Yes—while some colleges are test-optional, many still require SAT or ACT scores for admission to specific programs and for scholarship consideration. With grade inflation on the rise, standardized test scores are often the most reliable indicator of college readiness. Huntington helps students develop a personalized test prep strategy that aligns with their college goals—so they’re ready to compete and stand out.

The earlier students begin preparing, the greater their opportunity to maximize their scores. We recommend starting as early as sophomore year, especially for students targeting competitive schools or scholarships. Ideally, students should begin 3–6 months before their first official test date. Huntington creates customized prep plans that align with your student’s goals, availability, and strengths—ensuring they’re confident and fully prepared.

The SAT emphasizes math and evidence-based reading and writing. It is now fully digital and adaptive, meaning the test adjusts question difficulty based on student performance. The ACT includes English, math, reading, and science sections, and is offered both digitally and on paper (non-adaptive). The ACT’s science section is optional.  

At Huntington, we offer diagnostic tests to help determine which exam is the better fit for each student, and then we create a customized prep plan based on their strengths and goals. 

On average, Huntington students improve 100–200+ points on the SAT and 3–6 points on the ACT. Our one-to-one instruction maximizes score increases by targeting areas of greatest impact.

The digital SAT is shorter, section-adaptive, and taken on a device. Huntington’s prep materials and teaching methods are updated to reflect these changes, so students walk in confident and prepared.

Many colleges superscore, combining the best section scores across multiple test dates. Huntington helps students plan strategically, focusing on boosting scores section by section.

At Huntington, we work with your child to determine whether the SAT or ACT is the better fit based on their strengths, learning style, and test-taking preferences. Then, we create a personalized plan to help them succeed and maximize their score potential.

The ACT scores required for admission vary from college to college. Contact them for their requirements, and feel free to visit with our Center Director for more information.

The ACT is 3 hours and 35 minutes, plus 40 minutes with the optional writing portion. You’ll have 45 minutes for English; 60 minutes for Math; 35 minutes for Reading; and 35 minutes for Science.

The ACT is offered 7 times per year, in the following months: February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. It is best to start prepping as early as possible. If you have any questions on the right time to start, contact us 1-800-CAN-LEARN for help.

The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. These scores are averaged to produce an overall composite score of 1 and 36.

The optional writing portion has four separate domain scores: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. Each domain is scored on a scale of 2-12, and these scores are averaged to produce an overall composite score of 2-12 range.

Scores are based on the number of correct answers — with no penalty for wrong answers.

As many times as you want, although most take it once or twice. First take it in the spring of your junior year and, if needed, again in the fall of your senior year. Consider retesting if you had any issues during your first test, such as an illness or misunderstanding of test directions, or if you feel your initial scores don’t reflect your abilities. If you take the test more than once, you decide which set of scores are sent to colleges.

Most scores are posted to your online student web account (through ACT) within two weeks after the test date. If you’ve taken the writing portion, you will be notified when that score is available.

The SAT is offered 7 times a year, in the following months: March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. It is best to start prepping as early as possible. If you have any questions on the right time to start, contact us 1-800-CAN-LEARN for help.

Start early! There’s a lot riding on this test, so your child needs as much help as possible. First, determine the goal score your child wants (or needs) to attain, and then take a practice exam at Huntington to determine how close he or she comes to this goal. If your child needs to improve their score, contact us at 1-800-CAN-LEARN  to get the best prep course available!

Learn more about overcoming testing challenges.

After a test date, scores generally are available online in about 19 days and by mail in about 27 days. Scores by phone are released on the same schedule as scores by web, but require an additional fee.

Although you can take the test as often as you want, most students take it once or twice — typically in spring of junior year and again in fall of senior year. Consider retesting if you feel your initial scores don’t reflect your abilities — and then decide which set of scores you want sent to colleges.

The Huntington’s digital SAT program helps students prepare for the new on-screen format through one-on-one test prep and practice tests. The program is tailored to meet the demands of the digital age. Using advanced data analysis, students receive personalized learning paths that identify strengths and weaknesses, allowing for focused and efficient preparation. The adaptive test model, a hallmark of the digital SAT, ensures students are equipped to handle real-time. See more details on our Digital SAT page.

The exam, lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes, is administered on various devices, including school-issued, personal, or College Board-issued devices.

The SAT scores required for college admission vary. You’ll want to research each of your prospective colleges to find out their requirements. You also can visit with our Center Director to discuss this important topic. Huntington test prep programs lead to a significant increase in test scores — on average, 229 points on the SAT and 5.4 points on the ACT.

The SAT has two major areas: evidence-based Reading & Writing and Math. Each area is scored on a scale from 200 to 800. These two scores are combined to produce an overall SAT score of 400-1600.

Unlike the previous SAT, this digital version adjusts based on your answers to the questions, which each have a numerical weight. Your overall score doesn’t just look at your performance overall in a subject, it also takes into account how many of the more challenging questions you were able to answer correctly. Getting the more difficult second module works to your benefit when it comes to achieving the highest score possible.