Preparing for SAT & ACT Testing
High school is a critical time for students to prepare for life after graduation. As students begin thinking about college, exams like the SAT or ACT can be one way to demonstrate academic readiness. While standardized test scores are not required for admission to Arizona State University, they can still play an important role in scholarship eligibility, which is why some students choose to take them.
To support students preparing for the exams, ASU hosts official testing locations through the University Office of Evaluation and Educational Effectiveness, providing secure, professionally proctored environments where students can take assessments such as the SAT. Students can find testing locations, registration details and exam information through ASU’s testing services.
Families can also explore K-12 programs and college preparation resources through the ASU Family Hub that provides guidance, activities and tools designed to support students throughout their academic journey.
When students begin to plan ahead, families can also become familiar with ASU admission requirements and important application milestones. The ASU application opens July 1, 2026 for the incoming 2027 class, giving seniors an opportunity to begin the process early and stay on track for priority deadlines.
First-year applicants must meet the following criteria:
- 4 years: English and Math
- 3 years: Science with Lab
- 2 years: Social Science and Foreign Language
- 1 year: Fine Arts or CTE
Students must also meet one of the following:
- Top 25% of their high school graduating class
- 3.0 GPA in competency courses
- 1120 SAT Reasoning score
- 22 ACT score
As students move through high school, building strong academic habits, exploring interests and staying informed about college preparation steps can make the transition to higher education smoother.