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SAT & ACT Testing Information
Do colleges require SAT/ACT test scores for the application/admission process?
University of California System:
- UC’s will not consider ACT or SAT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.
- UC no longer collects the essay/writing scores for the SAT/ACT tests. If you choose to report your test scores, you should report your highest total composite score from a single sitting, but do not include the essay writing score. If you are offered admission, you can submit your official essay/writing scores to your campus of choice. Certain scores may be high enough to meet UC’s Entry-Level Writing Requirement.
California State University System:
- The California State University (CSU) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining eligibility for all CSU campuses.
- CSU Campuses will use a combination of students' "A-G" GPA and supplemental factors to determine admission eligibility.
- To review campus specific information, please view the CSU campuses freshmen admission pages.
How should I study and prepare for the SAT and ACT exams?
If you think the key to a high score is memorizing words and facts you’ll never use in the real world, think again. You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before. The same habits and choices that lead to success in school will help you get ready for the SAT and ACT. The best way to prepare for the test is to:
- Take challenging courses
- Do your homework
- Prepare for tests and quizzes
- Ask and answer lots of questions
Resources
Free Personalized Test Practice
Take SAT practice tests online with Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®. Your answers will automatically be scored at the end of your test, and the timer will keep you on track with section time limits. Best of all, after your practice test, you'll get personalized practice recommendations so you can focus on what you missed.
ACT Academy offers a comprehensive collection of learning resources, personalized resources, and educational games and videos.
Free Practice Tests
SAT Practice tests on paper: Access to 8 practice tests can be downloaded and printed, which include an answer key. This will help simulate the test day.
Preparing for the ACT Test Study Guide:
An overview of twhat to expect on test day and access to a full-length practice ACT test (including writing prompt). Answers and a scoring key for each test section.
Practice Questions
Sample Questions based on exam sections:
- Reading
- Writing and Language
- Math
- Optional Essay
Practice (click on guest access)
- Reading
- English
- Math
- Science
- Optional Essay (scroll down for sample writing prompts)
Don't forget to send your scores to Vanden. Our school code is 053533
Sending SAT Scores to CSU and UC
- Use CSU Mentor Code 3594 to send your SAT scores to ALL 23 CSU campuses at once
- For students interested in UC schools - you only need to send your scores to any one UC campus, they share them with all the other UC campuses automatically
Sending ACT Scores to CSU and UC
- If you send your ACT scores to only one CSU campus, you can go back into the ACT Scores Manager to have your scores sent to additional CSU campuses for free. UC schools share ACT scores among themselves just like they do with SAT scores! So send your ACT scores to ONE UC campus.