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October 2016
October 4, 2016
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STANDARDIZED TESTS FAQ
What is the NEW SAT?
What is the ACT?
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Students have the opportunity to take two types of college admissions tests - the ACT or the SAT. Most colleges accept both tests for admissions but you should check with the college admissions office to be sure which test they prefer you submit.
What are the differences between the two tests?
THE ACT
The ACT test is made up of four individual tests, each of which is designed to measure academic achievement in a major area: English, mathematics, reading, and natural sciences.
The test is about three hours long. The test consists of a total 215 scored questions.
The test is comprised of four subject tests:
English
45 minutes
75 questions
Math
60 minutes
60 questions
Reading
35 minutes
40 questions
Science Reasoning
35 minutes
40 questions
THE SAT
The new version of the SAT test (introduced in March 2005) is three hours and forty-five minutes in length. You will see the following sections on test day (but not necessarily in the order they are listed in here):
Section: Essay
Number of Questions: 1
Time Limit: 25 minutes
Section: Writing - Multiple Choice
Number of Questions: Improving Sentences-25
Time Limit: 1 25 min section
Section: Writing - Multiple Choice
Number of Questions: Identifying sentence errors-18
Time Limit: 1 10 min section
Number of Questions: Improving paragraphs - 6
Section: Critical Reading
Passage-based reading - 48
2 25 min sections
Section: Critical Reading
Sentence completion - 19
1 20 min section
Section: Math
Number of Questions: Standard multiple choice - 44
Time Limit: 2 25 min sections
Section: Math
Number of Questions:Student-produced response - 10
Time Limit:1 20 min section
Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?
It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT.
To help you zero in on the right exam, here are seven key differences:
ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.
ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):
SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.
If you're an ardent wordsmith, you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.
The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
You don't need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you're a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.
The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.
In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.
The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools.
The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing test is optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score — schools will see it listed separately. Many colleges require the writing section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying before opting out.
The SAT is broken up into more sections.
On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if moving back and forth between content areas confuse you or keep you energized?
The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam.
College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee.
This is so hard, even with all this information, I can't pick one test!
How many times can I take these tests?
What can I do to prepare?
When can I take these tests?
Question: This sounds like fun! When can I take these tests?
Answer: Let's not go overboard! No one is professing that these tests are going to be fun but they are a necessary evil if you are looking at college in your future. Some schools have begun offering a test optional application but those schools are not plentiful and usually require additional factors such as graded papers or essays. If you plan on going to college, plan on taking one of these tests. Click the blue links below to be taken directing to the webpages for the ACT and SAT.
ACT & SAT Test Dates (2016-2017)
ACT Test DateRegistration DeadlineACT Scores Available
September 10, 2016Aug. 5, 2016Sept. 20, 2016
October 22, 2016Sept. 16, 2016Nov. 8, 2016
December 10, 2016Nov. 4, 2016Dec. 20, 2016
February 11, 2017Jan. 13, 2017Feb. 22, 2017
April 8, 2017Mar. 3, 2017Apr. 18, 2017
June 10, 2017May 5, 2017Jun. 20, 2017
SAT Test DateRegistration DeadlineSAT Scores Available*
October 1, 2016Sept. 1, 2016Oct. 20, 2016
November 5, 2016Oct. 7, 2016Nov. 23, 2016
December 3, 2016Nov. 3, 2016Dec. 22, 2016
January 21, 2017Dec. 21, 2016Feb. 9, 2017
March 11, 2017Feb. 10, 2017Mar. 30, 2017
May 6, 2017Apr. 7, 2017May 25, 2017
June 3, 2017May 9. 2017Jun. 22, 2017
*estimated
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