Sat

SAT versus ACT

SAT  ACT Additional Info
Length 3 hours.    NO ESSAY 3 hours + 40 min. for 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 Optional 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

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