ACT/SAT

Students should establish an ACT account and register on-line at www.act.org. All the test dates, test locations and deadlines can be located on this website. Please enter the BHS school code, 240-365, to have ACT send the test score to BHS for the student's transcript.

To take the SAT, students should create an account and register online at collegeboard.org. All test dates and registration deadlines can also be found on this site.

There are a number of factors that you should consider when deciding whether to report your standardized test scores to your colleges or not.  Click on this article to learn more.  

Some colleges require at least one ACT test score with writing, and they will take subsequent ACT scores with higher scores and without writing. Students should check the college website or admissions department to determine what is required for the colleges they are interested. (Note: individual majors may require higher ACT scores so check the department of interest also.) Many students take their first ACT with writing and subsequent tests without. Juniors will complete the writing exam during the test offered at BHS. Most students only need one writing score. Consult with the college of your choice if you are wondering if you should take the writing test a second time.

Studies show that students who prepare for the exam perform better.

• Take practice tests in a simulated test environment
• Use a paper practice test from the counseling office or the free online prep link on MCIS https://mncis.intocareers.org. If you use this link, (username: byronhs, password: bears) you must establish your own account before you can access the free test prep.
• Correct your test and analyze where your problems occur so you can study that material.
• Consider tutoring if necessary.
• Take an ACT prep class such as the one offered at BHS or in Rochester.
• Allow yourself enough time to take the test at least twice, if not three times. Most students improve their score the second time and most, if not all, colleges take the highest composite score.

Students are encouraged to take these tests during their junior year. Under the block schedule at Byron High School, it is best to take the ACT or SAT after taking college preparatory coursework in core academic subjects of math, science and English. For example, a junior should take chemistry or physics, junior year English and junior year math immediately prior to taking the ACT or SAT. This improves scores due to greater mastery and retention. Students often take tests more than once.

This is a high stakes test that will factor heavily into admissions decisions made by most colleges. Most four year colleges require students submit either ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions. Many scholarships, particularly those awarded by colleges, are also awarded based on a combination of test scores and cumulative GPA.

• The ACT covers four subject areas: English, Reading, Math and Science with an optional Written Essay. The ACT is the most common test in the Midwest.
• The SAT is divided into Verbal, Math, and Writing sections with a mandatory Essay. Some students test better on one test over the other. Either test is accepted by 90% of colleges.