ACT/SAT – REQUIRED FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION: SAT vs. ACT The road to college can be a confusing and hectic experience. Choosing the right admissions test to take, (SAT or ACT) doesn’t have to be. While most colleges across the country accept scores from either test, the SAT and ACT are significantly different, and in many ways, they measure different skills. Use the information below to decide which test in best for you. SAT- COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM SAT Reasoning is one of two college entrance exams required by most colleges and universities. SAT Reasoning measures verbal and math reasoning ability needed to succeed in college-level work. Scores range from 200–800 on each section. A score of 500 on each section, or a total score of 1000, is generally in the top 50%. Pre-registration is required about six weeks in advance. Price: About $51.00 Subject to change Registration: By mail, or on-line at www.collegeboard.com Type: 10 tests, varying times ACT – COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM The ACT is one of the two college entrance exams required by most colleges and universities. ACT test skills in English, Math, Science Reasoning, and Reading. Scores range from 1 to 36 on each section. Those scores are combined into a composite score, which also ranges from 1 to 36. A score above 20 is generally in the top 50%. Pre-registration is required, about six weeks in advance. Price: About $30- $45. Subject to change Registration: By mail or on-line at www.actstudent.org Type: Four sections of varying lengths. ACT or SAT scores: Prep first for free: www.collegefortexans.com . Colleges want scores sent directly from the testing agencies. Send to 4 schools FREE with registration—codes are on the website. Have your transcript with you when you complete the registration form. If taking SAT register for the Reasoning Test which includes writing. If registering for the ACT, take the writing portion also. Some selective colleges require SAT Subject Tests. Check with colleges you will be applying to and ask which Subject Tests you should take—some require 2, some require 3, some accept ACT with writing in place of SAT subject tests—TALK TO THE COLLEGE!!!! DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE SAT ACT - No science section - No trigonometry questions - Vocabulary emphasized - Non multiple-choice questions - Science reasoning section - Math includes trigonometry - Vocabulary less important - Entirely multiple choice included - Guessing penalty - No English grammar - Math accounts for 50% of score - Questions go from easy to hard - No guessing penalty - English grammar tested - Math accounts for 25% of score - Easy and hard questions mixed within - In most sections SAT Critical - Reading is more like researching a Reading is like analyzing debate term paper - If you are good at - If you are more of a interpretation,you’ll do well on the SAT quantitativethinker, you might be comfortable onon the ACT Prepare for the SAT/ACT www.act.org www.collegeboard.com www.ets.org www.number2.com www.princetonreview.com www.testprep.com ACT/SAT SCORES Question: How is the score determined on the SAT/ACT? How do you read them? Answers: The SAT Reasoning Test has three scores: Critical Reading – Possible 800 score Math – Possible 800 score Writing – Possible 800 score Possible 2400 score Most admissions/scholarships emphasize the Critical Reading and Math Score – possible 1600 The ACT Subject Test has 4 subjects: English – Possible 36 score Math – Possible 36 score Science Reasoning – Possible 36 score Reading – Possible 36 score Composite score – Possible 36 SAT SUBJECT TESTS – COLLEGE ACHIEVEMENT EXAMS SAT Subject tests consist of a series of one hour achievement tests in various subjects. Some universities will require certain exams for admission and placement. Colleges or universities may award college credit for high scores above 560. You should register for these tests after you complete the highest level course in that subject that you plan to take. Up to three exams may be taken on any given Saturday, but SAT Reasoning may not be taken on the same date. The SAT Subject tests are given on Saturdays, about 6 times a year. Pre-registration is required about six weeks in advance. Price: Basic registration about $20, with each test ranging from $8 - $20. Subject to change. Registration: By mail, or on-line at www.collegeboard.com Type: One hour each subject. Solid Transcript: (Make sure you have an unofficial copy of your transcript to use when filling out applications, etc.—they will ask for GPA, courses taken, rank, etc.). Senior schedule needs math, science, English, social studies, packed full—you will be taking college entrance exams and colleges want to know you are not having a bad case of “senioritis”. Push now—easier later. A completed application: www.applytexas.org for Texas state colleges and universities,www.commonapp.org for selective schools or each individual college’s website. ACT Test Dates Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required) September 21, 2013 October 26, 2013 December 14, 2013 February 8, 2014 April 12, 2014 June 14, 2014 August 23, 2013 September 27, 2013 November 8, 2013 January 10, 2014 March 7, 2014 May 19, 2014 August 24- Sept. 6, 2013 September 28-Oct. 11, 2013 November 9- Nov. 22, 2013 January 11- Jan. 24, 2014 March 8- Mar. 21, 2014 May 10- May 23, 2014 SAT Test Dates U.S. Registration Deadlines 2009-10 Test Dates Test October 5, 2013 SAT & Subject Tests SAT & Subject Tests SAT & Subject Tests SAT & Subject Tests SAT only November 2, 2013 December 7, 2013 January 25, 2014 March 8, 2014 Regular Registration Deadline (postmark/submit by) September 6, 2013 October 3, 2013 November 8, 2013 December 27, 2013 February 7, 2013 May 3, 2014 June 7, 2014 SAT & Subject Tests SAT & Subject Tests April 14, 2014 May 9, 2014