SAT vs. ACTWhich one should you take?

Compare the two…

SAT

• Reasoning Test• Test format:• 9 sections

• Content covered:• Reading, vocabulary,

grammar & usage, writing and math.

ACT

• Content-based test• Test format:• 5 sections

• Content covered:• Grammar & usage, math,

reading, science reasoning, and writing (optional)

Compare the two…

SAT

• Test style• Tricky, questions can be

phrased in ways that make them difficult to decipher

• Scoring• Each section will have a

score range of 200-800 with total score ranging between 600-2400

ACT

• Test style• Straightforward, questions

may be long but are usually less difficult to decipher

• Scoring• The scores for each section

will range from 1-36. Composite ACT score is an average of all your scores from the four sections. Your composite score will be between 1-36.

Compare the two…

SAT

• Penalty for wrong answers?• Yes, you lose ¼ point for

incorrect answers

• Score choice• You can choose which set

of scores to submit to colleges

ACT

• Penalty for wrong answers?• No

• Score choice• You can choose which set

of scores to submit to colleges

Compare the two…

SAT

• Difficulty levels• Questions increase in

difficulty level as you move through each section

• Math levels• Arithmetic, data analysis,

algebra I & II, functions, geometry, formulas are provided in the test booklet

ACT

• Difficulty levels• Difficulty level of the

questions is random

• Math levels• Arithmetic, algebra I & II,

functions, geometry, trigonometry, no formulas are provided

Compare the two…

SAT

• Tends to be more popular with privates schools and east and west coast schools

• Every four year college in the US accepts SAT scores

ACT

• Tends to be more popular with public schools and schools in the Midwest and south.

• Every four-year college in the US accepts ACT scores

Compare the two…

SAT

• Offered 7 times per year • Registration deadline is

typically 4 weeks before the test date

• www.collegeboard.com

ACT

• Offered 6 times per year• Registration deadline is

typically 5-6 weeks before the test date

• www.act.org

A FEW OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER…From the New York Times

How long can you sit without fidgiting?

If you have a short attention span, and difficulty maintaining focus, the ACT may be for you.• ACT last 2 hours, 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes for

optional writing test)• SAT last 3 hours, 45 minutes.

Which format feels right?

Take a practice test to find out which feels right.

“Take each test in as realistic conditions as possible, with no distractions, timing yourself.”

Practice tests are available on the websites for both ACT and SAT

Overachiever or underachiever?

SAT: bright underachievers who are easily bored do better on this test due to the need for good reasoning skills.

ACT: overachievers who get the highest grades in the toughest classes will typically do better on this test.

The bottom line…

Every student is different and this test is one factor in the decision schools will make on whether or not they will admit you

• TAKING THEM IS IMPORTANT• TAKE THEM BOTH• TAKE THEM MORE THAN ONCE• Fee waivers are available for students and you can receive

two for each test during your high school career. USE THEM!!