SAT versus ACT

	SAT	ACT	Additional Info
Length	3 hours NO ESSAY	3 hours + 40 min. for the optional essay
Structure	3 Sections: Reading: 65 min. – 52 questions Writing & Language: 35 min. – 44 questions Math: 2 Parts: -No calculator 25 min. – 20 questions -With calculator 55 min. – 38 questions	4 Sections: English: 45 min. – 75 questions Math: 60 min. – 60 questions Reading: 35 min. – 40 questions Science: 35 min. – 40 questions Optional Essay- 40 min.
Content	Emphasis on critical thinking, real-world problem solving and understanding context. *Common-core based	Requires knowledge of varied subjects. Questions are relatively straightforward. *Fast-paced
Math	Accounts for 50% of total score Pre-algrebra, algebra, geometry, basic trig. and advanced math topics No calculator on 1 of 2 Math sections 13 Grid-in questions (no answer choices) Formulas given	Accounts for 25% of the composite score Pre-algebra, algebra, coordinate and plane geometry, basic trigonometry Straightforward questions More emphasis on geometry than SAT Formulas not given
Reading	4 single passages and 1 paired passage 2 passages include diagrams and charts 1 passage from US “founding document” longer answer choices vocab questions embedded in the passage	4 long passages, one is usually a double passage straightforward questions requiring close reading of passages less time per question shorter answer choices vocabulary in context
English/Writing	Revise/edit passages for: grammar/usage punctuation sentence structure includes informational graphics	Revise/edit passages for: grammar/usage punctuation sentence structure commonly confused words	English sections are very similar on both tests
Science	No Science section on SAT but science-related questions are in Reading and Math sections	40 reasoning questions within 6-7 passages, charts, tables and diagrams to read and interpret
Essay	NONE	Final section – 40 min. Scored separately
Penalties	No penalty for wrong answers	No penalty for wrong answers	Answer every question! GUESS!
Scoring	Scale score (400-1600) (Reading/Writing + Math)	Composite score is the average of the four tests
Total Points	200-800 points per section. Highest score = 1600	1-36 points per section. Highest score = 36
National Avg.	Approximately 1050 as per CollegeBoard 2021	21
When to Register	6-8 weeks prior to test date	6-8 weeks prior to test date	Register early to avoid late fees and secure your desired test center!
More info? Texts we use:	www.collegeboard.org College Board’s The Official SAT Study Guide	www.act.org Wiley’s The Official ACT Prep Guide; McGraw Hills’s 500 ACT Math Questions to Know by Test Day