Frequently Asked Questions

SAT’s

Q:  What is the SAT?.
A:  The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is designed to measure a student’s academic ability to perform college work. It is a benchmark moderation test for A.C.E. (SA) in terms of issuing College Entrance Certificates (for university entrance) as well as a university entrance requirement.

Q:  Is the SAT set, examined, or controlled by ACE?.
A:  No, it is an external service which is provided by the College Board for students internationally. If there are any queries, please visit their website (www.collegeboard.com) or e-mail the College Board at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q:  What is the difference between SAT 1 and SAT 2?.
A:  SAT 1 is a reasoning test and consists of Math, Critical Reading and English Writing tests. .SAT 2 is a subject test and consists of English Writing as well as one of the following subject tests:.• World History .• Biology .• Chemistry .• Physics .Students without English as their mother tongue must, in addition to SAT 2, sit for the English Language Proficiency Test. Students who wish to go to University and are taking the SAT 2 must do English and either Physics or Chemistry.

Q:  How do I register to write the SAT?.
A:  You could register on-line or by using a SAT Registration Bulletin (these bulletins are free of charge). Visit the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com or get a SAT Registration Bulletin from your nearest US Consulate or the Tertiary Liaison Officer at the National Office (at telephone number: .031-573 6500).

Q:  How do I know which SAT to write?.
A:  Students who have Math as a major subject should take SAT 1. Students who do not have Math as one of their majors should take SAT 2.

Q:  How long is the SAT?.
A:  SAT 1 is a three hour test and the SAT 2 subject tests are one hour each.

Q:  What kind of questions should I expect?.
A:  The questions are primarily multiple choice. The new SAT has an essay.

Q:  When should I take the SAT?.
A:  The SAT should be taken within seventy PACEs of graduation (refer to Procedures Manual, Volume 1 – Page 77) or as soon after a student has completed the following PACEs:

• Geometry 1109 to 1120

• Algebra 1121 to 1132

• SA Math 133, 134, 141, 143

• English 1097 to 1132

• Etymology 1097 - 1108

Q:  How do I prepare for the SAT?.
A:  Students should work through the applicable study guide. (SAT 1 – Peterson’s SAT Success or SAT 2 – Real SAT 2 Subject Tests) Visit the College Board website for updates and on-line practice tests, as well as available study supplements.

Q:  When should I begin preparing?.
A:  Students should begin preparing for the SAT at least three months before taking the SAT.

Q:  Where can I get the necessary study guides?.
A:  Study guides are available at your nearest US Consulate or the National Office (same procedure as PACE orders).  The item numbers at the National Office are:

• SAT 1 – 1000050

• SAT 2 - 100070

Q:  Why do students need to take the SAT?.
A:  Students need to take the SAT because:

• Most colleges and universities require the SAT as an entry requirement.

• SAT testing verifies the quality of the School of Tomorrow Grade 12 College Entrance Certificate.

• The Matriculation Board requires ACE students to take the SAT as a university entrance requirement.

Q:  What is the required score for university entrance?.
A:  For SAT 1, students must score 1600 points in total with subminima of 550 points in Critical Reading and 500 points in each of Math and Writing Skills. For SAT 2, students must score 1050 points in total with 500 subminima in each of two subjects.

For further information regarding registration, test dates, test centres, study supplements, costs, online practice tests, etc. visit the College Board website: www.collegeboard.com . The US consulates can be contacted at the following numbers:

Gauteng: (011) 838 2231 extension number: 209 (Carol Wilson). Cape Town: (021) 421 4280 extension number: 2810 (Martha Bridgeman).
Durban: (031) 305 7600.
The Tertiary Liaison Officer can be contacted at the ACE Head Office at the following telephone number / .e-mail address:
(031) 573 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q:  Learners who go to schools using the ACE programme do not write matric exams.  What happens when they get to the end of Grade 12 and want to study further?
A:  Learners who finish matric are often required by universities to complete the SAT and/or AARP tests so that they can be assured of the quality of their education.  This is what most learners who complete grade 12 on ACE choose to do as well.  We have young people in local universities, as well as overseas.  Our graduations department works with the school and the learners during their Grade 12 year to ensure that they are following the correct procedures for their future studies and applications.

Q:  I am a home school parent and would like to know why I need to pay a monthly fee to my home school academy.  What is this for?

A:  • Access to sound advice and assistance from professionally trained experts in the use of the ACE programme.

• Quarterly monitoring of the quality of home education, ensuring that learners’ education remains on track.

• Access to the latest information in the field of education relevant to home schooling.

• Involvement in activities such as fieldtrips, sport and prize-giving, allowing for socialising with other home educators and the development of learners’ talents.

• The opportunity to receive graduation certificates from ACE National Office when all requirements have been met.

Q:  I am a parent and would like to know whether I am welcome at the All Africa Student Convention?

A:  You are most welcome at AASC.  We would love to have more parents sharing in the excitement that the young people experience at AASC.  Please speak to your school principal as he/she may ask you to be one of the sponsors, and you could be a great blessing in this way.