Come check out our PNACAC Session on Thursday 10:15-11:15am:

Test-Optional in 2026: Resilient Advising in a Rapidly Changing Landscape

We partner with PNACAC Attendees to help students evolve into competitive college candidates!

Seven Points Prep is your go-to source for providing students the support and confidence they need to thrive in their academic endeavors and beyond. We offer online and in-person private lessons and group classes taught by highly qualified instructors.

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PNACAC Session - Test-Optional in 2026: Resilient Advising in a Rapidly Changing Landscape

Testing FAQ

When should my student take the SAT or ACT?

Students should test after they have completed Algebra 2 or beyond. Although historically most students test in the Spring, Fall and Summer dates are also available. Students should test when they have time for at least 10-12 weeks to prepare for the test before the test date.

Which test should my student take?

We recommend that students take a practice test of each and then decide which test they performed better on by using a score concordance chart. There have been many changes in both the SAT and the ACT that can make a significant differences in a student’s performance. Free SAT practice tests are offered via Blue Book. Free ACT practice tests are offered via ACT.org.

What is the latest test date that seniors can use scores from?

Generally, the last test accepted by colleges and universities is from December of a student’s senior year. For example, for a Class of 2027 graduate, the last test they can use scores from would be December 2026.

Should every student test?

This is tricky because we are in a time where the landscaping is changing rapidly. We generally recommend all students test just in case they need a score. It is better to have a score even if you don’t know if you need one, than decide at the last minute you want to apply to a school that requires scores and not have a score.

Counselors can recommend not testing for a student who is committed to attending community college right after high school graduation. Once the student is ready to transfer, they generally will not need test scores as long as they have completed 90 credits of community college.

Should my student submit test scores to test-optional or test-preferred schools?

If the student’s score fall in the middle 50% of scores submitted to an institution, they should submit their score. If their score falls below that threshold, they should either retest to try to meet that score goal or not submit their scores. Because of this discrepancy, we recommend students do not send their score via College Board or ACT.org when registering for the test.

SAT

• Register: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration

• Accommodations: https://accommodations.collegeboard.org

• Free Practice Tests: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice/practice-tests

ACT

Registration, Accommodations, and Free Practice Tests: https://my.act.org

Links for School Counselors

SAT Resources: https://counselors.collegeboard.org/assessments/sat-suite

ACT Resources: https://counselorblog.act.org

Still have questions?

We hope this FAQ has been helpful! If you have any further questions that weren't covered here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. We're always happy to assist you.

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