The Different Exams

• Colleges and universities use equally the SAT and the ACT to evaluate prospective students. It is recommended that students take the SAT and/or ACT once during the spring of their junior year and once during the fall of their senior year. There are also schools that don't require either exam as part of their admissions requirements. Here is a List of Test-Optional Schools.
• The ACT is a national college admissions test that consists of subject area tests in english, mathematics, reading and science.
• The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a multiple-choice and essay test that tests verbal and mathematical aptitude as well as writing skills. ar.
• The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT. For juniors, the PSAT is also the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship programs. PSAT scores are not sent to colleges.
• The SAT Subject Tests measure knowledge actually gained in the classroom (i.e. achievement rather than aptitude). SAT Subject Tests consist of one hour multiple–choice tests in specific subjects. Not all colleges require the Subject Tests for admission or placement purposes. No college requires more than three SAT Subject Tests, though a student may choose to take any number. It is your responsibility to find out how many and which SAT Subject Tests are required by the college to which you are applying. These tests should be taken at the end of a one–year course, such as biology, and as late as possible in continuing courses, such as foreign languages. Students who are Early Decision/Action candidates may be required to complete three SAT Subject Tests by the June testing date of their junior year.

REGISTER

The ACT and SAT require students to set up an account and register for the test online.

ACT registration : www.actstudent.org/start Test prep is free.

SAT registration : www.sat.collegeboard.org Sign up for the question of the day.

To see a comparison of the two tests :

• For ACT's comparison chart click HERE
• For SAT's comparison chart click HERE

SCORES and CODES

You can send scores up to four schools and/or NCAA at no charge. Additional fees apply to sent more than four. Scores sent after the test date will incur fees as well. Colleges and Universities will use your highest score when considering your application so choose to have them sent when you sign up to take the test.

• When you send your scores to one UC they are accessible by all UCs.
• Use code 3594 and your SAT scores will be sent to all the CSUs.
• Use code 9999 to send SAT scores to the NCAA.

ONLINE TEST PREP

Khan Academy : https://www.khanacademy.org/ Download full test, watch video tutorials, and practice using interactive questions.

SparksNotes Test Prep : http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/ Free SAT and ACT practice tests and online prep books.