 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)

 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.

 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

SAT  Critical reading: ◦ 67 questions ◦ 70 minutes ◦ Reading comprehension & sentence completion  Math: ◦ 54 questions ◦ 70 minutes ◦ 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: ◦ 40 questions ◦ 35 minutes ◦ Charts, graphs, experiments  Writing (optional): ◦ 30 minutes ◦ Persuasive essay

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

SAT  1509 out of 2400  Sub averages: ◦ Critical reading 501 ◦ Math 516 ◦ Writing 492  Top schools want 2100 ACT  21 out of 36

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

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.

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!

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

 Take the PSAT your 10 th and 11 th grade year.  Use your results to study effectively.  Do the SAT and ACT question of the day.  Review practice tests.  SAT=  ACT=