ACT & SAT Advice and Information
The SAT is used most widely across the country. It tests math, vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. It is comprised of three sections - math, critical reading, and writing. SAT scoring is based on a scale of 200-800 for both the math and critical reading parts of the test. A perfect score on the SAT is 2400. College admissions materials include the average SAT score for the students they have admitted.
The ACT is designed to assess general educational skills in the areas of English, math, reading and science reasoning. It consists of four sections-one for each subject area. The composite test score (made up of the four subject area scores and seven sub-scores) ranges from 1-36. Nearly half of all test takers fall in the 17-23 range. College admissions materials include the average ACT score students they have admitted.
Most schools accept both tests. The ACT is a content-based exam, while the SAT tests problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Some students may do better on one test versus the other based on learning strengths and weaknesses. Check with your preferred schools if they require one test over the other.
ACT - What's is like?
3 hour and 30 minute multiple-choice exam.
Tests English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science skills.
30 minute optional Writing Test .
Measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
SAT - What's it like?
SAT Reasoning Test measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills.
3 hour and 45 minute test. Students will have 60 minutes for the new writing section, 70 minutes each for critical reading and math, and a 25-minute variable section.
SAT Subject Tests measures mastery of specific subjects: english, history, mathematics, science, and language.
All Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests. However, some of these tests have unique formats.
Both SAT and ACT offer online registration and test preparation. Visit www.sat.org or www.act.org. Organizations like Kaplan Testing Services and the Princeton Review also provide test preparation, practice questions, and tips.
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