SAT & ACT
A NOTE from Ms. Hexter on SAT and ACT
I recommend all students take college entrance exams in spring of their junior year so there is time during the summer and fall of senior year to retake if necessary.
The majority of colleges/universities require a minimum score on the ACT or SAT to be admitted. To find out the minimum score requirements for the school you are interested in, check with the instituion's website.
How do the SAT and ACT compare?
The SAT and the ACT test almost identical material – with a few key exceptions.
1. The ACT tests slightly more complex, more advanced math.
Both exams test almost identical mathematical material. You need a strong grasp on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The New SAT has added some of the advanced concepts formerly reserved only for the ACT, but the ACT still tests greater DEPTH of these concepts. Roughly 9 out of the 60 problems on the ACT math section have to do with “advanced” mathematical concepts, including trigonometry, imaginary numbers, advanced geometric shapes, and logarithms, that are tested less superficially on this exam than they are on the SAT.
2. The SAT and ACT require identical grammatical and writing skills for the English / Writing + Language sections, and for the essays.
Not a single fact or concept is different on one test than on the other. If you learn all the material required for the SAT, you won’t need to learn a SINGLE new thing in order to get a perfect ACT score (and vice versa). It’s all a matter of strategy.
3. The essays you have to write are different. Not easier or harder, but different.
Both tests have optional essays that don’t affect your overall score (they give you a separate grade for the essays that colleges accept, but don't normally take into the consideration decision). The ACT gives you a set of arguments and asks you to pick the best one of the three options, with a bit of reasoning for why you think it’s best. The New SAT gives you a fully-written essay and then asks you to evaluate that essay and find the evidence, the reasoning elements, and the structure. Neither one is easier or harder, but they require different strategies – so the material differences between these essays is non-existent.
4. The scoring for each test is different.
Scores on the ACT are reported in the form of sub scale scores for each section and the composite score that ranges from 1-36. Currently the national average composite score on the ACT is 21. The lowest you can score on the SAT is 400 and the highest is 1600. The average score is 1000 with the average score of 500 per section.
Please see this conversion chart to see how your ACT versus SAT scores compare
what IS the difference between the tests?
Just because they test similar material does not mean that they’re similar exams. The difference between these two tests comes down to one key concept: PACING.
The ACT is fast-paced and more “time-intensive” than the SAT
ACT Time Per Problem
English: 75 problems in 45 minutes. (36 seconds per English problem.)
Reading: 40 problems in 35 minutes. (52.5 seconds per reading problem.)
Math: 60 problems in 60 minutes. (60 seconds per math problem.)
SAT Time Per Problem
Writing+ Language: 44 problems in 35 minutes. (48 seconds per Writing+ Language problem.)
Reading: 52 problems in 65 minutes. (75 seconds per reading problem)
Math: 58 problems in 80 minutes. (83 seconds per math problem.)
If you’re capable of maintaining your focus and working quickly, then you might be a big fan of the ACT (and you will have a HUGE edge on the competition). If you get stressed out easily, or don’t work well under time pressure, or need more time to think, the ACT might be your worst nightmare.
How Do I Choose?
My advice is always to take one of each test (even if it's a practice test through More Than a Teacher, etc.).
SAT - visit www.sat.org/register to register for the SAT through College Board.
ACT - visit www.act.org to register for the ACT.
How do I prepare?
SAT & ACT REgistration
The SAT and ACT are the required tests for college admissions. Students should take either test for the first time in the spring of their junior year. There is no limit to the amount of times a student can test, but here are some things to consider:
Students should take either test for the first time in the spring of junior year.
Students should test twice at a minimum. Regardless of the score on the first test, colleges want to see an attempt at improvement.
Report scores prior to taking the test. Students can report scores to a college prior to completing (or even beginning) an application.
Fee waivers are available for those who qualify. Check with your counselor for more details.
