SAT Vs. ACT: How Do the Tests Compare? What Is the Difference Between the SAT and ACT?

By Princeton Review

SAT vs. ACT: How do the Tests Compare?

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? They’re both standardized tests and they both factor into the college admissions process. To learn about the differences between the two tests and how they compare, take a look at the chart below. SAT ACT

When is it Seven times per year Six times per year administered?

What is the test Ten-section exam: Three Critical Four-section exam: English, Math, structure? Reading, three Math, three Writing, and Reading, and Science Reasoning. An one Experimental. The Experimental Experimental section is added to tests on section is masked to look like a regular certain dates only, and is clearly section. experimental.

What is the test Math: up to 9th grade basic geometry Math: up to trigonometry. Science: content? and Algebra II. Science: none. charts, experiments. Reading: four Reading: sentence completions, short passages, one each of Prose Fiction, and long critical reading passages, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural reading comprehension. Science. Writing: an essay, and questions testing English: stresses grammar. grammar, usage, and word choice.

Is there a penalty for Yes No wrong answers?

How is the test 200-800 per section, added together for 1-36 for each subject, averaged for a scored? a combined score. A 2400 is the highest composite score. A 36 is the highest possible combined score. possible composite score.

Are all scores sent to Yes. If a student requests a score report No. There is a "Score Choice" option. schools? be sent to specific colleges, the report Students can choose which schools will will include the scores the student receive their scores AND which scores received on every SAT taken. the schools will see.

Are there other uses Scholarship purposes. Scholarship purposes. Certain statewide for the exams? testing programs.

Best time to register? At least six weeks before the test date At least four weeks before the test date

Need more Educational Testing Service (ETS) ACT, Inc.: information? (609) 771-7600 (319) 337-1000 www.ets.org www.ACT.org The College Board www.collegeboard.com