Your ACT Scoring Guide for 2023
ACT Scoring: Your Complete Guide for 2023
Bonus Material: ACT Score Ranges for 499 Colleges
How does ACT scoring work?
Can you superscore the ACT? What does it take to get a "good" ACT score?
If you're starting your ACT test prep, you've probably asked at least one of these questions.
The ACT is a vastly different test than the SAT, the other college entrance exam. It has different sections and time constraints. It especially has a different scoring system, which can feel foreign to first-time test-takers.
We're here to break down everything you need to know about ACT scoring in 2022 so you can jump into this test feeling confident and prepared.
We also give readers access to the ACT Score Ranges for the top 499 U.S. colleges and universities, a great resource for those establishing their target ACT scores. Grab this below.
Here's what we cover in this post:
- How the ACT is Scored
- Which Scores Matter Most to Colleges in 2022
- Superscoring the ACT
- What Counts as a Good ACT Score for 2022
- ACT and SAT Score Comparison
- Bonus: ACT Score Ranges for 499 Colleges
ACT Scoring 101
The ACT has 5 sections, in this order:
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science
- Essay (optional)
Every section except the ACT essay is scored on a scale of 1-36. 1 is the lowest score you can achieve on an individual section, while 36 is the highest score possible.
| ACT Section | Score Range |
| English | 1-36 |
| Math | 1-36 |
| Reading | 1-36 |
| Science | 1-36 |
Students also receive an ACT total score, called the composite score. This is the average of the scores received on the four required ACT sections.
Take a look at this sample student ACT score report to see this scoring system in action.
Here, the student's composite score of 21 is the average of the student's individual ACT section scores (19, 18, 24, and 23). If this average equates to a decimal, such as 20.8, ACT will round to the nearest whole number, which would be 21 in this case.
What about the ACT Essay score?
The student's ACT essay (also referred to as Writing) scores do not impact their ACT composite score and fall on a range of 2-12. This number is the sum of two essay readers' scores, which are assigned in 4 domains:
- Ideas & Analysis
- Development & Support
- Organization
- Language Use & Conventions
You can find the detailed rubric that ACT essay readers use here.
If you do not take the ACT essay, you will not see a score reported in the "Writing" column. Nor will you see an English Language Arts (ELA) score.
What are ranks?
As you can see in the sample ACT score report above, reports also include information about a student's "ranking" in the U.S. and that student's home state. These are approximate percentages of recent grads who have taken the ACT in the U.S. and your state and achieved the same score as you or lower.
The ACT offers these rankings for your composite score, individual section scores, and STEM/ELA scores.
These rankings can be helpful from an assessment perspective. But when it comes to the numbers colleges care about, they aren't as essential.
What are college readiness benchmarks?
Your score report will also show how your scores relate to what ACT calls “College Readiness Benchmarks,” indicated by a purple line within each scoring column. These are scoring benchmarks designed to predict success in college-level courses.
In this sample score report, the student is below these benchmarks for Math and Science. She is above the benchmarks for English and Reading.
Here are the benchmark ACT scores for college readiness as of 2022:
- English: 18
- Math: 22
- Reading: 22
- Science: 23
How does ACT calculate my score per section?
Every ACT section has different content and different numbers of questions. So how does ACT boil each down to a number on a scale of 1-36?
Basically, they'll tally up the number of questions you got correct on a section, called your raw score. They then convert these raw scores for each section to a number between 1-36 using a specific scaled conversion table, like the one below.
If you got 31 questions correct on the ACT Science section of this test, for example, this would yield a 26 sectional score. 50 correct questions on ACT Math on this test equates to a 30.
Is a 36 on one ACT exactly the same as a 36 on another ACT?
Not necessarily.
No two ACTs are alike. They will vary in difficulty, so ACT uses a process called "equating" to balance these discrepancies. The company doesn't say much about what goes into the equating process, but we can see it at work if we look at sections from the raw score conversion charts for 2 official ACT practice tests.
To get a 30 on ACT English on Practice Test #1, a student must get 65 questions correct. But to get a 30 on ACT English on Practice Test #2, a student has to ace 66 questions.
This might seem like a subtle difference, but take a look at Math. 49 Math questions correct on Practice Test #1 yields a 30, while 51 equates to a 30 on Practice Test #2.
These differences can add up!
Can you predict when ACT will administer an "easy" test?
Nope. While taking the test, you might be able to sense if a section feels harder or easier than other official practice tests.
But there's no viable way to predict an "easy" ACT. What's more, an "easy" ACT does not necessarily equate to an easy perfect score! Easier sections often require students to get more questions correct to earn a higher score.
Which Scores Matter Most to Colleges in 2022
What scores will colleges prioritize when they look at your score report? Your composite? Each section score? Your Essay score? Your ACT rankings?
In a nutshell, colleges are going to care most about your ACT composite score. But they will also likely place a heavy emphasis on your ACT section scores.
That's why we encourage students to work on maximizing their scores in all 4 sections of the ACT. Doing so will also positively impact their composite score, as the composite is the average of all 4 section scores.
Schools have different policies regarding how they assess ACT Essay scores. Because fewer and fewer schools are requiring the ACT Essay, it's safe to say that most schools will only assess these Essay scores for advising purposes (if at all).
You can learn more about how specific colleges on your list review ACT score reports by checking out what they have to say about standardized tests on their websites.
Bates College, for example, while test-optional, actually specifies the Middle 50% of successful applicants' test scores on its website. It also states that it superscores the ACT and SAT, which we discuss in the next section.
We've compiled the ACT score ranges of successful applicants to the top 499 U.S. colleges and universities in one easy-to-read document! Download a copy below.
Can You Superscore the ACT?
Yes! The ACT recently launched superscoring. Superscoring allows ACT test-takers to count their highest section and composite scores as official scores. Colleges ultimately have the final say in how they review these scores, but superscoring can be a valuable tool for students who plan on taking the ACT at least twice.
As we saw with Bates College above, many colleges already have their own superscoring policies in place.
They should elaborate on their website what these policies look like, which can vary widely. Some require submission of all test scores, for example, while others might only consider the highest scores submitted.
Here's what Stanford says about superscoring on its website:
To make the most of superscoring opportunities, students should plan on taking the ACT at least twice.
Some students worry that taking the ACT two or three times may reflect badly on their college applications. This couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Most students take the ACT at least twice, and many experience a score increase the second or third time around. There is no evidence to suggest that taking the ACT more than once impacts the college admissions decision.
What is a Good ACT Score for 2022?
Most students assume that because 36 is the highest possible ACT score (both composite and individual), it's a "good" ACT score.
Yet while a 36 will definitely add a competitive edge to an application, anything less than a 36 isn't necessarily a bad ACT score.
In fact, it all comes down to how you define a "good" ACT score. We have 2 definitions for this.
- “Good” is anything that is “above average” with sectional scores and percentile rankings
- “Good” is anything that will look competitive on a college application
Let’s start with the first definition.
Good ACT Score #1: The “Above Average” ACT Score
ACT regularly releases a "National Norms" report for ACT scores. This includes data from all ACT test scores reported between 2021 and 2022 (although these scores could be from 2019, 2020, and 2021 class graduates).
The most recent National Norms ACT Report includes the average section and composite scores of those reported between 2021 and 2022.
Here's what they are:
| ACT Section | 2021-2022 Average Score |
|---|---|
| English | 19.9 |
| Math | 20.2 |
| Reading | 21.1 |
| Science | 20.5 |
| ACT Composite | 20.6 |
Using the first definition of a "good" ACT score, a composite score of 21 or higher on the ACT could be considered a competitive score for 2022.
At the very least, we encourage students who are new to the ACT to aim for a target score that is above national averages, on individual sections and the whole test itself.
This would mean establishing a goal score of the following on each section:
| Section | Goal Above-Average Score |
|---|---|
| English | 21 |
| Math | 21 |
| Reading | 22 |
| Science | 21 |
| Composite | 21 |
Of course, your starting score may be higher than a composite of 21, so we also recommend that students start with a diagnostic ACT to see where they currently stand.
Good ACT Score #2: The College Competitive ACT Score
Of course, scoring above-average on the ACT is just one interpretation of what it means to do well on the test.
In the context of college entrance, one student’s “good” ACT score could be vastly different than another student’s. It just comes down to where you are applying and the average ACT scores of admitted applicants.
So, we like to say that, under this definition, a ‘good ACT score’ is the one that is right for you given your college aspirations. This will probably be close to the ACT scores of admitted applicants.
Plenty of universities specify ACT score ranges of successful applicants on their websites (although some are not public with this information).
Most do so by specifying the ‘Middle 50,’ or the 25th and 75th percentile of accepted students’ ACT scores.
Here’s a sampling of the Middle 50s from various elite institutions:
| College | 25th Percentile ACT Composite | 75th Percentile ACT Composite |
| Yale University | 33 | 35 |
| Vanderbilt University | 33 | 35 |
| Amherst College | 30 | 34 |
| Pomona College | 32 | 35 |
| Princeton University | 33 | 35 |
| Brown University | 33 | 35 |
| Barnard College | 31 | 34 |
Source: The National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS (2019)
And here are the Middle 50s of ACT score ranges of successful applicants to the top 499 U.S. colleges and universities.
If the colleges on your list do not specify these score ranges on their websites, you can check out the Common Data Set, an effort to give clear, relevant information to everyone involved in the college admissions process about universities' "institutional priorities."
What are institutional priorities? These refer to what a college cares about when it's admitting an incoming class.
The Common Data Set for Princeton University, for example, contains information about the university's enrollment, admissions, financial aid, and more. A school's CDS should also include details about test scores of admitted applicants, as Princeton's shows here:
Princeton's CDS also breaks down ACT scores into 25th and 75th percentiles. You can use these percentiles to understand competitive scores of admitted applicants.
For example, one can safely conclude based on this CDS that 50% of admitted applicants to Princeton in 2019-2020 had ACT composite scores ranging from 33 to 35.
SAT and ACT Score Comparison
How do ACT scores compare to SAT scores?
The two college entrance exams are pretty different. But it is possible to figure out what an ACT score generally aligns with on the SAT, and vice versa.
In fact, in 2018, ACT and the CollegeBoard completed what's called a "Concordance Study," which examined the relationship between ACT scores and SAT scores. ACT emphasizes that this study does not "equate scores" but can be a "helpful tool for finding comparable scores."
Translation: It's impossible to pinpoint exact equivalences, but it is possible to approximate.
Here is one of the score comparison tables that resulted from this study, which compares ACT Composites to SAT Composites. Notice how this table also includes an "SAT Range," designed to compensate for fluctuations in test difficulty.
ACT also has a digital tool on its website that allows for quick score comparison calculations:
Ideally, students should choose one test to prepare for as they plan their college application journey. All U.S. colleges accept both tests equally. Not sure which test is the best fit for you? We can help.
Download ACT Score Ranges of 499 Colleges
Curious about what ACT score you need to get into your dream school?
We've compiled the ACT score ranges of successful applicants to the top 499 U.S. colleges in one simple document, which you can download for free below!
Here's what you'll get with this handy resource:
- Middle 50 ACT composite scores for the top 499 U.S. colleges and universities
- Middle 50 ACT sectional scores for English and Math
- Admit rate for each college
- All based on the most recent available data (2019)
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
Is the ACT or SAT a Graduation Requirement? It Might Be In Your State
The ACT or SAT as a Graduation Requirement: Your 2023 Lowdown
Is the SAT a graduation requirement for your high school? What about the ACT?
Believe it or not, some states in the U.S. do use the SAT or ACT as benchmark assessments. Some require that high school students take either test in order to graduate.
Where does your state fall in this respect? We've done the research and have the most up to date list of SAT/ACT testing policies across the U.S. states for 2023.
Others may simply offer these exams for free at school, without requiring students to take them for graduation.
Note: We always recommend that students consult guidance counselors for their school's specific testing policies, because these can vary from district to district within states.
Here's what we cover:
- Which States Require the SAT?
- Which States Require the ACT?
- Other State Testing Policies
- Next Steps: Deciding Which Test To Take
Where is the SAT a Graduation Requirement?
The following states require high school students to take the SAT in order to graduate:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
Where is the ACT a Graduation Requirement?
The ACT is a graduation requirement in the following states:
Other State Testing Policies
There are some states that require students to take either the ACT or the SAT for graduation.
Here they are:
Some states will also accept ACT scores as alternatives to other state testing requirements or benchmark exams.
There are currently 3 states that do this:
- Louisiana: Students must take ACT WorkKeys or the ACT
- North Dakota: Students must take the ACT or ACT WorkKeys
- Utah: Students take Utah Aspire Plus, a custom exam that incorporates ACT Aspire material, but isn’t actually the ACT
We want to emphasize that many states offer the ACT and/or SAT to students for free but do not require students to take either exam (like South Carolina, for example).
For more information on SAT School Days or in-school ACT administrations, consult your guidance counselor.
Which Test Should You Take?
All U.S. colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT scores from applicants. No college requires students to submit scores from both tests (although they can do so if they like).
So which test should you take? We've created an entire post to answer this question, which we encourage our students to read.
In the meantime, regardless of whether or not the ACT or SAT is a graduation requirement for your state, it's important to prepare for the exam that is the right fit for you.
The ACT and SAT are similar in some ways, but they are very different in others. Your best fit test will be the one that plays to your personal strengths and ultimately gives you the higher score.
A great place to start is a diagnostic SAT practice test or ACT practice test. You can find self-proctoring instructions right here for the SAT and the ACT.
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
Princeton Summer Programs for High School Students
Princeton Summer Programs for High School Students
Bonus Material: PrepMaven's Summer 2023 Calendar
Many colleges--including Princeton University--ask their applicants to answer the following question:
How did you spend your last two summers?
For most high school students, especially upperclassmen, summertime is a chance to unwind, catch up on sleep, and spend time with friends.
Relaxation is vital and frequently well-earned!
Yet filling your summers with other meaningful activities, including volunteering, research opportunities, and college programs, can be doubly vital. Rich summer experiences can help you solidify and jumpstart your classroom learning while connecting you with like-minded peers.
Plus, they can make it easier to answer that college application question--when that time comes!
Whether you’re a Princeton local or a student keen to spend time in proximity to Princeton University, this post is for you. Keep reading for insight into the best Princeton summer programs for high school students.
You'll also get access to our Summer Calendar, which can help students organize the programs and activities they'll be pursuing this summer. This calendar also includes information about virtual activities and online programs.
Grab this below.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Princeton Summer Programs for High School Students
- Princeton-Based Summer Programs
- Bonus: PrepMaven's Summer 2023 Calendar
Princeton Summer Programs for High School Students
There are currently three Princeton summer programs for high school students directly affiliated with Princeton University. These include the Laboratory Learning Program, the Summer Journalism Program, and Princeton Sports Camps.
If you’re eager to learn more about academic year opportunities at Princeton University, check out our post on Princeton courses for high school students.
Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program
This “full-time, free research experience in the sciences or engineering” is available to students 16 and older at the time of applying.
If accepted to this program, high school students participate in a research project with faculty members and fellow researchers for 7-10 weeks in the summer. Research opportunities vary every year.
Here’s a glimpse of summer 2023’s research projects, available in natural sciences and engineering:
- Machine Learning of Polymer-Enzyme Interactions
- Models system of lung development
- Critical Mineral Extraction from Seawater
- Hydrogels for Water Purification
- Modeling disease dysregulation using large genomic datasetsIdentifying and overcoming challenges in learning language commonly faced by individuals on the autism spectrum
Students can specify up to two projects they’re interested in when applying in the spring prior to the Laboratory Learning program’s start. The application period runs from February 15 to April 15, 2023.
**Note: High school students do not receive any kind of academic credit for participating in this program. Nor does the Laboratory Learning program give Princeton University applicants a greater advantage in admissions.
Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Princeton’s Summer Journalism Program is a free residential summer opportunity for eligible high school juniors.
Every summer, forty participants spend ten days on Princeton’s campus, learning from professors, journalists, and alumni and collaborating together to produce the Princeton Summer Journal (published at program culmination).
The best part about this program? Its impact extends beyond the summer intensive. Following the program, each student is matched with a college advisor, who helps them navigate the college admissions process their senior fall.
This program is highly competitive—only 40 participants are chosen from a pool of hundreds.
Applications open each year in November and close in February; the application deadline in 2023 is February 28.
**Note: Preference in participant selection is given to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds.
Princeton Sports Camps
Princeton University has been offering summer sports camps and clinics to young athletes since the 1990s. These camps are directed by Princeton University varsity coaches and held on-campus.
Overnight attendants stay in campus dorms and eat their meals at campus dining halls.
Camps are available for the following sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Fencing
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Squash
- Softball
- Strength & Conditioning
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
- Wrestling
Princeton-Based Summer Programs
There are numerous Princeton summer programs for high school students hosted on Princeton University’s campus.
While these are not directly organized by the university, they offer high school students a chance to experience the campus and various facilities firsthand.
Many of these programs are geared towards gifted learning, making them ideal for precocious learners eager to dive deep into subjects like coding, debate, journalism, and more.
W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Summer Institute
At the W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Summer Institute, aspiring young scholars gather on Princeton University's campus to deepen their time management, critical thinking, collaborative learning, and problem-solving skills. The Institute offers Pre-Scholar and Scholar Academies, for rising 8th and 9th graders and rising 10th-12th graders, respectively.
Pre-Scholar Academies are 4-week summer intensives. Participants participate in either the Junior Achievers Academy (for rising 8th graders) or the Fellows Mentoring Academy (for rising 9th graders). Scholar Academies are 5-week summer intensives and include engineering, leadership, business/finance, and pre-med/neuroscience honors programs.
Summer Institute for the Gifted
SIG participants have the chance to live on campus and utilize Princeton’s amazing facilities during this summertime intensive.
The Summer Institute for the Gifted at Princeton brings together talented students from all over the world for three weeks. As an SIG camper, you’ll have a chance to explore multidisciplinary curriculum spanning Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, Humanities, and Fitness and Recreation on Princeton’s campus.
When not taking such courses, students can explore the Princeton Art Museum, Frist Campus Center, Prospect Garden, and more. Students age 13-17 are welcome to apply to this program.
Admission to the Summer Institute for the Gifted program is on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis for qualified students. The priority enrollment deadline for 2023 is May 20.
Note: Princeton University is not a listed location for SIG Innovators Programs in 2023 , but students can participate in SIG programs on-campus at Yale, UCLA, Emory, Bryn Mawr, Berkeley, and University of Michigan, or online.
JSA Summer School at Princeton University
Note: JSA is not offering a program on-campus at Princeton in 2023. This summer, programs are offered in California, Minnesota, and even Micronesia There is also an option to participate in some of the programs online.
This “pre-college academic experience” with the Junior State of America (JSA) gives students a chance to build leadership skills, debate with their peers, and participate in civic engagement activities.
JSA offers three-week programs at a variety of college campuses each summer, including Princeton. Princeton participants engage in weekly debate workshops and JSA’s speaker program, which brings students in close proximity to the nation’s best thinkers, lobbyists, analysts, and political leaders.
JSA also has a Freshman Scholars Program at Princeton, designed for rising 9th graders.
If JSA program cost is prohibitive, don’t worry! JSA does offer scholarships to eligible participants.
iDTech
For over ten years, iDTech has been giving students a chance to explore tech in its many forms through a summer intensive at Princeton. At this STEM summer camp, students explore machine learning, coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, and beyond.
iDTech prides itself on its stellar instructors (often industry experts), intimate class sizes, and accelerated, fun style of learning.
Classes are held at the Princeton Theological Seminary, Quadrangle Club, and Cloister Inn. iD tech camps, for students ages 7-17, are each one week long; iD coding and AI academy camps, for students ages 13-18, are two weeks.
Program in Algorithmic and Combinational Thinking (PACT)
Aspiring computer scientists and mathematicians won’t want to overlook PACT, a unique summer program that gives students a chance to dive deep into the world of theoretical computer science.
This five-week educational program emphasizes the math and algorithms students need to know to succeed in the computer science field. It’s funded in part by Rutgers University and the National Science Foundation.
The only requirements for this program? “High school algebra, the willingness to work hard and be challenged, and, above all, the desire to learn.”
Some summer program students may be eligible to continue studying on Saturdays throughout the academic year.
Note: For 2023, PACT will have an option to participate virtually as well as in-person on Princeton's campus.
Princeton Tutoring/PrepMaven Courses
PrepMaven and its sister site, Princeton Tutoring, have been providing academic tutoring, test, prep, and college counseling services since 2005.
The co-founders of the company are Princeton University graduates, and their team of 150+ tutors/instructors are comprised mostly of Princeton University undergraduates and graduates.
While their office is located within the Princeton Entrepreneurial Hub, they work with students across the country through live & online courses:
- SAT MasterClass - an SAT course led by one of the co-founders
- College Essay Workshop - learn from a Harvard-educated screenwriter & complete the college essay in 4 weeks
- Academic Writing Workshop - build both thinking and writing skills
Private tutoring is also available if preferred or if students can't make the courses.
| We want to reiterate that attendance of any of these programs does not advantage Princeton University applicants in any way. It’s important to apply to these programs for the experiences they offer, first and foremost. |
Download PrepMaven's 2023 Summer Calendar
Eligible students have a lot to choose from when it comes to competitive Princeton summer programs for high schoolers. That's why we've created PrepMaven's 2023 Summer Calendar, a helpful tool for organizing this summer's activities, particularly those that are now virtual / online.
With this calendar, you'll be able to:
- Identify your experiences of interest and start / end dates (if applicable)
- Narrow down this list of experiences to your top 3-5
- Block out these experiences on a digital calendar for an easy birds-eye view of your summer
- Find extra details and links to all of the summer programs mentioned in this list (we’ve done the work for you!)
- Document your time so you can feel confident filling out your college application resume down the road
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
What's a Good ACT Score for 2023? Our Data-Backed Answer
Your Guide to a Good ACT Score in 2023
Bonus Material: ACT Score Ranges for 499 Colleges
What's a good ACT score? What's an average ACT score? Is there such a thing as a bad ACT score?
We hear these questions all the time from our students.
In this post, we use up-to-date industry data to define a good ACT score for 2022. We also give insight into what makes for a good ACT score for you personally.
Understanding the components of a "good" ACT score can be helpful for choosing a target score, which should be the first step in your ACT prep. Plus, students who take the time to figure out their personally great ACT scores are more likely to achieve college admissions success.
We also give readers access to ACT Score Ranges for 499 Colleges, which outlines the score ranges of successful applicants to nearly 500 U.S. institutions. Grab this for free below.
Here's what we cover in this post:
- Our 2 Data-Backed Definitions of a Good ACT Score for 2022
- How Many Questions You Have to Get Right to Get a Good ACT Score
- What's a Bad ACT Score? (Is there such a thing?)
- How To Get a Good ACT Score in 2022
- Bonus: ACT Score Ranges for 499 Colleges
Your Guide to a Good ACT Score for 2022
A perfect score on the ACT is 36.
Most students assume that because 36 is the highest possible ACT score (both composite and individual), it's a "good" ACT score.
Yet while a 36 will definitely add a competitive edge to an application, anything less than a 36 isn't necessarily a bad ACT score.
In fact, it all comes down to how you define a "good" ACT score. We have 2 definitions for this.
Our 2 Definitions of A Good ACT Score
- “Good” is anything that is “above average” with sectional scores and percentile rankings
- “Good” is anything that will look competitive on a college application
Let’s start with the first definition.
Good ACT Score #1: The “Above Average” ACT Score
ACT regularly releases a "National Norms" report for ACT scores. This includes data from all ACT test scores reported between 2021 and 2022 (although these scores could be from 2019, 2020, and 2021 class graduates).
The most recent National Norms ACT Report includes the average section and composite scores of those reported between 2021 and 2022.
Average scores range from 19.9 to 21.1:
| Section | 2021-2022 Average Score |
|---|---|
| English | 19.9 |
| Math | 20.2 |
| Reading | 21.1 |
| Science | 20.5 |
| Composite | 20.6 |
Using the first definition of a "good" ACT score, a composite score of 21 or higher on the ACT could be considered a competitive score for 2022.
At the very least, we encourage students who are new to the ACT to aim for a target score that is above national averages, on individual sections and the whole test itself.
This would mean establishing a goal score of the following on each section:
| Section | Goal Above-Average Score |
|---|---|
| English | 21 |
| Math | 21 |
| Reading | 22 |
| Science | 21 |
| Composite | 21 |
Of course, your starting score may be higher than a composite of 21, so we also recommend that students start with a diagnostic ACT to see where they currently stand.
What about those ACT "Ranks"?
ACT score reports also include information about a student's "ranking" in the U.S. and that student's home state. These are approximate percentages of recent grads who have taken the ACT in the U.S. and your state and achieved the same score as you or lower.
The ACT offers these rankings for your composite score, individual section scores, and STEM/ELA scores.
Naturally, the higher your "rankings," the better. Yet we recommend that students prioritize target ACT scores as opposed to rankings, as these are a lot more straightforward (and less likely to fluctuate dramatically in any given year).
Good ACT Score #2: The College-Competitive ACT Score
Of course, scoring above-average on the ACT is just one interpretation of what it means to do well on the test.
In the context of college entrance, one student’s “good” ACT score could be vastly different than another student’s. It just comes down to where you are applying and the average ACT scores of admitted applicants.
So, we like to say that, under this definition, a "good ACT score" is the one that is right for you given your college aspirations. This will probably be close to the ACT scores of admitted applicants.
Plenty of universities specify ACT score ranges of successful applicants on their websites (although some are not public with this information).
Most do so by specifying the "Middle 50," or the 25th and 75th percentile of accepted students’ ACT scores.
Here’s a sampling of the Middle 50s from various elite institutions:
| College | 25th Percentile ACT Composite | 75th Percentile ACT Composite |
| Yale University | 33 | 35 |
| Vanderbilt University | 33 | 35 |
| Amherst College | 30 | 34 |
| Pomona College | 32 | 35 |
| Princeton University | 33 | 35 |
| Brown University | 33 | 35 |
| Barnard College | 31 | 34 |
Source: The National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS (2019)
We've compiled the Middle 50s of ACT score ranges of successful applicants to the top 499 U.S. colleges and universities, which you can download right now.
The Common Data Set
If the colleges on your list do not specify these score ranges on their websites, you can check out the Common Data Set.
The Common Data Set (CDS) initiative is an effort to give clear, relevant information to everyone involved in the college admissions process about universities' "institutional priorities."
What are institutional priorities? These refer to what a college cares about when it's admitting an incoming class.
The Common Data Set for Princeton University, for example, contains information about the university's enrollment, admissions, financial aid, and more. A school's CDS should also include details about test scores of admitted applicants, as Princeton's shows here:
Princeton's CDS also breaks down ACT scores into 25th and 75th percentiles. You can use these percentiles to understand competitive scores of admitted applicants.
For example, one can safely conclude based on this CDS that 50% of admitted applicants to Princeton in 2019-2020 had ACT composite scores ranging from 33 to 35.
What This Means In Terms of Questions
How many questions do you have to get correct on the ACT to earn a score that is above average (as per our first definition of a good ACT score)?
Because no two ACTs are alike, it’s difficult to translate average ACT scores into total correct questions. It is possible to generalize, however, which we have done in the following table.
| ACT Section | Average 2020 Score | Average Questions Right |
|---|---|---|
| English | 20.1 | ~ 43-45 (out of 75) |
| Math | 20.4 | ~ 29-31 (out of 60) |
| Reading | 21.2 | ~ 22-24 (out of 40) |
| Science | 20.6 | ~ 19-21 (out of 40) |
| Total | 20.7 | ~ 113-121 (out of 215) |
Data based on raw score conversion tables for ACT Official Practice Tests 1-5.
Notice that average ACT performance boils down to getting just about (or over) 50% of all questions correct.
Bad ACT Scores: Do They Exist?
We've discussed the good. What about the bad? Is there such thing as a bad ACT score?
Once again, the answer to these questions really depends on your definition of "bad."
Yet from a general perspective, a “bad” SAT score often misses the mark of what ACT.org has called college readiness.
These scores are typically below-average in comparison to the mean. They may also not meet the benchmark scores ACT.org has established in terms of college preparedness, especially with respect to content areas like English and Math.
Here's what ACT.org says specifically about benchmark scores on its website:
Students who meet a benchmark on the ACT have approximately a 50% chance of earning a B or better and approximately a 75% chance of earning a C or better in the corresponding college course or courses.
Here are the benchmark ACT scores for college readiness as of 2022 (Source: ACT):
- English: 18
- Math: 22
- Reading: 22
- Science: 23
First-time ACT students should prioritize meeting and surpassing these benchmark scores.
How to Get a Good ACT Score
We've discussed the good and the bad. Now what can you do to get a good ACT score?
Preparation, preparation, preparation.
The ACT is entirely different from traditional high school tests. Much like a second language, it requires dedication, immersion, and time to understand and eventually master.
To launch your ACT test prep journey, begin by establishing your initial goal score. It’s also important to set aside a decent amount of time for your ACT prep.
The ACT is not a test that students can cram, and nor should it take a side-burner in a student’s college application process. Allocate a generous timeline for sufficient ACT test prep, and stick to it!
Build that college list.
Crafting a list of colleges of interest can help students identify ballpark ACT score ranges for competitive entry.
It can also inform other aspects of the college application, such as supplemental essay topics, scholarship opportunities, and optional application components.
Take a diagnostic ACT.
Taking a diagnostic practice ACT can give students a greater understanding of their personal great score.
Plus, it’s an essential starting point for effective test prep!
Download ACT Score Ranges for 499 Colleges
Curious about what ACT score you need to get into your dream school?
We've compiled the ACT score ranges of successful applicants to the top 499 U.S. colleges in one simple document, which you can download for free below!
Here's what you'll get with this handy resource:
- Middle 50 ACT composite scores for the top 499 U.S. colleges and universities
- Middle 50 ACT sectional scores for English and Math
- Admit rate for each college
- All based on the most recent available data (2020)
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
What is a Good SAT Score for 2023? (And 6 Steps to Get One)
What is a Good SAT Score for 2023? (And 6 Steps to Get One)
Bonus Material: SAT Score Ranges for 499 U.S. Colleges
What is a good SAT score? And how do you get one?
Our students ask these 2 questions all the time. But answers to them can vary widely, depending on who you ask.
In this post, we use up-to-date industry data to define a good SAT score for 2023.
Yet we won’t leave you hanging there.
We also give insight into what makes for a good SAT score for you personally. Plus, we outline 6 actionable steps for getting closer to that target score.
Students who take the time to figure out their personally great SAT scores are more likely to achieve college admissions success.
We also give readers access to the SAT score ranges of competitive applicants to the top 499 U.S. colleges, which you can download below.
Here’s what we cover:
- Our 2 Data-Backed Definitions of a “Good SAT Score” for 2023
- How Many Questions You Need to Get Right to Achieve a Good SAT Score
- “Bad” SAT Scores — Do They Exist?
- 6 Steps for Getting a Good SAT Score (that you can easily start today)
- Bonus: SAT Score Ranges for 499 U.S. Colleges
Your Guide to a Good SAT Score for 2023
Students taking the SAT for the first time often ask these two questions:
- What’s a good SAT score?
- What do I need to do to get a good SAT score?
That first question can be tough to answer. After all, “good” is a relative term, right? And isn’t every single SAT technically different?
Yes and yes.
That’s why it’s so important to define what we actually mean by a “good SAT score.” We have 2 definitions for this.
Our 2 Definitions of A Good SAT Score
- “Good” is anything that is “above average” with sectional scores and percentile rankings
- “Good” is anything that will look competitive on a college application
Let’s start with the first definition.
Good SAT Score #1: The “Above Average” SAT Score
Average SAT Scores
With this definition, in very basic terms, a good SAT score for 2023 could be anything above 1060. This was the average national composite SAT score for the graduating class of 2021.
A good SAT Reading and Writing score could be anything above 533 and a good SAT Math score could be above 528, based on the same data released by the CollegeBoard in its 2021 annual report.
Percentiles
But we like to be more precise than this.
Remember that an SAT score—composite or section—always comes attached to a percentile ranking. This percentile indicates the percentage of comparison students an individual test-taker out-performed.
There are two comparison groups: "SAT Users" (actual SAT test-takers from the classes of 2020 and 2021) and a "nationally representative sample," weighted percentiles derived from a research study of 11th and 12th grade U.S. students.
Because these comparison groups are different, the percentiles are likely to vary, as you can see in this sampling below:
A student who scores 1180 on the SAT in 2021, for example, will likely have a composite percentile of 78 (nationally representative sample) and 72 (SAT user percentile). This means that this student out-performed roughly 72-78% of SAT test-takers across these two comparison groups.
SAT scores are also usually normally distributed. This means that the bulk of students’ composite SAT scores hover around the middle of the curve. Far fewer scores appear on the higher or lower end of the SAT score range between 400 and 1600.
The middle-of-the-road (or median) SAT composite percentile is the 50th. Students in this percentile range out-performed 50% of all test-takers and under-performed 50% of all test-takers. Students with a 1080 SAT composite are in this 50th percentile.
What does this mean?
Students who score higher than 1080 on the SAT are above average nationally from a percentile basis. These students also hold a 51% or higher SAT percentile.
Thus, a good SAT score on a national scale is above 1080.
Good SAT Score #2: The College Competitive SAT Score
Let’s not forget about one major reason for taking the SAT: college entrance!
In the context of college entrance, one student’s “good” SAT score could be vastly different than another student’s. It just comes down to where you are applying and the average SAT scores of admitted applicants.
So, we like to say that, under this definition, a "good SAT score" is the one that is right for you given your college aspirations. This will probably be close to the SAT scores of admitted applicants.
If a student is aspiring to attend a highly selective institution like Princeton University, for example, a “good” SAT score likely surpasses the 90th percentile.
Plenty of universities specify score ranges and percentiles of successful applicants on their websites (although some are not public with this information).
Most do so by specifying the "Middle 50," or the 25th and 75th percentile of accepted students’ SAT scores—this is not to be confused with SAT score report percentiles!
Here’s a sampling of the Middle 50s from various elite institutions:
| College | 25th Percentile Reading and Writing Score | 75th Percentile Reading and Writing Score | 25th Percentile Math Section Score | 75th Percentile Math Section Score |
| Yale University | 720 | 770 | 740 | 800 |
| Vanderbilt University | 710 | 760 | 750 | 800 |
| Amherst College | 650 | 740 | 660 | 750 |
| Pomona College | 690 | 750 | 700 | 790 |
| Princeton University | 710 | 770 | 750 | 800 |
| Brown University | 700 | 770 | 740 | 800 |
| Barnard College | 670 | 750 | 670 | 770 |
Source: The National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS (2019)
When researching competitive applicant SAT scores, keep in mind range.
Successful Vanderbilt applicants, for example, often have an SAT Reading and Writing score of 710-760. Successful Barnard College applicants have an SAT Reading and Writing score between 670 and 750.
Those ranges are actually significant. Yes, the higher your score in these cases, the better. But, technically, students on the lower end of these ranges still earned acceptance!
Some institutions have test score and/or GPA cut-offs for scholarship considerations. Review these requirements ahead of time to identify score ranges for eligible applicants.
What about schools that don’t explicitly state the average SAT scores of admitted applicants on their websites?
There’s a workaround.
Many colleges also release what is called a Common Data Set, which presents data related to admitted applicants' test scores and more.
Princeton University's CDS, for example, includes the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT scores as well as the percentage of 2019-2020 freshman students with specific SAT score ranges.
Based off of this data, we can conclude that a competitive SAT score for a Princeton applicant would fall within these ranges:
- Reading and Writing: 710-770
- Math: 750-800
- Composite: 1470 - 1560
You can also simply download these SAT Score Ranges for 499 U.S. Colleges, which includes the most recent data about SAT performance of competitive applicants.
What This Means In Terms of Questions
How many questions do you have to get correct on the SAT to earn a score that is above average (as per our first definition of a good SAT score)?
Every SAT exam is scaled for difficulty in a process the College Board calls “equating.” We discuss this more in our guide to scoring on the SAT.
Because no two SATs are alike, it’s difficult to translate the 2020 average SAT scores into total correct questions.
It is possible to generalize, however, which we have done in the following table.
| Section | Average 2020 Score | Average Questions Right |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading + Writing | 533 | ~46-52 questions right (out of 96) |
| Math | 528 | ~21-38 (out of 58) |
| Total | 1060 | ~67-90 questions (out of 155) |
Data based on raw score conversion tables for College Board Official Practice Tests 1-8.
Notice that average SAT performance boils down to getting just about (or over) 50% of all questions correct.
What is a Bad SAT Score? (Does it Exist?)
Is there such a thing as a bad SAT score? Kind of.
A “bad” SAT score often misses the mark of what the College Board has called college and career readiness. These scores are typically below-average in comparison to the mean.
They may also not meet the benchmark scores the College Board has established in terms of college preparedness, especially with respect to content areas. These benchmark scores vary according to grade (from 8th grade to 11th grade).
For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the benchmark scores for college and career readiness.
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 480
- Math: 530
Students who meet these benchmarks will see a green checkmark next to their scores. A yellow circle with an exclamation point indicates that a student has not met a benchmark for a given section.
Source: The College Board, Understanding SAT Scores
So, if you score below 480 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 530 on Math, you’re technically earning a “bad” SAT score. But remember 3 things:
- Every college will have different standards when it comes to SAT scores of admitted applicants
- 530 on SAT Math is actually above average (on sectional scores) compared to 2020 average SAT scores
- You can take the right steps for increasing your SAT score (with the tips we’re about to talk about)
6 Steps for Getting a Good SAT Score (that you can easily start today)
Now we get to answer that third question mentioned in the intro to this post: What do I need to do to get a good SAT score?
1. Take a diagnostic SAT.
It’s hard to figure out your destination if you don’t know where you are starting in the first place!
Take a diagnostic SAT practice test to pinpoint where your skills currently lie. In fact, this is the first thing we have our students do when they sign up for any PrepMaven SAT test prep program.
A benchmark set of SAT scores is essential for creating reasonable goals. And reasonable goals are critical for reaching your target SAT score.
You can find 10 FREE Official SAT Practice Tests here.
We also recommend checking out our guide to self-proctoring your first SAT practice test—it’s important to replicate Test Day conditions as much as possible in order to generate accurate results.
2. Make sure the SAT is actually the right test for you.
You heard that right.
The SAT might not be the test for you, depending on the results of your diagnostic SAT. Some students are better suited for the ACT, the other standardized test used in college admissions.
Colleges accept both tests equally, but it’s important to prep for the test guaranteed to give you the highest score.
The ACT and SAT are similar in some ways. But they are also vastly different in others. To see which test is right for you, ask these 5 questions now.
If you’re simply curious about the ACT, our post on the ACT’s general format will give you a good overview of what to expect with this test.
We can also help students figure out which test to pursue in a free test prep consultation.
3. Build a general college list.
You might not be certain exactly where you’d like to apply to college.
That’s okay!
Most high school students solidify their college lists the summer or fall of their senior years.
However, to truly know what a good SAT score looks like for you, a general college list is essential. This list can help you identify ballpark SAT score ranges for competitive entry, which we talk about in the next step.
If you aren’t able to pinpoint exact colleges, think in terms of tier:
- Tier 1: Ivy League Schools (Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc.)
- Tier 2: Extremely Selective Schools
- Tier 3: Highly Selective Schools
- Tier 4: Selective Schools
- Tier 5: Moderately Selective Schools
- Tier 6: Somewhat Selective Schools….. etc.
We recommend choosing 3 tiers of schools, arranged as follows, and at least 2 schools for each of these tiers (total of 6):
- Safety schools (you know you’ll probably get in)
- Competitive schools (odds are neutral)
- Reach schools (a “reach” to earn acceptance)
Of course, students will want to keep building this college list as they progress with their SAT test prep. For now, however, a general list of at least 6 schools will be sufficient to get to the next step.
4. Investigate college score ranges.
Once you’ve assembled your general college list (with at least 6 schools), it’s time to check out the average SAT scores of admitted applicants to these institutions. You have a few resources for this:
- The college’s website itself
- The most recent Common Data Set for that college (if possible)
- National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS
- PrepMaven’s SAT Score Ranges for 499 U.S. Colleges
Remember to keep in mind score ranges of admitted applicants and 25th / 75th percentiles (if applicable) as you do this research.
Let’s say that you want to research the SAT score ranges for applicants accepted to Fordham University.
Fordham does specify test score ranges on its website (not all colleges do this):
We can also back this up with information from Fordham’s Common Data Set from 2018-2019:
Do this for all 6 schools on your general list.
5. Identify your target SAT score
SAT test prep without a target score is like a ship without a rudder. A target SAT score is essential for 2 things:
- Setting goals
- Figuring out your test prep timeline
Before setting your target SAT score, we encourage you to:
- Take a diagnostic SAT practice test
- Assemble a general college list
A concrete target SAT score can mean the difference between a mediocre score and a good score. Why? You are more likely to reach your goals in life if they are:
- Specific
- Time-oriented and
- Realistic
In fact, students who don’t choose a target SAT score at the start of their test prep are less likely to be successful in their journey.
6. Take your time
The SAT is vastly different from traditional high school tests. Much like a second language, it requires dedication, immersion, and time to understand and eventually master.
Thus, it’s important to give your test preparation time. The SAT is not a test that students can cram, and nor should it take a side-burner in a student’s college application process.
Allocate a generous timeline for sufficient SAT test prep, and stick to it!
Download SAT Score Ranges for 499 U.S. Colleges
We've compiled the SAT score ranges of successful applicants to the top 499 U.S. colleges in one simple document, which you can download for free below!
Here's what you'll get with this handy resource:
- Middle 50 SAT composite scores for the top 499 U.S. colleges and universities
- Middle 50 SAT sectional scores for Reading & Writing and Math
- Admit rate for each college
- All based on the most recent available data (2019)
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
The 6 Princeton Supplemental Essays: How to Respond
The 6 Princeton Supplemental Essays: How to Respond
Bonus Material: PrepMaven's Supplemental Essay Spreadsheet
Many top-tier universities and colleges in the U.S. now require applicants to submit at least one additional essay.
Princeton University is one of these colleges. It actually requires students to respond to 6 short supplemental prompts.
What are the prompts for Princeton’s supplemental essays? And how should you respond to each?
We’ve got the answers to these questions in this post. We also give readers access to a great resource: the most selective 50 U.S. colleges and their supplemental essays for 2022-2023, in one easy-to-read spreadsheet. Grab it below.
Here’s what we cover:
- The 6 Princeton Supplemental Essay Prompts
- How to Respond
- Bonus: PrepMaven's Supplemental Essay Spreadsheet
The 6 Princeton Supplemental Essay Prompts
Princeton University requires applicants to submit responses to 6 supplemental essay prompts. We recognize that this sounds daunting, but keep in mind that the word length of these essays is relatively short.
Here's the breakdown:
- 1 150-word response
- 2 250-word responses
- 3 50-word responses
Princeton also requires applicants to submit one graded academic paper as part of their application. (We will not be addressing this in this post.)
Prompt #1: Extracurricular Activity and Work Experience
Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you. (Please respond in about 150 words)
Prompts #2 and #3: Your Voice
Please respond to each question in an essay of about 250 words.
At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future?*
Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.*
Prompts #4, #5, and #6: More About You
Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
What brings you joy?
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
How to Respond to the 6 Princeton Supplemental Essay Prompts
In this section, we'll provide our advice for responding to each of these supplemental essay prompts.
Essay Prompt #1: Extracurricular Activity and Work Experience
Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you. (Please respond in about 150 words)
Because they only have 150 words to respond to prompt #1, students should feel comfortable taking this prompt fairly literally.
They should discuss the following in their response:
- Relevant details of this activity, organization, work experience, or hobby, including their role (past/present), responsibilities, and/or general relationship to it
- A brief discussion of why this was/is meaningful
Keep in mind that admissions officers will be most interested in learning about why this is “particularly meaningful to you,” as this will give them the most information about who you are as an individual.
For that reason, we encourage students to select an activity, hobby, organization, or work experience likely to:
- generate a lot of thoughts
- reflect at least one of their personal values or beliefs and/or
- showcase something that matters to them
If you’re having trouble brainstorming why this has proved meaningful to you, think about this activity, organization, work experience, or hobby in relationship to:
- what you believe in
- what makes you you
- what you’re passionate about and/or
- your professional aspirations
When writing this response, aim for declarative, concise sentences. Creativity is never off the table here, either! You might wish to include brief anecdotes, but be mindful of the fact that you only have 150 words and want to leave ample room for the discussion of why this is meaningful to you.
Here’s an abbreviated example of how you might respond to this prompt:
I never thought I had the courage to be someone else convincingly. Yet when I auditioned--by chance--for my school’s production of “Spring Awakening,” I had an awakening of my own: theatre is the medium for telling other people’s stories, and I wanted to tell those stories. Since that first show, I have participated in multiple productions with my drama team and am currently president of the core group...
Essay Prompt #2: Your Voice
At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future? (250 words)
Students can once again feel comfortable approaching this prompt fairly literally. Princeton offers a lot of information here about what it’s looking for in applicants. In a nutshell, they want to bring students to their campus who aren’t afraid to have tough conversations with others, especially those with differing perspectives.
What’s more, admissions officers are looking for applicants who can demonstrate a certain level of self-awareness about what it means to have “respectful dialogue.” They want a response here that demonstrates your capacity to reflect on a difficult conversation and use what you’ve learned in the future.
This is very much in line with Princeton's mission to encourage pluralism and respectful conversations, as Princeton President Eisgruber emphasized in his speech on the "art of disagreement" in 2017.
Here are our thoughts on how to proceed with this prompt, given these considerations.
First, you don’t have to choose a conversation that went well. Maybe, for example, you had a discussion with friends about politics that went sideways--either due to your own input, another’s, or a combination of the two. The importance will lie in your ability to pinpoint valuable insights from this experience and be honest about what happened.
“Difficult” is also a relative term. Choose a conversation that felt personally difficult to you, for whatever reason. You’ll also want to highlight why this was difficult for you in your response, although you don’t need to spend a lot of time doing so.
If you’re having trouble coming up with something, call up a friend and discuss a difficult topic! Observe what happens. Take notes. Pay attention to insights.
In your response, you’ll want to spend less time discussing the conversation and more time discussing how you responded, what insights you acquired, and how you’ll use these lessons in the future. 250 words may sound like a lot, but they go by fairly quickly.
In fact, your essay should be dense with what we call “I” statements: sentences that convey your specific opinions, beliefs, emotions, and observations. Here are some example “I” statements similar to what you might want to have in this prompt’s response:
- I learned from this experience just how quickly people are apt to leap to hasty conclusions, but not for reasons that seem obvious.
- I am still learning what it means to listen, especially when listening to someone’s thoughts that differ from mine.
- I now strive to incorporate my awareness of fear--and how much it can influence our thinking--in all of my interpersonal interactions.
As always, be concise and use declarative sentences in your response. The ideas are what matter here, so give them room to shine.
Essay Prompt #3: Your Voice
Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals. (250 words)
Princeton's motto is all about serving humanity: “In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity."
This prompt means that college admissions officers are looking for applicants who can reflect similar commitments to public service and civic engagement. Even if you don’t have a long history of volunteering, now is the time to discuss your ability to engage with these ideals, now and in the future (‘will intersect”).
The prompt also includes the phrase “your story.” We see this phrase often in supplemental essay prompts. It’s often used as a catchphrase for your specific set of life experiences that make you you. So keep this in mind as you brainstorm material for your response.
Ask the following questions as you brainstorm:
- What acts of service have I completed recently?
- What does service mean to me?
- How have I been involved in my various communities as a citizen?
- How do I want to be involved in my community in the future from a service standpoint?
- What is service going to mean to me in the future? Does it have anything to do with my professional aspirations?
- What does it mean to me to have a civic duty?
Keep in mind that “service” doesn’t just mean community service. It can involve anything that has to do with helping others on any scale. You don’t have to have started a non-profit organization to answer this question sufficiently!
Remember that the most important part of your response will be active reflection. Give ample room, for example, to “I” statements like the following:
- I wish to be a teacher because of education’s capacity to cultivate values.
- My experience teaching Spanish to local inmates has taught me how significant language is on any scale.
- While I have had limited opportunities to engage in community service in high school, I look forward to grounding all of my scholarly pursuits in civic engagement, especially when it comes to fundamental human rights.
Students who wish to discuss a specific experience with service may wish to start with an anecdote, as in the following example.
That Thanksgiving, I assumed I would be taking part in the usual lineup of holiday festivities: baking all day, watching football, and socializing with relatives. But when my father suggested we volunteer at the local soup kitchen, things took a different turn.
Regardless, this essay should give readers a clear understanding of how an applicant has engaged with service (or will be engaged with service). Keep in mind that this essay prompt is under the heading of "Your Voice," so make sure you are writing from a place of honesty, even if you have yet to develop a relationship to civic engagement or public service.
Essay Prompt #4: More About You
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college? (50 words)
Prompts #2 and #3 are ones that encourage deep reflection on specific values. With the next three prompts, Princeton is urging applicants to simply flaunt their authentic selves. Hence the injunction to “be yourself” here.
Keep this in mind as you approach each of the three final prompts.
You also don't have much room at all--a 50-word limit will go by very quickly. Aim to be direct, concise, and as specific as you can with all three of these prompts.
With Prompt #4, we recommend thinking about your current skillset first, then identifying what you feel is missing or what you really wish you had. “Skill” is a broad term, so build a list that includes the following:
- Academic or research skills
- Interpersonal or social skills
- Professional skills
- Artistic skills
- Leadership skills
- Any other proficiency or talent that you might have
You don’t have to discuss a large-scale skill, like “diplomacy” (although you sure can). Nor do you have to discuss an academic skill, as academics are only part of the college experience (although you sure can).
Choose a skill that showcases a specific side of who you are, and then think about why you wish to acquire this skill in college. You will likely only have room to discuss the “what” and the “why,” given the 50-word limit.
Here is an example:
I have always relished independent research, but I recognize the value of working with others on scholarly projects. I thus look forward to learning how to truly collaborate with my peers inside and outside of the classroom and to value diverse, contributing voices.
Essay Prompt #5: More About You
What brings you joy? (50 words)
It is easy for students to overthink this question. Yet we recommend approaching this question quite literally.
What makes you happy, every time? Build a list of things that make you smile or flood you with that feeling of exhilaration.
This list should include things that feel both "big" and "large." It can span anything--activities, experiences, sights, sounds, a specific person--as long as it is authentic.
Here’s an example list:
- Watching my favorite sports team win a championship
- Making someone else happy
- Cooking a difficult recipe
- Random dance parties
- Setting goals
- Spending time with my grandmother
- Minimalism
- Jane Austen
- Rollerblading
Ultimately, choose the item that showcases a distinct and new part of who you are in relation to your responses to the other essay prompts. It's also important to think about why this item brings you joy, as you will have room to mention this reasoning (but not much more than that).
Here is an example:
Every time I open my “Slow Fires” Cookbook--a compilation of exquisite Michelin-star recipes--my pulse quickens. Each recipe I create, which often requires an entire challenging day of chopping, stirring, and monitoring, brings me joy for what it teaches me about the power of flavor and perseverance in the kitchen.
Essay Prompt #6: More About You
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment? (50 words)
Once again, try not to overthink this question.
We recommend starting by identifying some of your favorite songs. Do any of these feel particularly meaningful to you at this given moment? If so, why?
It can also be helpful to think about common themes in your life at this moment in time and match them to specific songs. Choose a theme that represents a side of you you have not necessarily discussed at length in your application.
Here’s a sample list of such “themes:”
- Self-awareness
- Personal challenge
- Hope
- Community
- Dedication
- Achievement
Once you’ve chosen a song, identify the “why” behind it and any other relevant context. You will likely only have room to identify the song, its “why,” and very brief context.
Here’s an example:
“Where is the Love” by the Black-Eyed Peas reflects my desire to let compassion guide all of my decisions and actions and commitment to a career in public service. It also never fails to make me dance.
Download Our Supplemental Essay Spreadsheet
Princeton's supplemental essays may not be the only ones on your list. If you're applying to several top-tier colleges, we've got a great resource for you.
We've compiled the supplemental essay prompts for the most selective 50 U.S. colleges and universities in one FREE easy-to-access spreadsheet!
Here's what you'll get:
- The supplemental essay prompt(s) for the most selective 50 U.S. colleges / universities
- Word limits for each prompt
- Application deadlines for each (early and regular)
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
10 ACT Math Strategies from the Experts
10 ACT Math Strategies from the Experts
Bonus Material: PrepMaven's ACT Guidebook
ACT Math is the second section of the ACT. It contains 60 questions to be answered in 60 minutes.
That's quite a tight time limit! Plus, ACT Math tests a lot of content most test-takers haven't studied since freshman or sophomore year of high school.
What can you do to improve your ACT Math score?
Besides having a firm grasp of the math topics tested on this section, it's important to have some solid strategies in place.
It’s extremely important to establish a strategic approach for all sections of the ACT, precisely because it is a standardized (and thus predictable) test.
In this post, you'll find our very best ACT Math strategies to help you get closer to your target score.
We also give you access to our ACT Guidebook, a fantastic (FREE) resource for students navigating the test for the first time. Grab it below!
Bonus Material: PrepMaven's ACT Guidebook
- Details about ACT scoring, content, testing options, and more
- An introduction to PrepMaven’s ACT strategies
- Information about ACT prep resources
- Application essentials for the top U.S. colleges
Click here to download a copy of our digital guide!
Here's what we cover:
- The ACT Math Section in a Nutshell
- 10 ACT Math Strategies from the Experts
- Bonus: PrepMaven's ACT Guidebook
1) ACT Math in a Nutshell
ACT Math tests the math subjects most students will have learned through their senior year in high school. That includes pre-algebra, Algebra 1 and 2, geometry, trigonometry, and advanced math.
Here's what you need to know:
- ACT Math is the section section of the ACT
- It's scored on a scale of 1-36, like every other ACT section
- There are 60 questions on ACT Math, to be completed in 60 minutes
- Questions are arranged (generally) in order of increasing difficulty (so questions 1-20 are lowest difficulty, for example)
- You are allowed to use a calculator
- This section does not give you any reference information (i.e., math formulas)
- The math topics tested include geometry, trigonometry, pre-algebra, algebra 1 and 2, and some advanced math
- ACT Math favors word problems and "reasoning," which basically means that it tests familiar content in unfamiliar ways
Let's look at the strategies you can use on ACT Math to succeed!
For an even deeper dive into ACT Math, including all the math that you need to know, check out our post Everything You Need to Know About ACT Math.
2) 10 ACT Math Strategies from the Experts
Strategy #1: Prioritize easier questions.
On each section of the ACT, every question is worth the same number of points. This means that an "easy" question is worth just as much as a "hard" question.
This can be counterintuitive, because many students are used to hard math questions being worth more on exams! They race through the easy questions on standard high school tests so they can spend most of their time on the more difficult problems.
However, this approach will not serve you on ACT Math.
Prioritize easier questions first and make sure you feel 100% confident on those before proceeding to difficult questions. This typically means spending most of your time on questions 1-40 on ACT Math.
Don't race to get to questions 41-60, because those questions are high-difficulty -- in fact, the majority of test-takers won't get these questions correct, or even have time to get to them!
If you find yourself spending more than a minute working a problem, skip it and come back. Save any remaining time at the end of the test for double-checking your work on those early questions.
Strategy #2: Make the answers work for you.
Take a look at this sample ACT Math word problem:
Do you see how all of the answers are in number form? If all the answer choices are numbers, this is a good sign that you can make those answers work for you instead of diving into complicated algebra!
You can "plug in" the answers to the problem and see which one fits the stipulations of the question. This is a much easier and faster way of solving this word problem.
Remember: on ACT Math, it doesn't matter how you arrive at the right answer, because no one's grading you on your work. For that reason, choose the most efficient and easiest way of getting to that correct answer.
Strategy #3: Replace abstract values with concrete ones.
ACT Math loves to ask questions that contain variables or unknown values, like this question here:
It is always a lot harder to work with abstract values as opposed to concrete ones. So replace those abstract values with actual numbers!
In the example question above, that would mean replacing ‘negative real value of x’ with something like -4. Then, plug your chosen value of x into the answer choices to see which ones are true and which ones aren’t.
When picking numbers in this way, be sure to choose ones that are relatively small and easy to work with, but avoid using 1, -1, or 0.
Strategy #4: Cut through the fluff on word problems.
ACT Math contains a lot of word problems! These can be tricky to navigate, because they're often very wordy and do a great job of hiding the actual math involved -- and the question itself.
When approaching these word problems, try to separate the "fluff" -- stuff you don't need -- from the actual problem. Identify what the question is truly asking and focus on that.
This word problem is a great example of this. There are a lot of words here, but what is the question really asking?
If you realized that this is really asking what what’s the smallest number that’s divisible by 5, 6, and 7 — you’re right! (Then, once we have that number, we need to divide it by 7.) This really has nothing to do with relay races, grades, or groups of students.
The actual math involved in this word problem is pretty basic, but ACT Math loves to mask that in complicated wording.
Strategy #5: Build a solid foundation of content knowledge.
ACT Math and ACT English are the two sections of the test that rely most heavily on outside content knowledge. (Reading and Science are basically 100% strategy-based.)
For this reason, a solid foundation of content knowledge can only serve you on ACT Math!
Because a lot of this content covers algebra and geometry, topics many test-takers study earlier on in high school, it's important to review any topics you're rusty on.
You can pinpoint what you need to review by taking a practice ACT.
Keep in mind that the ACT does not include a reference page with relevant math formulas before the Math section. You'll have to go into the test with those memorized, so make sure to use flashcards or other study tools to lock those formulas in place!
You can find all of these ACT Math strategies and so much more in our ACT Guidebook, a free resource for students taking the test for the first time. Grab your copy below!
Strategy #6: Identify the concept the question is actually testing.
According to ACT, the organization that writes the test, there are three types of content areas tested on ACT Math:
- Preparing for Higher Math (~60% of all questions)
- Integrating Essential Skills (~40% of all questions)
- Modeling (~25% of all questions)
These categories may seem pretty broad, which is why we've broken these content areas into the following topics they test.
| Concept | Topics Tested |
| Geometry | Triangles Pythagorean Theorem Special Right Triangles (30-60-90 and 45-45-90) Area Trigonometry Rule of 180 (interior angles) Isosceles triangle properties Similar Triangles Equilateral triangle properties Right triangle properties Circles Area & Circumference Sectors, Interior Angles, and Arcs Tangent Lines Chords Radius and diameter 4-Sided Shapes Rectangle area and perimeter Diagonals Area of a trapezoid Area of a parallelogram Internal angles of a parallelogram Polygons Interior angle of a polygon formula Area of embedded shapes Ellipses |
| Statistics & Probability | Probability formula Percent change Patterns and sequences |
| Functions | Solving functions Graphing functions Composition of functions |
| Algebra 1 & 2 | Slope Slope intercept form Linear equations (solving, graphing) Parallel lines Perpendicular lines Midpoint formula Distance formula Exponential decay and growth Systems of equations Range and domain Matrices Unit circle Logarithms Imaginary numbers and complex numbers Combinations and permutations Polynomials Factorial Radicals Vectors |
| Number and Quantity | Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing fractions Number properties Absolute value Scientific notation |
| Pre-Algebra | Mean, Median, Mode Volume of 3-D shapes (cones, prisms, spheres, etc.) Surface area of 3-D shapes (cones, prisms, spheres, etc.) Area of shapes (triangles, rectangles, circles, etc.) Perimeter of shapes (rectangles, triangles, etc.) Solving equations and expressions Ratios Inequalities Types of numbers (rational, real, integers, etc.) Percentages Decimals |
| Modeling | Linear equations Exponential equations Analyzing graphs, charts, figures, and other data |
Familiarizing yourself with these concepts is a vital part of learning the "language" of ACT Math. It can also help you cut through the fluff on word problems, one of the ACT Math strategies we've already discussed, and focus on the actual math involved.
Let’s try this ACT Math strategy out on this sample question. What is the concept hiding behind the question here?
At its heart, this question is testing the depth of our understanding of operations with exponents!
Of course, this question also requires a little bit of critical thinking and reasoning in order to make the rules of exponent operations work in this context — that’s what makes it a medium-difficulty ACT Math question.
Strategy #7: Embrace a guessing strategy.
While you might not have time to attempt every ACT Math question, never leave a question blank. There are no penalties for wrong answers on the ACT, so make sure to bubble in an answer for every question, even if it’s a total guess!
That being said, try to use process of elimination as much as possible to weed out unlikely answers and increase the probability of guessing correctly. Every answer choice ruled out significantly increases your odds of getting a correct answer.
In the event that no answer choices can be ruled out, choose a “Letter of the Day” (i.e. A, B, C, or D) and use that same letter for every guess.
You can find all of these ACT Math strategies and so much more in our ACT Guidebook, a free resource for students taking the test for the first time. Grab your copy below!
Strategy #8: Be suspicious of figures.
In the ACT Math instructions at the start of the test, the first point specifically notes that "Illustrative figures are NOT necessarily drawn to scale" -- what does this mean?
Any time you see a figure associated with a problem, be careful about making any assumptions. Don't assume an angle is 60 degrees, for example, just because it looks like it is!
Derive values from a figure based on values that are already clearly marked, and when in doubt, draw your own figure to work from.
Strategy #9: Be calculator savvy.
It's important to understand the how-and-when of using calculators on ACT Math. (Find ACT's policy on calculator use here.)
While many students rely on a calculator for computation, it’s not always the quickest way to solve a problem (especially on the ACT!). Practice problems with and without a calculator in advance of the test to understand which is fastest for you.
However, a calculator can be very handy for eliminating careless errors, especially on low-difficulty questions or those that involve negative numbers, fractions, and/or decimals.
Strategy #10: Show your work.
You might be tempted to answer a low-difficulty Math question in your head. But be careful -- this can lead to careless errors.
In fact, it's not uncommon to see high-achieving test-takers make most of their mistakes earlier on in the section, because of either moving too quickly or not showing work.
You won't get credit for showing your work as you often do in high school math class. But writing out the steps in a problem you're completing can be vital for maintaining accuracy, double-checking your work at the end of the test, and pinpointing the concepts tested.
3) Download PrepMaven's ACT Guidebook
With these ACT Math strategies, you'll be well on your way to boosting confidence, accuracy, and time management on this section!
Find these strategies and so much more in our free ACT guidebook, which contains valuable guidance from the experts for navigating this test.
Bonus Material: PrepMaven's ACT Guidebook
- Details about ACT scoring, content, testing options, and more
- An introduction to PrepMaven’s ACT strategies
- Information about ACT prep resources
- Application essentials for the top U.S. colleges
Click here to download a copy of our digital guide!
What is the College Essay? Your Complete Guide for 2023
What is the College Essay? Your Complete Guide for 2023
Bonus Material: 30 College Essays That Worked
The college essay is one of the most important parts of your college application.
As important as it is, however, it’s very different from the essays you’re used to writing in high school.
From word count to genre, the college essay is in a category entirely of its own--and one that can be unfamiliar for most students applying to college.
So, what is the college essay? What role does it play in college admissions?
And, most importantly, how do you get started writing an amazing essay?
We answer all of these questions in this complete college essay guide.
Plus, we give readers access to 30 college essays that earned applicants acceptance into the nation’s top colleges. They're free and you can grab them below right now!
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
- What is the College Essay?
- Our Expert Definition
- A College Essay That Worked
- The Essay’s Role in College Admissions
- The 7 Common Challenges in Writing the College Essay
- How To Get Started Writing an Amazing Essay -- 6 Tips
- Bonus: 30 College Essays That Worked
What is the College Essay?
Most students will use the Common App to apply to U.S. colleges and universities. A smaller number of colleges require students to submit applications through Coalition.
Regardless, both platforms require students to submit a personal statement or essay response as part of their application. Students choose to respond to one of the following prompts in 650 words or fewer.
College Essay Prompts 2022-2023
| The Common App | Coalition |
| Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. | Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. |
| The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? | What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future? |
| Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? | Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards? |
| Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? | Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn? |
| Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. | What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience? |
| Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? | Submit an essay on the topic of your choice. |
| Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. |
What do these questions all have in common? They all require answers that are introspective, reflective, and personal.
Take a look at some of these buzzwords from these prompts to see what we mean:
- Story
- Growth
- Understanding
- Learning
- Motivation
- Challenge
- Belief / Idea
- Contribution
- Identity
- Experience
These are big words attached to big, personal concepts. That’s the point!
But because that’s the case, that means the college essay is not an academic essay. It’s not something you write in five paragraphs for English class. Nor is it a formal statement, an outline of a resume, or a list of accomplishments.
It’s something else entirely.
Our Definition of the College Essay
How do we define the college essay? We’ll keep it short and sweet.
The college essay is a personal essay that tells an engaging story in 650 words or fewer. It is comparable to memoir or creative nonfiction writing, which relate the author’s personal experiences.
The college essay is fundamentally personal and creative. It is rich with introspection, reflection, and statements of self-awareness. It can have elements of academic writing in it, such as logical organization, thesis statements, and transition words. But it is not an academic essay that fits comfortably into five paragraphs.
Your task with the college essay is to become a storyteller--and, in the process, provide admissions officers with a valuable glimpse into your world, perspective, and/or experiences.
Example of a College Essay That Worked
Take a look at this essay that earned its writer acceptance into Princeton. We won’t take a super deep dive into the components that make it great.
But we do want to point out a handful of things that align with our definition of the college essay. This essay:
- Tells an engaging story
- Clearly conveys the author’s voice
- Is rich with introspection and reflection
- Provides insight into the author’s character, values, and perspective
- Is not an academic essay or list of accomplishments
- Is deeply personal
It also exemplifies the 7 qualities of a successful college essay.
Here’s the full essay:
“So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.” -Franz Kafka
Kafka, I’m afraid, has drastically overestimated the power of food. And though it pains me to undermine a statement by arguably the greatest writer of the 20th century, I recognize it as a solemn duty. Perhaps Kafka has never sat, tongue wild in an effort to scrape residual peanut butter off his molars, and contemplated the almost ridiculous but nevertheless significant role of peanut butter in crafting his identity. Oh, did I just describe myself by accident? Without further ado, the questions (and lack of answers, I point out) that I contemplate with peanut butter in my mouth.
When I was three and a half years old, my tongue was not yet versed in the complex palate of my peers, consisting mainly of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (It did not help my transition into pre-school that I did not speak English, but Russian and that my name, which had been hurriedly switched from Alya to Alex, was unpronounceable to me.) But it is most worth noting that I refused lunch for months, waited at the windowsill with tear-stained cheeks every day unless my mom left law school midday to bring my own comfort food: borscht, katlety, kampot.
I slowly assimilated into American culture, like most immigrant kids. I began to eat the peanut butter sandwiches at pre-school in the presence of my mom, and then did not need her altogether. She must have been elated that I was comfortable, that she could stay at school all day without worrying. She must have been destroyed when I waved her away the first time and told her I did not need her to come anymore.
I realized much later that the Russian food my mother brought me in pre-school made me comfortable enough to learn the language of the children there, to share their lunches, to make friends. Ironically, my Russian culture enabled the rise and dominance of American culture. When my parents wanted to visit their birthplace, my birthplace, Odessa, Ukraine, I rolled my eyes and proclaimed Disney Land, Florida. I rolled my eyes when I spoke too fast for my parents to understand. I rolled my eyes when I checked my mom’s grammar and when she argued with customer service in her thick Russian accent.
Peanut butter, and foods like it, represented not only my entrance into American culture, but the swift rejection of anything Russian that followed. Chicken noodle soup replaced borscht, meatballs replaced katlety, Sunny D triumphed over kampot. I became embarrassed by the snacks packed in my brown paper bag, begged for Cheetos, lime Jell-O cups, and that creamy spread between two damp pieces of Wonder Bread. My American identity tried to eclipse the Russian one altogether.
I realized later still that the identity battle I fought must have been more difficult to watch for my parents than it could have ever been for me to experience. They let me figure myself out, even though it meant I spent years rolling my eyes at them. Though I do not claim to have discovered a perfect balance of Russian and American, I would venture that a healthy start is eating peanut butter for lunch and katlety at dinner.
So, Kafka, I hope that next time a memorable quote comes to mind, you think before you speak. Because when peanut butter cleaves to the roof of my mouth, I think about what it means “to cleave:” both to adhere closely to and to divide, as if by a cutting blow, especially along a natural weakness. And I think about my dual identity, how the Russian side and American side simultaneously force each other apart and bring each other together. I think about my past, feeling a little ashamed, and about my present and future, asking how I can create harmony between these two sides of me. That, Kafka, does not sound like solved questions to me.
Want to read more essays that worked? Download our 30 college essays that earned their writers Ivy League acceptance for free below.
The College Essay’s Role in Admissions
In our post about what college admissions officers are looking for, we outline the Golden Rule of Admissions.
We also define “a student of exceptional potential.” In general, competitive applicants to top U.S. colleges and universities exemplify three pillars:
- Character and personal values
- Extracurricular distinction
- Academic achievement
Admissions officers have a lot at their disposal when it comes to assessing extracurricular distinction and academic achievement. They’ve got transcripts, test scores, resumes, and letters of recommendation.
But how do they assess character and personal values?
A recent survey of admissions officers revealed some interesting answers to this question.
Source: National Association for College Admissions Counseling
Notice how an overwhelming 87% of officers surveyed reported that they infer character and personal qualities of an applicant from the content of the college essay!
The Common Data Set for individual colleges further supports this notion that officers infer character and values through the college essay, teacher recommendations, and other application components. The CDS for Cornell, for example, reveals that the application essay and character/personal qualities are "very important" in admission decisions.
What’s more, the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly altered the college application landscape by introducing some serious inequity in the realm of extracurricular activities, academics, and general access.
Many admissions officers have stressed their focus on character and personal values (more qualitative components) in recent admissions cycles as a result.
Schools are hungry for as much material as possible that they can use to assess students’ character and values! This is one of the reasons why many top colleges require applicants to answer supplemental essay questions -- ones in addition to the college essay. These essays can range from 50-650 words, and many colleges have more than one.
For example, Princeton requires applicants to respond to six supplemental essay questions. Here's one of them from the 2022-2023 admissions cycle:
At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future?
So how important is the college essay in the application process?
Extremely!
Princeton's former Dean of Admissions summed it up nicely with this quote about the college essay in a conversation with the New York Times:
Your ability to write well is critical to our decision because your writing reflects your thinking. No matter what question is asked on a college application, admission officers are looking to see how well you convey your ideas and express yourself in writing. It is our window to your world.
The 7 Common Challenges in Writing the College Essay
Now that you know what the college essay is and how it influences college admissions, let's discuss the challenges in writing it. This list isn't comprehensive, but it does compile some of the most common challenges most students face when preparing to write their personal statement.
Challenge #1: The Pressure
The college essay is integral to the college admissions process. It's only likely to carry more weight in coming admission cycles in the wake of COVID-19.
There is immense pressure on students to write essays that will make them competitive in admissions! This essay can also very much feel like uncharted territory for students given their lack of experience in the world of personal writing. This pressure can become a veritable roadblock in writing the college essay.
Challenge #2: What's Introspection?
Successful college essays are deeply personal and full of introspection. We define introspection as reflection on what's important in your life -- values, beliefs, opinions, experiences, etc. It also can have a lot to do with what makes you you.
To some students, introspection might come naturally. To others, it might not! This is understandable. The high school classroom doesn't necessarily give space for students to reflect on what they've learned from certain experiences or what they believe are their core values. However, this is exactly what admissions officers are looking for in essays!
Challenge #3: You Just Don't Write Personal Essays in School
Most English classes spend a lot of time on the academic essay. But most don't include many units on writing personal essays or creative nonfiction--if any!
Many students writing the college essay thus face an entirely unfamiliar genre that comes with its own word limit, structure, and style of writing.
Challenge #4: The Word Limit
Both the Common App and Coalition require students to limit their essays to 650 words. That's a little over a page of writing, single-spaced.
This means that students have to be incredibly concise in crafting their responses. This can be a tall order given what the college essay often includes: big ideas, big themes, and big reflection!
Challenge #5: Choosing a Topic
Given the college essay's requirements, it can be tough to choose the "right" topic. Should you discuss an extracurricular activity? Personal experience? An important mentorship figure?
Some students have a wide variety of experiences and personal stories to choose from. Others might feel that they have a limited number.
Challenge #6: Choosing a Structure
Let's say that you've chosen your college essay topic. Now how do you fit it into a concise structure that gives ample air space to what college admissions officers are looking for?
Choosing a structure can be critical for telling your specific story in a compelling fashion. But once again, this is unfamiliar terrain for most students who haven't really written a personal essay before.
And when we say that structure really is critical for college essay writing, we mean it--we've written an entire post on college essay structure.
Challenge #7: Getting Started
Last but not least, it can be incredibly difficult simply to start the college essay writing process. From choosing a topic to writing that first draft, there's a lot to navigate. Many students also have a lot going on in general when they get around to writing their essays, including AP exams, summer programs, and the chaos of senior fall schedules.
If this sounds like where you're at in the college essay writing journey, keep reading. We've got 6 tips coming up to help you take those first steps.
How To Write an Amazing College Essay - 6 Tips
You’ve learned what a college essay is and the weight it carries in college admissions. You’ve also heard a bit about what makes this essay challenging. Now what?
It’s time to get started writing your very own.
The following tips are designed to help you begin the journey towards an amazing college essay, regardless of your story, college aspirations, or timeline. Let’s dive in.
Tip #1: Give Yourself Time & Get Organized
Good college essays take time, and we mean time. We recommend that students establish a generous timeline for writing their personal statements. Ideally, students should start thinking about their essays seriously in the spring of their junior year or summer immediately following.
It's also important to get organized. Create separate documents for brainstorming and free-writes, for example, and clearly mark your drafts based on where you're at in the writing process.
We also recommend researching supplemental essay prompts for the colleges on your list and keeping track of these--including deadlines and word limits--in a spreadsheet. This is especially important for students applying early.
Tip #2: Practice Introspection
You can start flexing your introspective muscles before writing your essay! Practice journaling, for example, or responding to daily reflective prompts like the following:
- What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
- What is one of your core beliefs? Why is it core?
- What is your best quality?
- What matters to you? Why?
- What challenges you? Why?
The New York Times has even released 1,000 free writing prompts for students that range from identity and family to social life and technology.
With introspection, focus on using "I" as much as possible. This can feel awkward, especially as most English teachers encourage students to avoid using "I" in academic essays. But it's the key to deep reflection.
You can also check out our post on College Essay Brainstorming or download 30 FREE college essay brainstorming questions right here.
Tip #3: Familiarize Yourself with Personal Writing & Storytelling
Immerse yourself in examples of powerful personal writing and storytelling. A great place to start is by downloading our 30 examples of college essays that earned students Ivy League acceptance or checking out our 11 College Essays That Worked post.
Otherwise, check out memoirs or creative essay collections.
The Moth, a storytelling radio project, is another great resource for students looking to learn more about how people tell personal stories in an engaging fashion. Plus, it's just plain fun to listen to!
Tip #4: Know What Makes for An Amazing Essay
What qualities do most successful college essays have?
We've done the research. A successful college essay is often:
- Introspective and reflective
- Full of a student's voice
- Descriptive and engaging
- Honest
- Unconventional and distinct
- Well-written
- Meaningful
We take a deeper dive into these 7 qualities of a successful college essay in a separate post.
Tip #5: Review Supplemental Essay Questions
Don't forget about supplemental essay questions! It's easy to overlook these or assume that they are less important than the college essay.
But remember--many colleges require supplemental essays as a means of gaining more information about competitive applicants. The Common App and Coalition also now have optional COVID-19 essay questions (learn our tips for answering these COVID-related questions here).
Don't save your supplemental essays for the last minute! Review questions well in advance through the Common App or Coalition platform so that you are aware of the other responses you'll have to write.
We've actually compiled the supplemental essay questions for the top 50 U.S. colleges and universities right here.
You can also check out our 8 tips for writing amazing supplemental essay responses.
Tip #6: Work with a Mentor
Yes, it is possible to write your college essay, personal as it is, under the right one-on-one guidance. Mentors can help you with all stages of the college essay writing process, from topic brainstorms to final draft polishing.
They can also help create an actionable timeline for tackling both the college essay and all of those supplements, and hold students accountable!
You can sign up to work with one of PrepMaven's master essay consultants if you'd like. Or check out our summer College Essay Workshops.
Download 30 College Essays That Worked
One of the best ways to start the college essay writing process is to look at examples of successful essays. But these examples can be hard to find, and few and far between.
That's why we compiled 30 college essays that earned their writers acceptance into Ivy League schools. You can download these examples for FREE below.
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
7 Qualities of a Successful College Essay
7 Qualities of a Successful College Essay
Bonus Material: 30 College Essays That Worked
The college essay is one of the most important aspects of a student's application.
It gives applicants an opportunity to articulate their personal values, character traits, and perspectives. It's also a chance to add more value to your application, simply by demonstrating who you are outside of your resume and transcript.
A "successful" college essay is one that makes the most of these opportunities and, in many cases, earns an acceptance.
We've demystified what most admissions officers look for in college applications. But what are these officers looking for in the college essay itself? What are the top qualities of a successful application essay?
In analyzing various essays of admitted applicants, we've come up with a list of the characteristics that most of these pieces have in common. We'll be referring to some of these pieces throughout the post.
Plus, we give you access to 30 college essays that earned their writers acceptance into Ivy League schools. Grab these below.
Here's what we cover:
- What is The College Application Essay (in a nutshell)?
- 7 Qualities of a Successful Essay
- Bonus: 30 College Essays That Worked
The College Application Essay In a Nutshell
Most students applying to a college or university in the U.S. must submit an application essay (or "personal statement") with their application.
Depending on the application platform the college uses (typically either Coalition or the Common App), students have 500-650 words to craft a response. While each of these platforms has college essay prompts, it's helpful to view these prompts as general guidelines as to what colleges are looking for in a response.
Based on these prompts and our own experience coaching college essay students, the application essay is:
- the chance to say what the rest of your application doesn't say
- a demonstration of your character, values, and/or voice
- the platform to show who you are outside of a resume/transcript
- an introspective personal essay
The college essay is NOT:
- a rehashing of your resume
- an excuse or explanation of other components of your application
- a formal, five-paragraph essay
- what you think "colleges want to hear"
A standard college application includes an academic transcript, recommendation letters, extracurricular / activities section, an optional resume, and standardized test scores. The essay is an addition to these 4 general components, so it makes sense that it should complement them by saying something new.
That's why we like to define the essay as a "demonstration of character, values, and/or voice." True, these elements can be inferred from other components of the application. But the essay is your opportunity to clearly and personally demonstrate what matters to you, who you are at the core, and/or your essential perspectives of the world.
For this reason, the college essay is introspective and personal. Colleges want to hear that "I" voice in the application essay, loud and clear, and they want active, intelligent reflection.
You can see this in action in the 30 college essays that worked, which you can download below.
(Note: Some colleges might require applicants to submit supplemental essays in addition to their personal statement. These often have very specific prompts and different word lengths. Here are 8 great tips for approaching supplemental essays.)
7 Qualities of a Successful College Essay
We've assessed several college essays of applicants admitted to a wide range of schools, including Ivy League institutions. While extremely diverse, these pieces generally had the following characteristics in common.
1. Introspective and reflective
Many English teachers tell their students not to use the first-person "I" in their essays. While this might be the standard for some academic essays, the college essay should include that "I." What's more, it should include a lot of that "I"!
This can be understandably uncomfortable for students, many of whom may simply not be used to talking about themselves openly and declaratively on a page. It can also feel awkward from a stylistic point of view for students who are not used to writing in the first-person.
Yet colleges want to hear your words in your own voice, and they are especially interested in learning more about your perspectives on the world and insights gleaned from your various life experiences. That's why many successful college essays are highly introspective, full of the writer's active reflections on what they've learned, how they view the world, and who they are.
We typically see the bulk of such introspection at the end of an essay, where the writer summarizes these reflections (although this is by no means standard), as we can see in the conclusion to Erica's essay here, which describes her earlier attempt to write and publish a novel:
Sometimes, when I’m feeling insecure about my ability as a novelist I open up my first draft again, turn to a random chapter, and read it aloud. Publishing that first draft would have been a horrible embarrassment that would have haunted me for the rest of my life. Over the past half-decade, I’ve been able to explore my own literary voice, and develop a truly original work that I will be proud to display. This experience taught me that “following your dreams” requires more than just wishing upon a star. It takes sacrifice, persistence, and grueling work to turn fantasy into reality.
In her personal statement, Aja reflects deeply on what she specifically learned from an experience described earlier on in the piece:
I found from my experiment and questioning within my mind that my practices distinguished me from others, thereby allowing me to form relationships on the basis of common interest or personality, rather than cultural similarities, that summer. I valued the relationships more, and formed a deep connection with my lab partner, whom I had found was similar to me in many ways.
Notice how both of these selections contain a lot of that first-person voice, which is critical to elaborating perspectives, learning points, and introspective thoughts. And did we mention that admissions officers are looking for those specific perspectives, learning points, and thoughts that compose who you are?
2. Full of a student's voice
An academic transcript can be revealing to admissions officers. The same goes for recommendation letters and resumes. But it's hard to convey an individual voice in these application components. The college essay is your prime vehicle for speaking directly to colleges in your own words about what matters to you.
Successful college essays thus veer away from the formal voice many students employ when writing academic essays. Rather, they showcase a student's unique way of expressing themselves on a page, which can be, for example, humorous, informal, intimate, lyrical, and/or speculative.
Voice is at the forefront of Emma's essay about her love for "all that is spicy:"
I am an aspiring hot sauce sommelier. Ever since I was a child, I have been in search for all that is spicy. I began by dabbling in peppers of the jarred variety. Pepperoncini, giardiniera, sports peppers, and jalapeños became not only toppings, but appetizers, complete entrées, and desserts. As my palate matured, I delved into a more aggressive assortment of spicy fare. I’m not referring to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the crunchy snack devoured by dilettantes. No, it was bottles of infernal magma that came next in my tasting curriculum.
Notice how Emma's descriptions of her passion for spice are rich with her voice: playful, intelligent, and humorous. This also gives us insight into a specific aspect of her character--that's the power of voice when it comes to personal essay writing, and college admissions officers are very interested in applicants' characters.
3. Descriptive and engaging
You don't have to be a natural creative writer to compose a successful college essay. Yet competitive essays aren't afraid to dive deeply into a subject and describe it, whether that description relates to imagery, emotions, perspectives, or insights. A college essay shouldn't leave the reader guessing in any way--it should be highly specific and it should tell your story in an engaging fashion.
Harry's more intellectual essay presents his views on common values in society. He is careful to be very specific and descriptive in these views, incorporating both a relevant incident from history and his own direct relationship to the issue:
Admittedly, the problem of social integration is one I feel can be widely overstated – for example, when I was looking into some research for a similar topic a couple of years ago, I found numerous surveys indicating that ethnic minorities (especially Islam) identify much more closely with Britain than do the population at large. Still though, I, like many others, find myself constantly troubled by the prospect of the war from within that seems to be developing. This fear is fuelled by events such as the brutal killing of the soldier Lee Rigby at the hands of two British Muslims a couple of years ago.
In her essay, Amanda is extremely detailed in describing her experience as a caretaker for a difficult child. The result is a clear portrait of the challenge itself and Amanda's relationship to this challenge, told from the perspective of an engaging storyteller:
Then I met Robyn, and I realized how wrong I was. Prone to anger, aggressive, sometimes violent (I have the scar to prove it). Every Sunday with Robyn was a challenge. Yoga, dancing, cooking, art, tennis – none of these activities held her interest for long before she would inevitably throw a tantrum or stalk over to a corner to sulk or fight with the other children. She alternated between wrapping her arms around my neck, declaring to anyone who passed by that she loved me, and clawing at my arms, screaming at me to leave her alone.
4. Honest
The successful college essays we see always emerge from a place of honesty. Writing with honesty also is more likely to accurately convey a student's unique voice, inspire reflection and introspection, and result in a descriptive, meaningful piece (all of the qualities listed in this post!).
Sometimes this means adopting a candid or direct voice on the page. James starts his essay frankly in this singular statement:
Simply put, my place of inner peace is the seat of that 50 foot sliver of carbon and kevlar called a rowing shell, cutting through the water in the middle of a race.
Or it might mean describing a challenge, vulnerability, or perspective truthfully, as Martin does in his essay about the experiences that have molded his character over the years:
Looking back, I have never been the “masculine boy” as society says my role to be. I have always thought I do not fit the social definition of a male as one who is “manly” and “sporty” and this alienating feeling of being different still persists today at times. However, I also have become more comfortable with myself, and I see my growth firsthand throughout high school.
Given that many universities value "truth" in their own mission statements and mottos, admissions officers will prioritize those essays that ring with a student's honest voice.
5. Unconventional & distinct
This is by no means a requirement of a successful college essay. But many of the essays that earn students acceptance at their dream schools veer away from the predictable or expected, as we saw in Emma's essay above ("I am an aspiring hot sauce sommelier"). They are, in a nutshell, 100% unique.
We've seen some essays, for example, that follow more radical structures, such as list formats or experimental narratives. Others focus on unexpected subjects, like Shanaz's piece on the relevance of Game of Thrones in her life and trajectory of learning.
And, time and again, successful college essays step away from what admissions officers already see in applications--academics, standardized tests, extracurricular activities, and classes. They may focus on something very specific (hot sauce or Game of Thrones), seemingly ordinary (eating a kosher meal in public or working on a problem set), or personally interesting (a historic murder or wrestling game).
Regardless, the essays that "work" emphasize the unexpected, as opposed to the expected. Distinct essays will also feel as if they could not have been written by anyone else.
6. Well-written
This might also sound like an obvious quality of a successful essay, but it's still worth mentioning. The most competitive application essays showcase strong writing skills, providing evidence of a student's ability to tell a specific story artfully and well.
Essays should also be error-free, grammatically precise, and stylistically on point. Successful pieces also might demonstrate versatility through varied sentence structure, word choice, and rhetorical or literary devices. Lastly, well-written essays typically adhere to a specific storytelling structure.
This excerpt from Justin's essay about his experience in the California Cadet Corps, for example, displays a high command of language, word choice, and sentence structure:
Through Survival, I learned many things about myself and the way I approach the world. I realized that I take for granted innumerable small privileges and conveniences and that I undervalue what I do have. Now that I had experienced true and sustained hunger, I felt regret for times when I threw away food and behaved with unconscious waste.
7. Meaningful
Above all, a successful college essay adds value to a student's holistic college application. It is full of meaning, in that it
- showcases a student's unique voice
- elucidates an applicant's particular perspective(s), character trait(s), and/or belief(s) and
- honestly conveys a significant component of who a student is
It might be difficult to compress the entirety of who you are into 650 words. Yet it is most certainly possible to craft 650 words that add significant meaning to an overall application in terms of a student's personal potential for the future. This is exactly what admissions officers are looking for.
Download 30 College Essays That Worked
What can you do to ensure that your college essay aligns with these successful qualities? You can check out examples of essays that do!
You can download 30 actual college essays that earned their writers acceptance into Ivy League schools, right now, for free.
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
SAT Test Dates 2021-2022: Deadlines and More
SAT Test Dates 2021-2022: Deadlines and More
Note: As of January 2021, the CollegeBoard has announced that it will no longer offer SAT Subject Tests.
When you take the SAT does matter, especially if you are a rising junior or senior.
In fact, identifying an official SAT testing date is the first step in crafting an effective SAT study plan.
This can also be vital in determining how many times you need to take the SAT. Most of our students take the SAT at least twice, which grants them the opportunity to SuperScore and maximize their sectional and composite scores.
Locating those testing dates on the College Board's website, however, isn't so intuitive. In this regularly updated post, we specify upcoming SAT test dates, registration deadlines, and more so that you can get a jumpstart on your prep.
In this post, we discuss:
- Standard SAT Testing Dates 2021-2022
- How to Register for the SAT in 2021
- When Should I Take the SAT?
- Next Steps
Standard SAT Test Dates 2021 - 2022
Standard SAT test dates refer to SATs administered on designated Saturdays throughout the academic year, at specific testing locations. Typically, the CollegeBoard administers 7 SATs each academic year (August - June). In 2020, there were some changes to this traditional testing schedule due to the pandemic.
Historically, students have been able to take SAT Subject Tests on standard SAT test dates. Yet as of January 2021, the CollegeBoard will be discontinuing its SAT Subject Tests.
Here are the standard SAT administrations and registration deadlines for 2021:
| SAT Test Date 2021 | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2021 | February 12, 2021 |
| May 8, 2021 | April 8, 2021 |
| June 5, 2021 | May 6, 2021 |
| August 28, 2021 - Anticipated | TBD |
| October 2, 2021 - Anticipated | TBD |
| November 6, 2021 - Anticipated | TBD |
| December 4, 2021 - Anticipated | TBD |
Note: While unlikely, test centers may face closure due to the ongoing pandemic, even in 2021. We recommend that students regularly check the status of their test center prior to their official exam.
The CollegeBoard has released anticipated SAT test dates for 2022. Here's what those look like:
| Anticipated SAT Test Date 2022 | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|
| March 12, 2022 | TBD |
| May 7, 2022 | TBD |
| June 4, 2022 | TBD |
| August 27, 2022 | TBD |
| October 1, 2022 | TBD |
| November 5, 2022 | TBD |
| December 3, 2022 | TBD |
Plenty of SAT test-takers sit for the exam at their schools. "SAT School Days," as they are called, are SAT administrations offered at high schools on weekdays.
Schools and districts get to decide if they want to administer an SAT School Day, so have a conversation with your school counselor to see if you'll be able to participate in one. You do not need to register for the SAT online to participate in an SAT School Day--students sign up with their counselors.
You will, however, have to set up a College Board account in order to eventually submit your scores to colleges.
Here are the SAT School Day Administration Dates for 2021:
| SAT School Day Administration Dates - 2021 |
|---|
| March 3, 2021 |
| March 24, 2021 |
| April 13, 2021 |
| April 27, 2021 |
How to Register for the SAT
If you are taking a standard SAT administration, you'll have to register either online or by submitting a mail-in registration form.
We recommend registering online, as this will give you the fastest access to scores and submission processes. However, some students may have to register by mail. Find more details about mail-in registration requirements here.
Here’s how you register for an SAT administration online:
- Choose your test date.
- Create a free College Board account and log in to this account.
- Provide your full legal name and other “identifying information.” This information should match your photo ID.
- You’ll be asked other questions related to your interests and prospective colleges. These are entirely optional, but may be worth answering if you’re interested in colleges and scholarship organizations finding you.
- Sign up for the SAT Essay if applicable. The CollegeBoard will be discontinuing the Essay after the June 2021 exam.
- Choose your test center location.
- Upload a photo of yourself that meets specific requirements (discussed below).
- Check out and print your Admission ticket!
Depending upon your circumstances, you might need to enter the following additional registration information:
- If you’re using a fee waiver, enter the identification number on your fee waiver card.
- If you’ve been approved by the College Board to test with accommodations, enter the SSD number on your eligibility letter.
- If you’re home-schooled, enter 970000 when asked for a high school code.
Photo Requirements
The College Board is very strict when it comes to the photo that you’ll have to upload for registration. If your photo doesn’t meet these requirements, you won’t be allowed to test.
Here is what the College Board says is acceptable for your photo, which can be recent or taken at the time of registration:
- You’re easy to recognize.
- You’re the only one in the picture.
- There’s a head-and-shoulders view, with the entire face, both eyes, and hair clearly visible; head coverings worn for religious purposes are allowed.
- You’re in focus.
- There are no dark spots or shadows.
- Black-and-white photos are acceptable.
You won’t be allowed to test if any of the following is the case with your photo:
- One or both of your eyes are not visible or blocked (for example, if you are wearing sunglasses).
- Photos include more than one person.
- Poor photo quality makes you unrecognizable.
- You are wearing a hat or head covering that is not worn for religious purposes.
- Your photo has been digitally altered or tampered with in any other way.
ID Requirements
ID documents that students bring to at testing center must meet all of these requirements:
- Be a valid (unexpired) photo ID that is government-issued or issued by the school that you currently attend. School IDs from the prior school year are valid through December of the current calendar year. (For example, school IDs from 2015-16 can be used through December 31, 2016.)
- Be an original, physical document (not photocopied or electronic).
- Bear your full, legal name exactly as it appears on your Admission Ticket, including the order of the names.
- Bear a recent recognizable photograph that clearly matches both your appearance on test day and the photo on your Admission Ticket.
- Be in good condition, with clearly legible English language text and a clearly visible photograph.
Test Fees
Students will have to pay to register for the SAT. For standard registration, here’s what that looks like:
- Standard SAT without Essay: $52
- Standard SAT with Essay (to be discontinued after June 2021): $68
Students will have to pay extra fees for the following (full list and specifics on the College Board’s website):
- Registering by phone
- Late registration
- Changes to registration
- Waitlist fees
- Score services
Fee waivers are available for many of these! Here’s what the College Board says about fee waivers:
SAT fee waivers are available to low-income 11th and 12th grade students in the U.S. or U.S. territories. U.S. citizens living outside the country may be able to have test fees waived.
You're eligible for fee waivers if you say "yes" to any of the following:
- You're enrolled in or eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- You're enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., Federal TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
- Your family receives public assistance.
- You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or are homeless.
- You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
When Should I Take the SAT?
Our students ask this question a lot, and for good reason. It can be unclear when to begin the college prep journey, especially when it comes to standardized tests.
Most students take the SAT for the first time in their junior year of high school. We further recommend that students sit for the exam for the first time in the fall or winter of their junior year, especially if they have completed Algebra 2 and Trigonometry by this date.
This also allows for second or third testing dates in the spring of junior year and/or fall of senior year, leaving plenty of breathing room for college applications.
Regardless, we encourage students to take the SAT following at least three months of intensive prep. We also recommend at least one more exam after this first official so students can be eligible for SAT SuperScore (and the highest score possible).
We've put together some SAT testing schedules to make it easy for students to determine the SAT test date that makes sense given their prep trajectory.
Next Steps
Now that you know the SAT test dates for 2021 and 2022, it's time to get ready for your next official SAT.
You can do this on your own, or you can get started by working with one of our expert tutors. In fact, one-on-one SAT prep can be the most effective way to get closer to your dream score in a short amount of time.
Learn more about SAT private tutoring here.
Kate
Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.