAT Suite of Assessments, a series of tests beginning in eighth grade that shows your child and their teachers whether your child is on track for college.
It shows which Advanced Placement Program® (AP) courses your child is ready for. The PSAT/NMSQT Score Report indicates which college-level AP courses your child has the potential to succeed in.
Read More About It
For Students: Scholarships and Recognition
About the SAT Suite of Assessments
Parent's Guide to Official SAT Practice
For Students: Discover Your AP Potential
The only way your child can sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT is through their high school. Each school's signup process differs, so your child should talk to their school counselor to learn more.
Some students pay a small fee to take the PSAT/NMSQT, but many students have test-related fees covered in full or in part by their school. If your child qualifies for a PSAT/NMSQT fee waiver, they test for free. For more information, talk to your child's school counselor.
Read More About It
Learn About the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10
PSAT/NMSQT Fee Waivers
The best way your child can prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT is to pay attention in their high school classes and study the course material. Students who do well in school are likely to do well on the PSAT/NMSQT.
Because the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT focus on the same subject areas and ask the same types of questions, your child can use Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy to practice for the PSAT/NMSQT. It's a free, interactive study tool that provides a personalized practice plan that focuses on exactly what your child needs to stay on track for college.
Your child can download and print official PSAT/NMSQT practice tests.
PSAT/NMSQT scores range from 320 to 1520 and are on the same score scale as the SAT. This means that a score of 1100 on the PSAT/NMSQT is equivalent to a score of 1100 on the SAT. The only difference is that SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, because the difficulty level of the questions is higher than on the PSAT/NMSQT.
After your child takes the October PSAT/NMSQT, their scores will be available online in mid-December. If your child has a College Board online account, they'll get an email saying their scores are ready to view on the Student Score Reports website. If they don't, they can talk to their school counselor to get their scores.
We don't send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges. We only send your child’s PSAT/NMSQT score to:
Their school (always), school district (often), and state (often)
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Select scholarship and recognition programs (your child may opt out of)
If you want to log in yourself to see your child's score report, use the email and password your child used when they set up their College Board online account.
Once your child gets their score report, they should sit down with you and go over it. That way, you both know what to focus on to be ready for college. Score reports also indicate suitable AP or grade-level courses to take in the future.
Read More About It
For Students: Understanding Scores
For Students: Who Sees Your Scores
Student Search Service
“We were happy because this program focuses on the individual. After our daughter did the mock practice tests, it was discovered she only needed SAT math tutoring. The in person 1 on 1 prep got her up 210 SAT math points!
— Leslie N. (Washington, DC)
SAT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE (FOR JUNE 2021 TEST AND BEYOND)
Reading – 65 minutes (52 questions)
Writing and Language – 35 minutes (44 questions)
10 minute break
Math – No calculator – 25 minutes (20 questions)
Math – Calculator allowed – 55 minutes (38 questions)
On the SAT, students will have an average of 1 minute and 10 seconds to answer each question. This includes the multiple-choice questions and the math grid-in questions. This varies drastically from the ACT, which gives students an average of 49 seconds per question. The format is similar to the ACT; however, there are two SAT math sections and no dedicated science section like the ACT. There is no penalty for answering incorrectly. Therefore, students should answer every multiple-choice question. Students can only gain points on the SAT, so it’s important not to leave any questions unanswered. The SAT contains four answer choices, instead of five, which was seen on the old SAT. A new SAT report will encompass a math section with a scale score of 200-800 and a reading/writing section with a scale score of 200-800. The overall combined scale score will be 400-1600.
SAT Reading
The new SAT will focus more on academic achievement. The College Board is eliminating sentence completions from the new SAT and increasing the presence of tier 2 vocabulary. All of the SAT reading passages will be considered “long” as the College Board got rid of the shorter passages. Students will need to be skilled at citing evidence, extracting information, analyzing structure, and purpose. The new SAT reading section will include a pair of related passages and questions will ask students to draw connections.
SAT Math
The new SAT math section will focus heavily on algebra. The College Board added a sub-score to the new SAT report titled “Heart of Algebra.” Geometry will be de-emphasized, while algebra will be the main focus. There will be more real-world math problems, for example, how to leave a calculated tip at a restaurant. The new SAT will include trigonometry for the first time. Both the ACT and SAT will now contain trigonometry. Formulas are provided on the SAT, unlike the ACT, and there will be the introduction of a no calculator math section.
SAT Writing and Language
The SAT writing and language section will test students editing and revising skills. They will need to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. There will be at least one informational graphic on the SAT reading and writing section. This section will be similar to the ACT English section.
We offer SAT prep throughout the Washington DC area, Northern VA area, Richmond VA area, Fredericksburg VA area, Charlottesville VA area, Raleigh NC area, and Charlotte NC area. We will have a SAT tutor come to your home for one-to-one instruction. We will review previous SAT practice test scores or official SAT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email out a SAT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized SAT prep program.
Contact us to learn more about our SAT prep program or choose a package from below.
12-Hour SAT Prep Package $1,500.00
18-Hour SAT Prep Package $2,070.00
24-Hour SAT Prep Package $2,520.00
36-Hour SAT Prep Package $3,420.00
As you settle into your sophomore year, think about taking on new challenges to prep for college—this is a great time to do it.
Review the college checklist for ninth grade and use it as part of your college planning process:
Schedule an appointment with your school counselor to make sure your course schedule is challenging enough to prepare you for college
Find out about the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)—it’s accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities and can help you get college credit, save money, and save time
Learn about the AP Program and how it can lead to college credit, advanced placement, or both at most colleges in the U.S.
Consider which of the 38 AP courses you want to take next school year
If you’re already enrolled in a course, be sure to register for AP Exams. Taking AP Exams helps you show colleges you’re committed and motivated to succeed. Check with your AP teacher or coordinator about your school’s registration deadline.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT or the PSAT 10 and get feedback through your scores on your college readiness and a free, personalized SAT practice plan to help you get ready for the SAT and for college
Learn 4 ways to make the most of your PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 scores
Request a precandidate questionnaire from an academy you’re interested in
Find out how financial aid can help you afford college, where it comes from, and how you apply for it
College can cost less than you think—learn the basics of college costs
Develop time-management skills and get more out of your time in high school
Create a routine for finishing your homework more efficiently and effectively
Attend at least one college fair and talk to representatives from colleges you may be interested in
If possible, visit a college nearby to see what campus life is like
Our subject tutoring program provides students with one-to-one individualized support in math, science, reading, writing, English, history, and foreign language. For more information on this program, please visit our Subject Tutoring page.
When people talk about average SAT scores, they usually have three scores in mind: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) score, the Math score, and the composite, or total, score.
You’ll see other scores on your SAT score report that measure how well you performed in specific areas of ERW or Math, but to keep things simple, this post focuses on the big three: ERW, Math, and total.
To learn more about all the SAT scores, visit the Score Structure page.
The SAT has two required sections: ERW and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200–800, so when you take the test, you’ll get two section scores—one for ERW and one for Math.
You’ll also get a total score. This is your ERW score plus your Math score. Total scores range from 400 to 1600.
The national average, or mean, SAT scores for a graduating class are calculated by adding up the scores of every student in that class who took the SAT and dividing by the number of test takers.
ERW: 533
Math: 528
Total SAT score: 1061
The national average SAT scores show you whether scores are trending up or down compared to previous years. But they don’t tell you much about your own scores.
National percentiles, on the other hand, show you where you stand in relation to other students. They range from 1 to 99 and indicate the percentage of students who scored the same as or lower than you. So the higher your percentile, the better you did.
You’ll see two types of percentiles on your score report: the nationally representative sample percentile and the SAT user percentile.
The sample percentile compares your score to the predicted scores if all students were to take the SAT. Because some students, like those not planning on going to college, may not take the SAT, we conduct research studies to estimate what their scores would be.
The user percentile compares your score to the actual scores of recent high school graduates who took the SAT during high school. If your percentile is 75, that means your score is as high or higher than the scores of 75% of students who took the SAT.
Because your user percentile shows how you performed compared to other students who may be applying to the same colleges you are, it can help you decide whether to try to improve your score by taking the test again.
If you’re not happy with your SAT results, try working with an SAT tutor and improving your study tools before retaking the test. Research shows that just 12-18 hours of SAT tutoring could help your total score go up an average of 120 points.
Remember: SAT scores are just one thing colleges look at when deciding who to admit. Your grades, after-school activities, letters of recommendation, etc., give colleges a more complete picture of who you are.
2022 Mock Test Dates
with a Live Virtual Proctor
VHES offers online mock SAT and ACT tests Saturdays at 9:00 am through Lessonspace, a teaching platform that enables our proctors to oversee virtual exams and gauge students' test readiness. Upon registering for mock tests, students will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following:
ACT/SAT answer sheet
ACT/SAT test booklet
Testing instructions
Please sign up no later than Monday during the week of the mock test. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed link to join the virtually proctored test.
Upon completion of the test, parents and students receive a 9-page diagnostic report showing how the student is performing in each dimension of the SAT or ACT. This detailed report is used to establish a baseline score, is the basis for test-prep planning, and is instrumental in helping us customize a tutoring program that addresses the most pertinent test sections. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we also provide a concordance chart with test recommendations. See what our baseline test reports look like: ACT and SAT. There is a $25 test registration fee.
Register for a mock test by clicking on a specific test date below.
Mock ACT test dates:
April 16, 2022
May 21, 2022
Mock SAT test dates:
April 9, 2022
May 14, 2022
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