The SAT vs The ACT Essential Information Andrew Peterson Director of Education apeterson@methodtestprep.com

SAT vs ACT

Reading Comprehension ACT – Reading SAT – Reading Content Areas Reading comprehension (passages & questions) More direct line of questioning Order by genre Structure & Scoring 35 min for 40 questions Independent subscore out of 36 Content Areas Reading comprehension (passages & questions) Integrated graphics & data interpretation questions Evidence questions Vocab in context Structure & Scoring 65 min for 52 questions Score range 10-40 (will combine with Writing & Language to create a score from 200-800)

Reading Comprehension ACT – Reading SAT – Reading

SAT – Writing & Language Grammar & Language ACT – English SAT – Writing & Language Content Areas Improving sentences Finding errors Improving passages Structure, punctuation, rhetorical skills All passage-based Structure & Scoring 45 min for 75 questions Independent subscore out of 36 Content Areas Improving sentences Finding errors Improving passages Structure, punctuation, rhetorical skills All passage-based Graphics integration Structure & Scoring 35 min for 44 questions Score range 10-40 (will combine with Reading to create a score from 200-800)

Increased Similarity ACT English SAT Writing and Language

Mathematics ACT – Math SAT – Math Content Areas Structure & Scoring Arithmetic Algebra Geometry (emphasis) Algebra II Data & statistics Structure & Scoring 1 section - No formulas 60 min for 60 questions Calculator Permitted Independent subscore out of 36 Content Areas Algebra (emphasis) Geometry (much less) Algebra II (more of it) Data & statistics (more of it) Trigonometry (some) Multiple choice & grid-in Structure & Scoring 2 sections with formulas No-Calculator – 25 min for 20 questions Calculator 55 min for 38 questions Score range: 200-800

Mathematics ACT – Math SAT – Math

ACT Science ACT - Science Content Areas Structure & Scoring Not really “Science”. Visual Reading Comprehension. Straightforward questions disguised by esoteric scientific terminology. Structure & Scoring 35 min for 40 questions No Calculator Permitted Independent subscore out of 36

Summary Comparison ACT SAT More “straightforward” More questions Less time Calculator allowed on all math Full graphic based reading section (Science) No math formulas given Generally more complex and “thought provoking” Fewer questions More time No calculator math section Graphic based reading incorporated into Reading and Writing and Language sections Math formulas given Evidence based reading questions

Part III Best Practices A Logical Approach to Preparing

Remember Just One Thing… These tests are predictable. Predictability warrants preparation

An Example Where’s the error? The congressional panel issued their findings after conducting an investigation that lasted for over a year. The congressional panel issued their findings The congressional panel issued its findings

Smart Timeline ACT SAT September October December February** April June July** The Test Information Release (TIR) August October November December March May June The Question and Answer Service (QAS)

A Smart Timeline Sophomores Juniors Be evaluated and familiar with the process over the summer between Sophomore and Junior year. Come in for a free consult! Come take a couple of practice tests with us! Recruited Athletes (Accelerated) May need early scores for coaches. Get evaluated! Come in for a free consult! Come take a couple of practice tests with us! Full length in person classes Private and small group tutoring Online instructor led classes Web Based Program