General Testing Information

Be sure to take the ACT/SAT in April or June of your junior year so that you can take it again in the October of your senior year. Because CES Admissions considers only your highest composite scores, you should consider taking the ACT/SAT multiple times. Studies show that students who retake the ACT/SAT have a 55 percent chance of increasing their previous score by 1 to 3 points. Those points may not seem like much, but they could make all the difference when it comes time to apply for admission and scholarships.

It is recommended that the ACT/SAT be taken at least two months before the admissions application deadline. This will allow time for the institutions of your choice to receive the ACT/SAT scores before the deadline.

The ACT

The standard ACT is a set of four multiple-choice tests which cover English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four multiple-choice tests and a Writing Test. At this time CES schools are not considering the writing section for the ACT exam. However, it is anticipated that BYU will require the writing section of the ACT for all applicants beginning Summer Term 2011.

The SAT

The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned in school that you'll need in college. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200–800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice and the essay. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.

At this time CES schools are not considering the writing section for the SAT exam. However, it is anticipated that BYU will require the writing section of the SAT for all applicants beginning Summer Term 2011.