1. The Current SAT, the New SAT, and the ACT
Erikka Goff
Georgetown Learning Centers

2. Current SAT
Structure
Content
Scoring
Registration
Score Choice

3. Current SAT Structure 10 sections, ranging from 10-25 minutes
3 hours, 45 minutes plus breaks

4. Current SAT Content Critical Reading-3 sections Math-3 sections
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension
Math-3 sections
Number properties and operations, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Geometry
Writing-2 multiple choice sections and 1 essay
Essay always first section
Grammar multiple choice questions

5. Current SAT Scoring
Each section scored out of 800 points. Total of 2400 points
Average SAT Score is 1490 points
Guessing penalty
Correct answers-1 point
Blank answers-0 points
Wrong answers-lose ¼ point

6. Registration/Score Choice
Register at
Register early to get a good test location
Scores are available 3-4 weeks after SAT administration
SAT Score Choice allows students to choose which test dates are sent to colleges
Super-scoring: taking the highest score from each section, across test dates

7. ACT
Structure
Content
Scoring
Registration

8. ACT Structure Five sections, 30 to 60 minutes each
Total time: 3 hours and 35 minutes, including optional 40 minute essay

9. ACT Content English-45 minutes Math-60 minutes Reading-35 minutes
Passage-based questions in grammar, punctuation, writing style, and clarity
5 passages, 75 questions
Math-60 minutes
60 multiple choice questions
Topics include Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry and Trigonometry
Reading-35 minutes
4 long passages (Fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science)

10. ACT Content (cont.) Science-35 minutes Essay-optional, 40 minutes
7 passages on Data Representation, Research Summaries, Conflicting Viewpoints
No outside science knowledge required
Essay-optional, 40 minutes
Essay gives students a topic and 3 perspectives on that topic
Strongly recommend essay, some colleges require it

11. ACT Scoring “Rights only scoring” Each of 4 sections is scored 1-36
1 point correct
0 point incorrect
0 point blank
Each of 4 sections is scored 1-36
4 sections are averaged for composite score out of 36 points
Average ACT Score is 21

12. ACT Registration Visit actstudent.org to register
Register early for a good test location
The ACT will send only the test date that you designate, so wait until you receive all scores before choosing which test dates to send

13. The Changing SAT Why is the SAT Changing?
ACT has been growing in popularity
In 2012, more students took the ACT than the SAT
General sentiment that SAT is a “tricky test” that relies on logic and test taking strategy, not course content

14. The Changing SAT Broad Strokes-what are the major changes?
Eliminates writing section, scores will return to 1600
Eliminates guessing penalty. 4 answer choices instead of 5.
Two “cross-test scores” in Science and Social Studies
Eliminates most vocab
Essay now optional
Added non-calculator section

15. Power Test Speed Test
Current SAT
New SAT
ACT
Curriculum Aptitude

16. New SAT Structure 3 hours, 50 minutes (including 50 minute essay)
Sections in predictable order: Reading, Language, Non-calculator Math, Calculator Math, Essay

17. New SAT Content Evidence Based Reading and Writing
65 minute reading section
4 single passages and 1 paired passage
Includes data tables, charts, infographics
“No Vocab” but some vocab in context
35 minute Writing and Language Section
4 passages
Passage-based questions relate to editing, grammar and punctuation

18. New SAT Content (cont.) Math Essay Non-calculator-25 min.
Heavy emphasis on Algebra
Includes trig concepts
Essay
Optional 50 minute essay
Requires student to read a long passage and write an analysis

19. New SAT Scoring Evidence Based Reading and Writing: 200- 800 points
Math: points
Cumulative score: points
Essay scored separately
Cross test scores do not factor into cumulative scores
No penalty for guessing

20. What should I do? I am a senior I'm a sophomore or younger
The SAT won't change until the spring
Current SAT
or ACT
I'm a sophomore or younger
You don't have as many math and reading skills as you should to take the test (even if you're in advanced math!)
New SAT
I'm a junior that has completed Algebra 2
You have the math and reading skills necessary to take the current SAT
Current SAT or ACT, but remember that you have the back-up option to take the new SAT in the spring
I'm a junior that has not taken Algebra 2
You (probably) don't have the math skills to take the SAT now
New SAT in the spring or ACT*

21. When should I register and test?
Junior Fall
Start preparing for the current SAT or ACT
If you're ready, try the current SAT in October or November
Take as many advanced, honors, and AP classes that you can
Junior Winter & Spring
Take current SAT in December or January, or ACT anytime
In the spring, try the new SAT if you're not happy with old SAT scores
Visit colleges
Take SAT Subject Tests in May or June if required (can't take SAT and Subj test on the same day)
AP Tests in May
Senior Summer
Write college essays and start applications
Ask for teacher recommendations before summer break
Finalize list of colleges
Final SAT/ACT prep for a fall test
Senior Fall
Take SAT or ACT one last time
Submit applications
Maintain senior year grades

22. SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates
SAT & ACT : Test Dates
SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates
ACT Test Dates
October 3, 2015
September 12, 2015
November 7, 2015
October 24, 2015
December 5, 2015
December 12, 2015
January 23, 2016
February 6, 2016
March 5, 2016* (SAT only)
April 9, 2016
May 7, 2016*
June 11, 2016
June 4, 2016*
*New SAT Version

23. New PSAT October 2015 PSAT will be similar to new SAT
Good way for students to preview the test
ACPS pays for all sophomores and juniors to take the test
Administered at school on Oct. 14th
National Merit Scholarship
Juniors’ scores can qualify them for National Merit scholarship
Score cutoff changes yearly but generally about 95th percentile

24. Closing thoughts
ACT can be a good option since the test is not changing
Don’t wait for the New SAT unless you’re limited by math
Challenges of ACT vs. New SAT
ACT-timing and science section
New SAT-difficulty of ‘tricky’ problems, no- calculator math section, unfamiliar evidence-based questions
Diagnostics are helpful in the initial decision making process

25. What’s next?
Take a free SAT vs. ACT practice test at Georgetown Learning Centers.
Pick a test date, keeping AP’s, course load, sports, etc. in mind.
Register at or
Study!

26. Questions?
Erikka Goff Director Georgetown Learning Centers