Next Steps for College-Readiness Over the Summer
If your student aspires to attend college after high school then the summers are a great time to get them thinking about which colleges they want to attend and continue to build the math and reading skills they need in order to be successful on the college admissions exams (SAT, ACT, TSI). Arlington ISD is your place for all things college-readiness. Check out Arlington ISD’s college- readiness resources below:
- Summer test prep opportunities - There are two primary ways to prepare for an upcoming SAT, ACT, or TSI test. First, we are offering free, online, self-paced SAT, ACT, and/or TSI testing through Edgenuity. Scan the QR code or click this link to register. Second, students are able to prepare for the SAT through Khan Academy. No login required.
- Take the SAT or ACT this summer - Even though all students take the SAT and ACT in Arlington, it’s always a good idea to take them multiple times if you need a better score for college or scholarships.
- Register for the SAT. The SAT will be given on Saturday, June 6, 2026, but the deadline to register is May 22, 2026. Find SAT Testing Sites. There are a ton of local SAT Testing Sites. Also, you may be able to take the SAT for free. Check out fee waiver policies.
- Register for the ACT. Find an ACT testing. Check out the fee waiver policies for the ACT.
- Take an accelerated class this summer - Check out information about accelerated courses below:
- Check out BigFuture’s Parent checklists - These are great resources for parents with students who are sixth through 12th grade. These comprehensive checklists guide you through each semester from junior high through 12th grade (including summers) so you can ensure your student has every opportunity to be prepared for college.
If you love these checklists and want more information from BigFuture, sign up for the Parent Updates with BigFuture. They will provide practical resources for parents as they help prepare their students for college and life after high school.
SAT RESOURCES
Free SAT Practice and Studying Opportunities:
- Khan Academy SAT : Official SAT® Prep | Test prep | Khan Academy
- My Practice on CollegeBoard: My Practice Sign In – SAT Suite | College Board (Need CollegeBoard Login)
- Full Length Paper Practice Exams: Full-Length Paper Practice Tests – SAT Suite | College Board
COLLEGE TESTING INFO SESSIONS FOR PARENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free SAT Practice on Khan Academy as good as expensive test prep?
Yes! The Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy (linked above) is officially endorsed by CollegeBoard (the non- profit organization that creates the SAT).
SAT practice on Khan Academy will adapt to your child’s academic needs as your child improves and grows, meaning the questions will get harder as more are answered correctly or easier if the student has not yet learned the material. This practice is similar to what is offered at a test prep facility or with a tutor.
SAT practice on Khan Academy will adapt to your child’s academic needs as your child improves and grows, meaning the questions will get harder as more are answered correctly or easier if the student has not yet learned the material. This practice is similar to what is offered at a test prep facility or with a tutor.
How many times should your child take the SAT?
Students can take the SAT as many times as they like. It is recommended that students take the SAT at least two times. Colleges will take the highest SAT score, and many colleges have a process called “superscoring.” Superscoring is when colleges combine the highest math score with the highest writing/reading score.
Most students score higher on their second attempt at the SAT. Here is an example of what a student could do:
1. Take the SAT for free on SAT School Day in March of junior year.
2. Assess how much they want to improve their score (if needed).
3. Study and practice
4. Register to take the SAT again later in the spring of their junior year or in the fall their senior year. (Registering for the SAT is $68, and the test will will most likely be administered on a Saturday. Some students can receive a fee waiver. Ask your counselor if you are eligible).
If students are still not satisfied after a second attempt, they can take the SAT again or try the ACT. Colleges do not care how many times you take the SAT; they will take your highest score.
Most students score higher on their second attempt at the SAT. Here is an example of what a student could do:
1. Take the SAT for free on SAT School Day in March of junior year.
2. Assess how much they want to improve their score (if needed).
3. Study and practice
4. Register to take the SAT again later in the spring of their junior year or in the fall their senior year. (Registering for the SAT is $68, and the test will will most likely be administered on a Saturday. Some students can receive a fee waiver. Ask your counselor if you are eligible).
If students are still not satisfied after a second attempt, they can take the SAT again or try the ACT. Colleges do not care how many times you take the SAT; they will take your highest score.
What is the best way to prepare for the SAT?
The best way to prepare for the SAT is to take challenging courses in high school (PreAP, AP, IB, OnRamps, Dual Credit, etc.), take the PSAT 8/9 (offered to all Arlington ISD 8th graders), PSAT/ NMSQT (offered to all 10th graders and starting in 26- 27 to all 11th graders), and study for the SAT.
When taking the PSAT, ensure students and families know the results and the areas needing improvement. For example, a student might do really well on the geometry section in math, but needs to practice more on algebra. Setting a goal each time will help students improve incrementally from eighth to 11th grade. Once students create individual goals, using the free Khan Academy SAT Practice will help them further improve and practice in areas of need.
When taking the PSAT, ensure students and families know the results and the areas needing improvement. For example, a student might do really well on the geometry section in math, but needs to practice more on algebra. Setting a goal each time will help students improve incrementally from eighth to 11th grade. Once students create individual goals, using the free Khan Academy SAT Practice will help them further improve and practice in areas of need.
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?
The SAT and ACT are both college admissions exams. In Arlington ISD, the SAT is taken in March of the junior year, and the ACT is taken in October of senior year. Both exams test over similar skills in math, reading, and writing. The SAT is an adaptive test, while the ACT is a fixed format. The SAT is a two hour and 14 minute test, while the ACT math and reading test is two hours and five minutes. However, students have more time per question on the SAT.
Both exams are graded on different scales. The SAT is a 400 - 1600, and the ACT is 1-36. Both exams are accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities and are generally viewed in equal terms by college admissions. It is recommended to take both exams because students may do better on one format versus the other.
Both exams are graded on different scales. The SAT is a 400 - 1600, and the ACT is 1-36. Both exams are accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities and are generally viewed in equal terms by college admissions. It is recommended to take both exams because students may do better on one format versus the other.
How do I find my scores for the SAT School Day?
You can find your SAT score at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/scores/in-school-testing. SAT School Day scores will be posted on CollegeBoard by April 2nd.
Also, all Arlington ISD students have a BigFuture account alongside their CollegeBoard account. On BigFuture, students get access to more resources for college admission, such as scholarship opportunities aligned to their interests and college exam performance, career quizzes, financial aid guidance, information on thousands of colleges all over the country, and so much more! Check out BigFuture from Collegeboard and their Parent Resources.
If you would like to find out more information about what your score means and next steps, join us on our Arlington ISD virtual Parent Information Session on March 26. Register here to attend.
Also, all Arlington ISD students have a BigFuture account alongside their CollegeBoard account. On BigFuture, students get access to more resources for college admission, such as scholarship opportunities aligned to their interests and college exam performance, career quizzes, financial aid guidance, information on thousands of colleges all over the country, and so much more! Check out BigFuture from Collegeboard and their Parent Resources.
If you would like to find out more information about what your score means and next steps, join us on our Arlington ISD virtual Parent Information Session on March 26. Register here to attend.
