1.  Andrew Moss

2.  To determine whether the ACT or SAT will yield the best results for getting into college and receiving merit-based scholarships 2

3.  References  Background  Similarities  Differences  Summary  Recommendations 3

4.  The Princeton Review o http://www.princetonreview.com/sat-act.aspx http://www.princetonreview.com/sat-act.aspx  Petersons o http://www.petersons.com/college-search/test-prep-act-sat.aspx http://www.petersons.com/college-search/test-prep-act-sat.aspx  Kaplan o http://www.kaptest.com/College/SAT/About-the-SAT/sat-vs-act.html http://www.kaptest.com/College/SAT/About-the-SAT/sat-vs-act.html  ACT o http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career-readiness/compare- act-sat/ http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career-readiness/compare- act-sat/ 4

5.  1900 Formation of the College BoardFormation of the College Board  1917 Experimentation with Army IQ TestExperimentation with Army IQ Test  1926 The First Scholastic Aptitude Test administeredThe First Scholastic Aptitude Test administered  1959 The American College Testing company foundedThe American College Testing company founded  1994 SAT modifiedSAT modified  1996 Official name change to “ACT”Official name change to “ACT”  2005 SAT requires essaySAT requires essay  2014 SAT modifiedSAT modified 5

6.  Both multiple-choice based standardized tests  Both have fee waivers available for eligible students  Both offer to send four free score reports at the time of the test  Both are now accepted at every college 6

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8. ACTSAT Test Length3 hours, 25 minutes (30 minute optional writing test included) 3 hours, 45 minutes Test Structure5 Sections English Math Science English Writing (optional) 10 Sections 3 Critical Reading 3 Math 3 Writing 1 Experimental (not scored) 8

9. Test SectionsACTSAT Reading Reading comprehension Sentence completion Math Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, algebra II, and trigonometry Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, algebra II Science Analysis, interpretation, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving Not Included English Punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure, rhetorical skills Not Included WritingFinal Section (Optional) 30-minute essay First Section 25-minute essay 9

10. ACTSAT Total Questions215140 Scoring Composite average of 4 test sections ranging from 1-36 Optional Writing Test score of 0-12 Total score based on 3 sections ranging from 600-2400 Score of 0-12 for the essay Wrong Answer Penalty No penalty¼ point subtracted for wrong answers Cost$38.00 (No Writing) ($54.50 Plus Writing) $52.50 10

11.  To Compare ACT vs. SAT Scores visit: o http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career- readiness/compare-act-sat/ http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career- readiness/compare-act-sat/ 11

12.  The ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.  The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.  The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.  The SAT is broken up into more sections.  The ACT has a Science section.  The SAT has Subject tests and a mandatory essay. 12

13.  Recommended Timeline: o 11 th Grade Fall - Determine which college is necessary for your career path and gives the most merit-based financial aid o 11 th Grade Winter - Take both the SAT & ACT and compare your test results o 11 th Grade Spring - Study the test with the higher score and retake that test o 12 th Grade Fall - Study and retake the test again if needed 13

14.  “Fairtest schools” are ACT/SAT optional: o http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional  Now that you know about the options, you decide which one will be best for you! 14