SAT

ACT

When is it administered?

Seven times per year

Six times per year

What is the test structure?

Ten-section exam: Three Critical Reading, three Math, three Writing, and one Experimental. The Experimental section is masked to look like a regular section.

Four-section exam: English, Math, Reading , and Science Reasoning. An Experimental section is added to tests on certain dates only, and is clearly experimental.

What is the test content?

Math: up to 9th grade basic geometry and Algebra II. Science: none.
Reading : sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, reading comprehension.
Writing: an essay, and questions testing grammar, usage, and word choice.

Math: up to trigonometry. Science: charts, experiments. Reading : four passages, one each of Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science.
English: stresses grammar.

Is there a penalty for wrong answers?

Yes

No

How is the test scored?

200-800 per section, added together for a combined score. A 2400 is the highest possible combined score.

1-36 for each subject, averaged for a composite score. A 36 is the highest possible composite score.

Are all scores sent to schools?

Yes. If a student requests a score report be sent to specific colleges, the report will include the scores the student received on every SAT taken.

No. There is a "Score Choice" option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the schools will see.

Are there other uses for the exams?

Scholarship purposes

Scholarship purposes. Certain statewide testing programs

Best time to register?

At least six weeks before the test date

At least four weeks before the test date

Need more information?

Educational Testing Service (ETS)
(609) 771-7600    www.ets.org
The College Board    www.collegeboard.com

ACT, Inc.
(319) 337-1000    www.ACT.org