 SAT versus ACT

Taking the SAT for FREE!  The state of Michigan uses tax dollars to provide one free college entrance exam to juniors in the spring of their junior year. In prior years, this test has been the ACT. Starting with March 2016, it will be the SAT.  This change occurred because the contract with SAT was significantly less expensive that what ACT charged. This is a savings for the state of Michigan.

Not the same old SAT  The test juniors will take in 2016 is not the same old SAT. It is being completely revised and will not be released until March  The test will focus less on the obscure vocabulary that it is known for and more on college-level and workplace vocabulary.  Math content will be similar to the ACT.

SAT versus ACT New SAT  New format starting in March  Has tests in reading, grammar, mathematics and a writing portion.  Will be accepted by most colleges (check with admissions offices) ACT  Same format used for decades.  Has tests in English, mathematics, reading, science and a writing portion.  Accepted by most colleges (check with admissions offices)

Scoring New SAT  Two main test areas: language arts and mathematics each score between 200 and 800.  Scores are combined for a total of 400 to  Writing score is separate.  Average score has not been set yet. ACT  Four main test areas: English, mathematics, reading and science each score between 1 and 36.  Composite score is the average of the four subscores for a total of 1 to 36.  Writing score is separate.  Statistical average is between 18 and 22.

Test Questions New SAT  No penalty for incorrect answers  Multiple choice format primarily – some free response math questions.  Calculator permitted on one math section. No calculator permitted on other math section. ACT  No penalty for incorrect answers  Multiple choice format  Calculator permitted on math section only.

Which test should I take?  You must take the new SAT one time (for free) when we take it as a class in March 2016 as required by the state of Michigan.  It will be your choice to decide whether to take the ACT or SAT for college admission.

Things to think about…  There are limited resources to prepare for the new SAT as it is so new – resources simply aren’t available yet. Resources for ACT preparation are abundant.  ACT will return scores within 2 to 3 weeks. SAT will initially require more time (8 weeks) as they must develop scoring norms.  With the ACT, both students and colleges can easily compare their scores to established norms and requirements. These do not yet exist for the new SAT. What SAT will colleges require? They do not yet know.

Taking the ACT  You can still take the ACT for admission to college. You must just pay to take it – it costs about $50 with writing.  Visit to register.