SAT VS. ACT

SCORING

SAT

maximum score 1600

3 subjects: Critical Reading, Writing, Math

overall score = reading/writing average + math ACT

Maximum score 36

4 subjects: English, Math, Reading, Science

composite score = average of 4 section scores

FORMAT

SAT

Critical Reading: 52 questions, 65 minutes

Writing: 44 questions, 35 minutes

Math, non-calculator: 20 questions, 25 minutes

Math with calculator: 38 questions, 55 minutes

ACT

English: 75 questions, 45 minutes

Math: 60 questions, 60 minutes

Reading: 40 questions, 35 minutes

Science: 40 questions, 35 minutes

READING

SAT

More challenging, involves finding evidence to support answers

ACT

Fast-paced but straightforward comprehension

WRITING/ENGLISH

both tests: grammar

MATH

SAT

Mostly algebra, emphasis on academic content

ACT

Broad range of material, emphasis on general problem-solving

Note: both tests cover material through Algebra II/Trig or Math 3. Students who are currently taking this course should wait until the end of the school year to test.

SCIENCE

SAT

No science section, but similar problems in Reading and Math sections

ACT

Filtering information, reading diagrams, logic

(NOT based on academic science coursework)