Olathe East students should use this code when registering for standardized tests, so the counselors will get a copy of their scores: 172-221.

The ACT and the SAT are two tests that are used for college admission and scholarship purposes. They are different tests produced by different testing companies. They test different areas of knowledge, and they are scored differently.

Here are two articles with helpful information about the ACT vs. the SAT, and which test might be best for your student to take:

View the ACT vs. SAT: 11 Key Differences website to help you pick the right test

View the ACT vs SAT: How To Decide Which Test to Take website

Seniors often take the ACT in September or October. It is recommended that juniors take their first ACT in the spring of their junior year if they are planning to attend a four-year college or university. The ACT is generally preferred by colleges in the Midwest and is accepted throughout the nation.

The SAT is requested by some universities. The SAT has a mandatory writing component and the ACT features an optional writing section that some colleges and universities may require. Check for admission requirements on university websites. Both ACT and SAT offer online preparation tests. Students are encouraged to practice.

ACT Academy offers students a chance to take a full ACT practice test. You can also enter a previous ACT score, and it will tailor the prep for you. Visit the ACT Academy website.

There are fee waivers available for all tests for students who qualify. For information, please see your counselor.

College Assessment Test Reminder

When taking the ACT or SAT, please remember to have test scores sent to the colleges/universities that you are thinking about attending. Many institutions require that all students have their standardized test scores sent directly to them from ACT or the College Board. Institutions like the University of Missouri no longer take test scores from high school transcripts.

The PSAT, ACT EXPLORE, ACT PLAN and three ACT tests are usually available every fall at Olathe East.

The PSAT/NMSQT measures:

• critical reading skills
• math problem-solving skills
• writing skill

Why should I take the PSAT?

1. To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition.
2. Your parents work for a company that sponsors a scholarship that requires a PSAT score.
3. You want to attend a United States Armed Forces Academy.

If you wish to sign up to take the PSAT:

• Parents will go to the TouchBase payment site and register to take the PSAT before midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.
• They will click on the student who wants to take the PSAT, then click "Items at Student's School."
• They will click on "PSAT", then "Buy"
• Proceed to checkout and enter payment information.

This year all high schools will offer the PSAT on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. The test will be held at Olathe East and will begin at 7:45 a.m.

To sign up for the PSAT, students/parents will need to log in to their TouchBase accounts. The cost of the test is $21. If you qualify for a fee reduction, you will see that during check out.

Once you have checked out, you are signed up for the exam! 

If you have any questions, please email Erin Eilert in the Counseling Office or call 913-780-7800.

The SAT test is a college entrance exam that is primarily accepted by colleges/universities on the East and West Coasts as well as more selective admissions colleges/universities.

Visit the College Board website for registration and more information.

The SAT Program Fee-Waiver Service is designed to help students from whom test fees represent obstacles on the road to college. High school juniors and seniors in the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories who cannot afford to pay the test fees can request fee waivers through their school counselors. The waivers cover the basic test fees for SAT or Subject Tests, as well as either the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or the Student Answer Service (SAS). A fee waiver may qualify at many colleges. See your counselor for more information or to find out if you qualify.

Note: Fee waivers cannot be used for late registration.

Free SAT Practice Tests Online

• Visit the Princeton Review website
• Visit the 4Tests.com website