Some colleges and universities require standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)* as part of the application package. However, some schools are "test optional", meaning a test score is not always required for acceptance. Check with the college's Admissions Office to determine whether or not a test score is required.
Test scores can be automatically sent to colleges/universities you are applying to by filling out the School Code (a 4-digit code unique to each college/university) in the appropriate box on the test. School codes are entered at the end of each test. If your college/university of choice is unknown, scores can be sent after testing, but additional fees may apply.
*Test fee waivers are available for eligible students for both the SAT and ACT. All test fee waivers are available through your School Counselor. They DO NOT however, cover late registration fees so be proactive...ask for the waiver and sign up for the exam early!!
Please keep in mind that the SAT Exam is only given at Deer Lakes High School twice a year...once in the Fall and once in the Spring. Deer Lakes High School DOES NOT offer ACT testing! Students can register and take the ACT at any location that offers it.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE 2023-2024 SAT EXAM & ACT EXAM DATES!
| WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SAT EXAM & THE ACT EXAM? |
If you're preparing for college admissions, you might be curious about the difference between the ACT Exam and the SAT Exam. While both are standardized exams that colleges and universities use as a benchmark when making admissions decisions, there are some differences. Here's a BRIEF comparison:
- The SAT has a stronger vocabulary focus, while the ACT tests advanced math & science. Vocabulary is weighted much more strongly on the SAT than it is on the ACT, whereas the ACT includes a science section and tests higher level math.
- The ACT Exam is shorter. If you have trouble focusing for a long period of time, you may consider the ACT Exam, which lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes compared to the 3 hours and 45 minutes of the SAT Exam.
- The SAT Exam is more complex. The ACT Exam is a straightforward content test, which may make it easier for students who are familiar with the content tested. The SAT Exam focuses on logic and reasoning rather than content, which might make it a better bet for students who do well with puzzles and are willing to learn SAT specific strategies to raise their scores.
- Scoring differences. The SAT Exam is scored on a scale of 600 to 2400, with a score of 200 to 800 possible on each of the 3 sections. The ACT Exam is scored with a composite of 1 to 36 based on average scores from the 4 test sections, each of which is also scored from 1 to 36. On the SAT Exam you get 1 quarter of a point subtracted from your score for each wrong answer, with no penalty for questions left blank. The ACT Exam scores only those questions which you answer correctly, with no penalty for wrong answers.
| SAT EXAM INFORMATION & 2023 / 2024 EXAM DATES |
To register online for the SAT Exam, go to:
www.collegeboard.org. Here you can also find further information regarding registration, exam locations and fees.
Exam Day Instructions: Once you arrive at your testing location you will be assigned to a testing room. You must bring your photo identification, your admission ticket and your fully charged, school issued Chromebook. Please arrive by no later than 7:45 AM as testing will begin promptly at 8:00 AM and there is usually a line to check in. The exam will take approximately 3 to 3-1/2 hours.
*ONLY THE OCTOBER & MARCH EXAMS ARE GIVEN AT DEER LAKES HIGH SCHOOL
SAT EXAM DATE | REGULAR REGISTRATION DEADLINE | LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE |
August 26, 2023 | July 28, 2023 | August 15, 2023 |
October 7, 2023 @ DLHS | September 7, 2023 | September 26, 2023 |
November 4, 2023 | October 5, 2023 | October 24, 2023 |
December 2, 2023 | November 2, 2023 | November 21, 2023 |
March 9, 2024 @ DLHS | February 23, 2024 | February 27, 2024 |
May 4, 2024 | April 19, 2024 | April 23, 2024 |
June 1, 2024 | May 17, 2024 | May 21, 2024 |
*THE SAT WILL TRANSITION TO DIGITAL FOR U.S. TEST CENTERS STARTING IN MARCH, 2024. VISIT sat.org/digital FOR MORE INFORMATION.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE WHAT'S ON THE SAT EXAM
| ACT EXAM INFORMATION & 2023 / 2024 EXAM DATES |
To register online for the ACT Exam, go to:
www.act.org. Here you can also find further information regarding registration, testing locations and fees.
Deer Lakes High School DOES NOT offer ACT testing! Students must register online and can take the ACT Exam at any location that offers it.
ACT EXAM DATE | REGULAR REGISTRATION DEADLINE | LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE |
| July 14, 2023 | June 16, 2023 | June 23, 2023 |
| September 9, 2023 | August 4, 2023 | August 18, 2023 |
| October 28, 2023 | September 22, 2023 | October 6, 2023 |
| December 9, 2023 | November 3, 2023 | November 17, 2023 |
| February 10, 2024 | January 5, 2024 | January 19, 2024 |
| April 13, 2024 | March 8, 2024 | March 22, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 | May 3, 2024 | May 17, 2024 |
| July 13, 2024 | June 7, 2024 | June 21, 2024 |