Note: Both the SAT and ACT are college entrance exams for high school students, most colleges accept both exams. We highly recommend that students take both tests to determine which test they perform better on, as some students may perform better on one than the other.
About the ACT
What it is: The ACT assesses high school student's general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
Length: 3 hours 25 minutes
Sections: The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The writing test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
| Test | Number of Questions | Subscore(s) |
| English | 75 | Usage/Mechanics (40 questions) Rhetorical Skills (35 questions) |
| Reading | 40 | Social Studies/Sciences reading skills |
| Mathematics | 60 | Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra (24 questions) |
| Science | 40 | None, the science test score is based on all 40 questions. |
Scoring:
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The ACT counts the number of questions answered correctly. No points are deducted for incorrect answers.
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The Composite Score and each Test Score (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite Score is the average of the student's four Test Scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
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The ACT computes student's seven Subscores (Usage/Mechanics, Rhetorical Skills, etc.) in the same way, but Subscores range from 1 (low) to 18 (high).
There is no direct arithmetical relationship between Subscores and Test Scores. This means Subscores usually won't add up to the Test Score.
How to sign up: Students sign up by visiting the ACT website. The cost is $31 and an additional $15 for the optional writing test.
When students take the ACT: The ACT is offered six times per year. Most students take the ACT toward the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year.
About the SAT
What it is: The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well a student analyzes and solves problems. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.
Length: 3 hours 45 minutes
Sections: The SAT Reasoning Test includes 10 sections: Critical Reading (3 sections), Mathematics (3 sections), Writing (3 sections) and an upgraded experimental section.
| Test | Time | Content | Item Types | Score |
| Critical Reading | 70 min | Critical reading and sentence-level reading | Reading comprehension, sentence completions and paragraph-length critical reading | 200-800 |
| Mathematics | 70 min | Number and operations, algebra and functions, geometry, statistics, probability and data analysis | Five-choice multiple choice questions and student-produced responses | 200-800 |
| Writing | 60 min | Grammar, usage and word choice | Multiple choice questions and student-written essay | 200-800 |
Scoring: The SAT Reasoning Test is scored out of a possible 2400 points as follows:
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each correct answer = 1 full point, regardless of level of difficulty
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each unanswered question = 0 points
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each incorrect answer to a student-produced response question = 0 points
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each incorrect answer to a multiple-choice question - minus 1/4 point
How to sign up: Students enroll online by visiting the College Board website. The fee is $45. Check the website for registration deadlines.
When students take the SAT: The SAT is offered seven times per year. Students should take the SAT Reasoning Test in the spring of their junior year.
