Strategy, tips, and exam guides for the SAT, ACT, and AP® exams — from a Barron's author with 20+ years of experience.
Most students assume test-optional means scores don't matter. The research — and the admissions offices — tell a different story. Here's what you actually need to know before deciding whether to submit your SAT or ACT score.
How long you need to study for the SAT depends on where you're starting and where you need to go. Using College Board research data, this guide walks you through how to set a target score, estimate your study hours, pace your practice tests, and avoid the most common mistake students make — so every hour you put in actually moves your score.
Most students take the SAT or ACT more than once — and that's smart strategy. But how many times is too many? Learn the optimal number of attempts, how superscoring can work in your favor, and exactly when it's time to stop testing and focus on the rest of your application.
A good ACT score isn't a single number — it's the score that makes you competitive at your target schools. Here's how to find yours.
Not sure if your SAT score is good enough? This guide breaks down score tiers, middle 50% ranges at top colleges, and how to set a realistic target score for your specific college list.
SAT or ACT — which test is right for you? This guide breaks down the key differences in structure, timing, calculator policy, and optional sections to help you make the best choice for 2026.