SAT/ACT Resources Module - powered by ArborBridge

Practice Test Module FAQ

What is a diagnostic practice test?

Diagnostic practice exams administered by ArborBridge are full-length practice exams. Students take a diagnostic practice exam to estimate how they will perform on the actual test, determine if test preparation is needed, and get an assessment of strengths and weaknesses.

The Digital SAT and computer-based ACT are written to mimic the official exams and are taken on Arborbridge’s online testing platform, also known as the Auto Proctor. On this platform, students can practice with the tools they will see on test day. For the digital SAT, this includes a fully integrated Desmos calculator. The paper ACT is an official exam released by ACT, and students should plan to print the provided PDF for most accurate results.

What information is provided on the score report?

A student’s score report provides a baseline score and a detailed analysis of which question types and content areas cause students trouble. It also helps to identify potential issues related to standardized testing (e.g., test fatigue or anxiety). 

How is each exam scored? 

The paper and computer-based ACTs are scored out of 36 total points. The composite score is an average of the four section scores. The digital SAT is scored out of 1600 points –this is the sum of the two section scores. 

The digital SAT is unique because the test is adaptive. This means that a student’s performance on the first module of a section determines the questions they see on the second module. If the student has a strong performance on the first module, they will get harder questions on the second module and be placed in a higher scoring range.

Students completing the digital SAT diagnostic test will receive their predicted score and an estimated score range. Students do not receive a score based on a simple count of correct answers. Instead, the digital SAT’s algorithm uses a more complex framework to weigh each question differently. ArborBridge’s Instruction Team developed our scoring ranges by completing the four officially released practice tests more than 550 times. We will continue to refine and update our practice tests and scoring calculations as the College Board releases additional information in the 2023-2024 school year.

How will I get my student’s results?

The ArborBridge Team will provide the diagnostic practice test results and detailed score report to the student, parent, and the counselor who requested the exam. Results are typically available within five (5) business days from the submission of answer sheets.

Does my student have to enroll in an ArborBridge tutoring program if he takes the diagnostic practice test?

Absolutely not! Diagnostic practice exams and score reports offered by ArborBridge are provided free as a benefit to being a CollegePlannerPro member, with no obligation of program enrollment. 

How many diagnostic practice exams may I request for each student?

ArborBridge is happy to offer each student one free diagnostic practice test for each exam and format. For example, you may request both a practice SAT and a practice ACT for the student.

Will an ArborBridge representative contact my student directly?

Yes. Your student will receive an automated email from the ArborBridge Team confirming access to the diagnostic practice tests. Once we have graded the exam, an ArborBridge Representative will provide the detailed score report to the student, parent, and the counselor who requested the exam.

Students who complete an ArborBridge diagnostic exam will also be sent, free of charge, lessons from ArborBridge's proprietary curriculum designed to target specific weaknesses identified in the student's diagnostic exam, as well as an offer for a free 30-minute lesson with a tutor. Students/parents may unsubscribe from any emails from ArborBridge at any time.

What information is shared with ArborBridge when I request a practice exam for my student?

The ArborBridge Team receives a notification after the exam is requested. The following information is shared with ArborBridge and is required for the request to be processed: 

• Student name and email
• Primary Parent/Guardian name and email
• Counselor name and email
• Exam requested

The email to the student from ArborBridge looks like this:

Student,

You have been added to our testing platform for the Test Prep Diagnostic.

How to Access?

We've already set up your account so you will just enter [student email] as your email to log in here: https://tests.arborbridge.com/sign_in

When to Start?

You can start with a test as soon as you are ready.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best,

The ArborBridge Team

How is the diagnostic practice exam administered?

The student will connect with the Auto Proctor, which keeps time and delivers verbal instructions for the test, guiding the student through each section.

Requesting for a student with accommodations? Contact ArborBridge directly for instructions on changing the time allowance to match the student’s approved accommodations.

Is this module visible to students?

No - the SAT/ACT Resources Module is only available on the counselor’s platform. The Account Owner can disable this module at any time.