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About College Readiness Exams (CREs)

College readiness exams such as the SAT and ACT are designed to help colleges and universities assess whether a student is prepared for the rigors of higher education. These tests aim to measure skills in areas such as critical reading, math, and writing—skills that are important for success in college-level courses. The idea is to provide a standardized way to compare students from different schools and educational backgrounds, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at showcasing their academic abilities.

Historically, the SAT was introduced in 1926 to democratize college admissions, offering students from all walks of life an opportunity to demonstrate their potential, even if they did not attend elite prep schools. The ACT followed in 1959, emphasizing curriculum-based testing to reflect what students had learned in high school. Over time, these tests have become a familiar part of the college admissions process, helping schools evaluate applicants alongside other factors like GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays.

For parents and students, these exams can feel like a hurdle, but they also serve as a tool. They can highlight a student's academic strengths, provide benchmarks for areas of improvement, and sometimes even open doors to scholarships. While no single test defines a student, doing well on these exams can give them a boost in a competitive admissions landscape.

Book a FREE consultation to find out how to boost your SAT and ACT scores today!

Why Are These Tests Important?

Strengthen Your College Applications

Colleges use these scores as a standardized metric to evaluate students from diverse educational backgrounds. A high score showcases your academic abilities and commitment.

Open Doors to Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many scholarships and merit-based aid programs consider SAT/ACT scores. A strong performance can make college more affordable.

Showcase Your Academic Abilities and Future Potential

These tests evaluate critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, signaling your readiness for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

The Big Question

“Should I take the SAT or the ACT?”

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT is a standardized test widely used in college admissions to assess a student’s readiness for higher education. It evaluates critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge in core academic areas, providing colleges with a standardized measure to compare applicants. Key Details About the SAT: Sections: The SAT includes Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (comprised of a Reading section and a Writing & Language section) and Math (with calculator and no-calculator portions). Timing: The test lasts 3 hours and consists of 154 questions. Scoring: Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, with a total score ranging from 400 to 1600.

The SAT plays a critical role in college admissions, helping students showcase their academic strengths and earn eligibility for scholarships. Find out more through the official website, CollegeBoard.

American College Testing (ACT)

The ACT is a standardized test designed to assess a student’s academic readiness for college. It provides colleges with a comprehensive view of a student’s skills in key subject areas, helping them evaluate applicants for admissions and scholarships.

Key Details About the ACT:

  • Sections: The ACT includes English, Math, Reading, and Science sections, with an optional Writing (essay) section.

  • Timing: The test lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes without the essay, and 3 hours and 40 minutes with it.

  • Scoring: Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, with a composite score representing the average of the four sections. The optional essay is scored separately.

The ACT emphasizes both subject-specific knowledge and critical thinking skills, making it a valuable tool for students to showcase their academic abilities and stand out in college applications. Find out more through the official website, ACT.

Which One is Right For Me?

 Dates and Deadlines FAQs

  • Most students take these tests in the spring of their junior year. This timing ensures that scores are ready for early college applications and allows time for retakes if needed.

  • Yes! Many students retake these tests in the fall of their senior year to improve their scores. Retaking is particularly helpful when you focus on weaker sections and prepare strategically.

  • It’s best to allow at least two months between test dates. This gives you enough time to analyze your previous performance, target areas for improvement, and practice effectively.

  • Both the SAT and ACT offer multiple test dates throughout the year, typically from August through June. Be sure to register early to secure your preferred date and location. For upcoming dates, you can visit the official sites for the SAT and ACT.

  • Consider your academic schedule, college application deadlines, and personal preparation needs. A consultation with our team can help you create a personalized testing plan!

How CREs Fits into Your Story

SScholarships and Career Goals

High scores often qualify students for merit-based scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of college. These scholarships not only ease financial stress but also pave the way for greater opportunities in your chosen career.

College Admissions Success

Your SAT/ACT scores are a key factor in college applications, helping admissions officers assess your academic potential. A strong performance can make your application stand out, increasing your chances of getting into your dream school.

Building Confidence

Achieving a great score on the SAT/ACT boosts your self-esteem, proving that you’re capable of overcoming academic challenges. This confidence will carry over into college and beyond, empowering you to tackle future milestones with determination.

Let us guide you every step of the way!

Why Choose Our CRE Tutoring?

  • At Story of You Consulting, we know that no two students are alike. That’s why we start with a free diagnostic test to uncover your unique strengths and identify the areas where you need the most support. Using this information, we create a personalized study plan tailored to your goals, ensuring every session is focused on improving upon weak points, time-efficient, and drives measurable progress.

  • Excelling on the CREs takes more than just mastering the content. Our comprehensive approach equips students with effective time-management and organizational strategies, empowering them to boost both their accuracy and self-confidence on test day.

  • We do more than just CRE prep—we equip students with proven, research-based study strategies to help them build effective habits, retain information more easily, manage their time efficiently, and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Alongside test preparation, we offer executive function coaching to ensure our students are fully prepared to succeed in academics and beyond.

  • We integrate practice with lessons, using real SAT- and ACT-style questions to make every session practical and relevant. This approach ensures students don’t just memorize facts—they learn how to apply knowledge effectively, building true mastery.

  • We’re committed to supporting our diverse student community with flexible tutoring and coaching schedules, offering both in-person and online options. With tutors available across multiple time zones, we ensure round-the-clock support to meet your needs. Plus, we’re here to help, even at the last minute, because your success is our priority.