ACT AND
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
ACT: What is it?
• Another national college admissions test that can be
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taken with or in place of SAT
Four test areas: English, Math, Reading, Science
Two versions of the test: ACT or ACT Plus Writing
Takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete
Scored out of 36
Difference between SAT and ACT
• Test on generally the same material, except science
• ACT is an achievement test, measuring what students are
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learning in school
SAT is an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal
abilities
Usually, students who do well in school do better on the
ACT because it corresponds better with school material
The writing section is optional (but many college require
the writing section so check!)
No penalty for guessing
4 answer options, not 5
Differences Cont’d…
• ACT questions are said to be more straightforward
• Less emphasis on vocabulary
• ACT tests more advanced math
• Has four general sections, not broken into many parts like
SAT
Schools and their ACT Policy
• All American four-year colleges accept ACT
• Many schools will take the ACT Plus Writing in place of
SAT
Which Should You Take?
• Depends on which format you feel most comfortable with
• Work through some practice questions from both exams
and evaluate which you understand better
• More students are taking both to keep options open
Practice Materials
• To start, use the Real ACT Prep Guide
• But other great practice books are published by the
Princeton Review, Barron’s, and Kaplan
• FREE online resources: varsitytutors.com
• The ACT website, actstudent.org, has a free practice test
and practice questions
• Studying for the SAT will help with preparation for the ACT
How to Register
• Go to actstudent.org
• Make an account and then follow the directions on the
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website
Next exam: April 12  late registration by March 21
Last exam for school year: June 14  register by May 9
Fewer exam dates than the SAT
Fee:
• ACT: $36.50
• ACT Plus Writing: $52.50
• Fee waiver for ACT, check with guidance counselor
What are the SAT Subject Tests?
• National admissions test that measures students’
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knowledge in one particular subject
Closely linked to a high school curriculum
Gives students the chance to distinguish themselves and
prove proficiency in particular subjects
Out of 800 points (kind of like one SAT section)
Lasts one hour
Administered on same dates as SATs, but not all subjects
always offered
Can take up to 3 subject tests each test date
School Policy on Subject Tests
• Schools differ significantly on this
• Some don’t require exams at all
• Many private schools require two  BUT, they often make
an exception to the subject test rule if you take the ACT
Plus Writing
Format of the Exam
• Multiple choice
• Differs from subject to subject
• Main subject areas:
• Language
• Language with Listening- need a CD player to listen and then
answer multiple choice questions
• Math 1 and 2
• History
• Sciences- Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics
• Literature
Which should you take?
• Many students take the exams that correspond to their AP
exams
• Which subjects are your strong points?
• Which do you enjoy at school?
• What do you want to major in?
• Sometimes, colleges like to see your ability and strength in the
subject you are planning on studying.
How to Register
• Same process at the SAT exam
• Go to collegeboard.com, make an account
• How many exams should you register for?
• Personal recommendation: two per test date
• But, the interesting thing is that you can arrive at the test center on
the date and change which tests you take and the number of tests
you take
• This is because they give you a big booklet with all the subject
tests in them so you are allowed to change which exams you take
• Fees: $24.50 for basic fee and then $24 for a language
with listening test and $13 for all other subject tests (per
test)
• Look into fee waivers with guidance counselor!
QUESTBRIDGE
GUEST SPEAKER
ACT PRACTICE
QUESTIONS
ACT Preparation
• http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/
Next week, join us for…
• A special visit from Kathy Czepiel of Quinnipiac University
to discuss how to write a good academic paper for college
• Seniors are welcome to attend! This will be very helpful
for you
• Note: If you haven’t filled out the REACH Googledoc,
please do before you leave today!
QUESTIONS?
WWW.NEWHAVENREACH.COM
Student Resources Section
Info@NewHavenREACH.com