sat-vs-act

WHY CHOOSE ONE?

WE PREPARE YOU FOR BOTH!

 

SAT

ACT

Test Fee

$78 – $107.50, depending on location $93.50
$109.50 (with writing)



Test Purpose

Designed to measure: Designed to measure academic achievement in:
Reading Reading
Mathematics Mathematics
Writing and Language English
The SAT Essay (optional) Writing (optional)
Science



Accepted for University Admission

Accepted by all US colleges. Accepted by all colleges and universities in the US and more than 225 other universities around the world.



US High School Graduates Tested in 2015

1,548,198 1,924,436



Test Content

SAT Mathematics (Total 58 items, 80 minutes) ACT Mathematics Test (60 items, 60 minutes)
Calculator Portion (38 items, 55 Minutes) Multiple-Choice 100%
Multiple-Choice 79%, Grid-In 21%    Preparing for higher math
   Heart of Algebra      Number & Quantity
   Problem Solving and Data Analysis      Algebra
   Passport to Advanced Math      Functions
   Other Topics      Geometry
No-Calculator Portion (20 Items with 25 minutes)      Statistics & Probability
Multiple-Choice 75%, Grid-In 25%    Integrating essential skills
   Heart of Algebra    Modeling
   Passport to Advanced Math
   Other Topics ACT Reading Test (40 items, 35 minutes)
Multiple-Choice 100%
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing    Key ideas and details
Reading Test (52 Items, 65 Minutes)    Craft and structure
   US and World Literature    Integration of knowledge and ideas
   History/Social Studies
   Science ACT English Test (75 items, 45 minutes)
Writing and Language Test (44 items, 35 minutes) Multiple-Choice 100%
   Careers    Production of Writing
   History/Social Studies      Topic Development
   Humanities      Organization, Unity and Cohesion
   Science    Knowledge of Language
   Conventions of Standard English
     Sentence Structure and Formation
     Punctuation
     Usage
No Science Test ACT Science Test (40 items, 35 minutes)
Note:  Reading subject test is constructed of  40% science and the Writing and Language subject test is constructed of 25% science. Multiple-Choice 100%
   Interpretation of data
   Scientific investigation
   Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and
experimental results
   Passage Formats on the Science Test:
     Data Representation
     Research Summaries
     Conflicting Viewpoints
SAT Essay (optional) (1 task, 50 minutes) ACT Writing Test (optional) (1 prompt, 40 minutes)
Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text. Measures writing skills emphasized in high school.  English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.  Consists of one 40-minute essay.



Method of Scoring

Scores based on number of right answers.  No penalty for incorrect answers. Scores based on number of right answers.  No penalty for incorrect answers.



Test Score Scales

SAT Composite Score: 400-1600 ACT Composite Score: 1-36
   Sum of two section scores    Average of four test scores
   Does not include essay    Does not include writing
SAT Mathematics:  200-800 ACT Mathematics Test:  1-36
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and
Writing: 200-800
ACT Reading Test:  1-36
No Science Test ACT English Test: 1-36
SAT Essay (optional): 200-800 ACT Science Test:  1-36
ACT Writing Test (optional): 2-12
Additional Scores and Indicators
(New readiness scores and indicators give students, parents, and educators more detailed insights to better plan for future success.)
   STEM Score: 1-36
   ELA Score:  1-36
   Progress Toward Career Readiness Indicator
   Text Complexity Progress Indicator



Student Information

Student Descriptive Questionnaire Student Profile Section
   Background (Demographics) When students complete the Profile section, ACT connects their unique interests, abilities, and values with potential education and career paths.
   Academic Background    Admission/Enrollment Information
   High School and Community Activities    Educational Plans, Interests, and Goals
   Sports    College Extracurricular Plans
   Student Plans for College    Financial Aid
   Background Information (Demographics)
   High School Courses, Grades, and Extracurricular Activities
   Out of Class Accomplishments
Educational and Career Planning
   ACT Interest Inventory
   ACT World-of-Work Map
College Majors and Programs



Common Uses

Admissions Admissions
Talent Identification Talent Identification
Academic Advising Academic Advising
Awarding Scholarships (not sole criterion) Freshman Course Placement Decisions
Awarding Course Credit, Especially in English and Math Courses
Awarding Scholarships (not sole criterion)



Research Services

Class Profile Service Class Profile Service
Validity Research Service Admissions Service
Course Placement Service
Retention Research Service (ACT EIS)