SAT or ACT?
Standardized Testing
All colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT (except Sarah Lawrence College which refuses to accept any test). But the SAT and ACT are not the same. Take time to understand the differences and take the test that best suits you. Many students take both tests. The ACT may be better suited to good students who have mastered subjects, and the SAT may be better suited to academic underachievers. It’s advisable to prep for the tests. Take practice exams and study. Statistically the second SAT test administration raises the score about 50 – 100 points. Scores tend to level off for subsequent tests.
Test Optional
There are over 700 colleges that are now standardized test optional.
Please go to www.fairtest.org for a current list of test optional colleges and universities.
Test Comparison
| SAT | ACT | |
| Length | 3 hours, 45 minutes | 3 hours, 25 minutes (includes optional 30-minute Writing Test) |
| Sections | 10 Sections: 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing (including Essay), 1 Experimental (not scored) | 4 Sections (plus optional Writing Test): English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing |
| Subjects | Critical Reading
Math Writing |
English
Math Reading Science Writing (optional) |
| Reading | Reading passages with questions pertaining to comprehension and sentence completion | 4 passages, 10 questions per passage |
| Science | N/A | Science (analysis, knowledge, problem solving) |
| Math | Arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and algebra II | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry |
| Essay | Required | Optional (final section) |
| Score Composition | 1/3 Math
1/3 Reading 1/3 Writing |
¼ English
¼ Math ¼ Reading ¼ Science |
| Scoring | Aggregate score 600 – 2400 based on total of 3 scores 200- 800 (Reading, Math, Writing)
Score of 0-12 for Essay |
Composite score 1-36 based on average of 4 sections (English Math, Reading Science)
Score 0-12 for Optional Essay. |
| Penalties | Penalties (typically ¼ point deducted) for wrong answers | No penalties for incorrect answers |
| Score Choice | Student may choose which set(s) of SAT scores to submit to colleges but submission must be consistent with college SAT score choice policy | Student decides which scores are sent |
| Additional Information | www.collegeboard.com | www.actstudent.org |
