Planning tools

Resources

Trusted starting points for students and families. Requirements, fees, and dates can change, so confirm details on each organization’s official website.

College entrance exams

Testing is only one part of college planning. Before registering or sending scores, check each college’s current admissions policy—schools may be test-required, test-optional, test-flexible, or test-free.

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT helps students practice for the SAT and may qualify eligible students for National Merit Scholarship recognition. Registration is generally arranged through the student’s school.

• PSAT/NMSQT information — College Board
• Official PSAT/NMSQT preparation

SAT

Use the official SAT resources to review dates, register, understand scores, request accommodations, explore fee waivers, and practice with the digital testing format.

• SAT dates and registration — College Board
• Official SAT practice resources
• Bluebook digital testing application

ACT

ACT provides official information about its English, math, and reading sections, optional science and writing choices, registration, scores, fee waivers, and accommodations.

• ACT overview and preparation
• ACT dates and registration

AP and other assessments

AP exams may support course placement or college credit, depending on the institution. Some students may also encounter placement or English-proficiency testing; always confirm what a specific college requires.

• AP courses, exams, dates, and scores — College Board
• Test-optional policy directory — FairTest

How to choose between the SAT and ACT

1. Take one official practice test for each exam under realistic timing.
2. Compare comfort, pacing, and results—not just the headline score.
3. Review the testing policy for every college on your list.
4. Ask a school counselor about fee waivers, accommodations, and local test dates.
5. Build a testing plan that leaves time for a retake before application deadlines, if needed.

College transition resources

• Packing and move-in day checklists
• Budgeting basics for students living away from home
• Staying connected without hovering: healthy communication habits
• Recognizing homesickness versus something more serious
• Campus resources students and parents should know about

My Magic Moments provides general educational information, not admissions or testing advice. Always verify requirements, deadlines, and policies with the testing organization and each college.