The SAT vs. ACT Scholastic Aptitude Test American College Testing

What is the overall difference? SAT Reasoning test: Tests your skills as a test-taker Reason & logic-based ACT: More academic and straightforward Curriculum-based (what you learn in school)

Is one test easier than the other? No! They are very different tests and it just depends on what kind of test-taker you are. That is why you should take both so you can see what they are both like.

What is the test structure? SAT 3 hours 45 minutes Ten-sections: 3 critical reading 3 math 3 writing 1 experimental (mixed in- hidden) ACT About 3 hours 4 sections + essay: English Math Reading Science 30-minute essay

What is the content? Critical reading: 67 questions 70 minutes SAT Critical reading: 67 questions 70 minutes Reading comprehension & sentence completion Math: 54 questions Up to geometry Writing: 49 questions + 1 essay 60 minutes Grammar, persuasive essay ACT English: 75 questions 45 minutes Grammar, usage, punctuation Math: 60 questions 60 minutes Up to Trigonometry Reading: 40 questions 35 minutes passages Science: Charts, graphs, experiments Writing (optional): 30 minutes Persuasive essay

How are they scored? SAT 3 sections are scored on a scale of 200- 800,with a maximum of 2400 ACT Each section scored on a scale of 1-36, and as overall composite score (average of all 3)

What is the national average? (data for class of 2010) SAT 1509 out of 2400 Sub averages: Critical reading 501 Math 516 Writing 492 Top schools want 2100 ACT 21 out of 36

Should I guess? SAT All multiple choice questions are scored the same way: 1 point for each correct answer (for both easy and hard questions) ¼ point subtracted for a wrong answer No points subtracted for answers left blank Only guess if you can definitely eliminate at least 1-2 of the answer choices. If you have no idea and cannot eliminate any of the answer choices, DO NOT guess! ACT Your score on the test will be based on the number of questions that you answer correctly THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR GUESSING! Answer every question, even if you have to guess

How much do the tests cost? SAT Reasoning Test $47 Subject Tests $21 Language tests with listening: +$21 per test All other Subject Tests: +$10 per test Four total waivers are available — two for the SAT and two for the SAT Subject Tests. SAT Subject Test fee waivers can be used any time from 9th grade through graduation. SAT fee waivers can be used from 11th grade through graduation. ACT $33.00 for the ACT (No Writing) $48.00 for the ACT Plus Writing If you are eligible, you may use a maximum of two fee waivers total. The waiver is used once you register, even if you do not test on the requested test date.

Should I take the “extra tests”? SAT Subject tests are not required for admission eligibility at UC's after the current admissions cycle (starting class of 2012). SAT subject tests may still be "recommended" by particular departments for certain majors, such as Math level 2 for Engineering majors. Just like the “extra” years of certain a-g classes, recommended means YES! ACT Do not consider the writing portion “optional.” Take it!

When should I take the tests? You should take both tests at least 2 times. One time at the end of your 11th grade year and one time at the beginning of your 12th grade year. Colleges will look at the higher of your scores.

How can I prepare? Take the PSAT your 10th and 11th grade year. Use your results to study effectively. Do the SAT and ACT question of the day. Review practice tests. SAT= www.collegeboard.org ACT= www.act.org