SAT vs. ACT

SAT ACT

How often 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.	Five- section exams: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional); Experimental section is added to test on certain dates only, and is clearly experimental
What is the test content?	Math: up to 9^th grade basic geometry and Algebra II Critical 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 Writing: an essay
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?	Yes. ¼ point subtracted for each wrong answer.	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, average together for a composite score—a 36 is the highest possible composite score
Are all scores sent to schools?	No. Beginning with the Class of 2010, you decide which test score is sent	No. There is a “Score Choice” option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the school will see.
Are there other uses for the exams?	Scholarship purposes Certain statewide testing programs	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?	The College Board: collegeboard.com	ACT, Inc.: (319) 337-1000, ACTStudent.org