SAT & ACT Test Prep in Charlotte, NC

Colleges don't have a preference. All colleges that accept or require an admission test accept the SAT. While ACT transitions test formats, some colleges are updating their test policies, ranging from requiring the ACT Science section to not calculating an ACT superscore in the 2025-26 application cycle.

SAT scores are technically valid forever, but the College Board recommends scores be from the last five years, as it adds a disclaimer to older scores. Colleges often prefer recent scores, and many have their own policies, with some highly selective universities favoring scores from within the last one to two years. It is best to check the specific requirements of each college you apply to.

There is no age limit or educational restriction for taking the SAT. The College Board allows anyone to sit for the exam, and millions of adults and non-traditional students take it each year.

Yes, you can look up your SAT scores from 10 years ago by logging into your College Board account, which holds archived scores from tests taken after 2005. If you cannot access your account or took the test before 2005, you will need to order your score report directly from the College Board by mail, which may involve a fee.

It's difficult to say definitively if the SAT is "easier" now, as the test and scoring have changed significantly over 30 years, but in some ways it is more accessible. The 1995 "re-centering" of scores made older scores look lower than they would be today, even if performance was similar, and the modern test is more focused on skills taught in school.

A poor SAT score is generally considered to be below the national average of around 1050 and especially low if it falls in the bottom 25% (870 or lower). However, what constitutes a "poor" score is highly dependent on the colleges you are applying to; a score below the average range for a specific school is a negative signal, while a score that looks low nationally could be competitive at less selective institutions.

A perfect SAT score in 2025 is 1600, which is achieved by scoring an 800 in the Evidence-based Reading and Writing section and an 800 in the Math section. This score is rare and represents the highest possible total score on the test.

What Is a Good SAT Score in 2025? Ranges, Max & Ivy+ Goals

There is no single SAT score needed for college, as requirements vary by institution; however, aiming for the middle 50% range of accepted students is a good strategy. For less selective colleges, a score of 1050 is the national average, while top-tier universities like the Ivy League often look for scores of 1450 and higher. It's best to research the specific "middle 50%" score range for each college on your list to set a target score that is at or above their typical admitted student profile

The SAT is good because it provides a standardized measure of college readiness, can help students stand out in applications, and serves as a predictor of college success. It allows for comparison across different high schools and backgrounds, and strong scores can improve opportunities for college admission and scholarships, and may even allow students to test out of introductory college courses.