SAT & ACT Information
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SAT AND ACT?
Colleges require students to take either the SAT or the ACT. There is no advantage of taking one test over another. Students should choose the test that is best for them. Some students opt to take both tests, as they cover slightly different things.
Subject Content - The ACT includes a science section and the SAT does not. The SAT does test scientific skills, but does not have a science section like the ACT. Both tests include a math section and cover geometry and trigonometry. The SAT covers data analysis and the ACT covers probability and statistics. SAT's essay portion will test you on your comprehension of a source. The ACT will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. As the essay portion is optional in both tests, colleges do not take the score into account during the admissions process.
Length of Test - The length of each of the sections in the SAT and ACT vary between the two tests. The SAT is longer at (3) three hours and 50 minutes with the essay. The ACT is (3) three hours and 35 minutes with the writing section.
Scoring - The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 - 1600, with the ACT scoring on a scale of 1-36. You will only be scored for every correct answer and not penalized for incorrect answers
Cost - The cost of each test varies only slightly.
SAT
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE TEST?
Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year in high school, but the SAT can be taken at anytime during a student’s high school career. At least half of all students take the SAT twice — in the spring of their junior year and in the fall of their senior year. Most students also improve their score the second time around.
WHAT DAYS ARE THE TESTS OFFERED?
A listing of the test dates can be found at:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines
A complete list of test dates and registration deadlines is found at the end of this block.
WHERE ARE THE TESTS OFFERED?
You will be able to see up to date seat availability within the SAT registration process. Select your SAT test date then select a Country or Region, find a test center near you and start your registration to find seat availability.
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/find-test-centers
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE TEST?
Students should register for the test at:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?
Several options to practice for the test are available at:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice
ACT
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE TEST?
You should take the ACT at least two months ahead of the application deadlines of all the colleges and scholarship agencies you might want to apply to. Most students take the ACT in the spring of your junior year.
WHAT DAYS ARE THE TESTS OFFERED?
A listing of the test dates can be found at:
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html#fall-reg
A complete list of test dates and registration deadlines is found at the end of this block.
WHERE ARE THE TESTS OFFERED?
You will be able to see up to date locations and testing dates by entering your information in the Test Centers Location search found on the website below;
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE TEST?
Students should register for the test at:
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?
Several options to practice for the test are available at:
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html