Free Practice SAT or ACT Tests for High School Students

San Mateo County Libraries is teaming up with C2 Education of Millbrae, opens a new window to offer you opportunities to practice the SAT or ACT college admissions tests this September. These practice tests are for students in grades 9-12, and in-person seating is limited, but C2 Education of Millbrae also offers an online option.

Test yourself with a free proctored, full-length ACT or SAT test, and accurately measure your performance to get a better sense of what to expect on test day. Sign up now for the in-person practice SAT test at Millbrae Library Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 AM. If you cannot make it then or would prefer to take a practice ACT college admissions test, you may also sign up for an online live-proctored test, opens a new window administered through C2 Education's virtual portal. All participants will receive a comprehensive analysis of strengths and weaknesses.

Register Now, opens a new window

Register for the SAT or ACT Tests

The SAT test is created and administered by College Board. Visit the College Board website, opens a new window to register for the upcoming SAT test on October 1 or November 5 or to get your questions answered. Additionally, ACT will administer the ACT test on October 22, opens a new window, you have until September 16 to register.

Now is an excellent time to consider if taking the SAT or ACT tests is suitable for you. Some colleges and universities, including the University of California, have suspended or eliminated standardized testing requirements. According to their Exam Requirements, opens a new window, "UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or course placement after you enroll."

Not sure which schools currently require standardized test scores? Visit FairTest, opens a new window, a nonprofit agency that advocates for eliminating standardized testing and maintains a list of institutions that accept SAT or ACT scores optionally for admission. The SAT or ACT is still required or optional for the vast majority of schools next year and onward, and SAT/ACT scores may be used for:

• Admissions: Some campuses may choose to consider your test scores as part of their application review process. Remember, no admission decision is based on a single factor;
• Scholarships: Scholarships may include test scores as a factor in selection;
• Determining eligibility for the statewide admissions guarantee;
• Course placement after you enroll.

Even if you choose not to take a practice test offered by C2 Education of Millbrae, in partnership with San Mateo County Libraries, your library card provides you access to so many SAT and ACT resources.

Have you revised your plans around the SAT or ACT due to changes in college admissions? Let us know in the comments!