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
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4 Sections:
Optional Essay- 40 min. |
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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 |
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Math | Accounts for 50% of total score
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Accounts for 25% of the composite score
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Reading | 4 single passages and 1 paired passage
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4 long passages, one is usually a double passage
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English/Writing | Revise/edit passages for:
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Revise/edit passages for:
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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 |
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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 |
Wiley’s The Official ACT Prep Guide; McGraw Hills’s 500 ACT Math Questions to Know by Test Day |