Should I Take the SAT or the ACT?
All four-year colleges accept either the ACT (American College
Test) or the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). Check with the
universities to which you are applying as some prefer one over
the other. Because research indicates many students perform
differently on the ACT and SAT, it may benefit you to take both.
Colleges typically use the higher score for admission, scholarship
and athletic eligibility. Students applying to a UC must add the
optional ACT Writing component and may be required to take
specific SAT Subject tests (depending on your major).
IMPORTANT: Your registration fee includes having your scores
sent to four schools ($12 for each additional school). Take
advantage of this opportunity and save money!!!
What’s the Difference?
ACT (www.act.org)
- Science, Math, Reading,
English
- Accepted nationally
- Curriculum based
- No penalty for wrong
answers
- Multiple-choice
- Basic Fee: $36.50
ACT + Writing $52.50
- Writing essay: 30 min.
- Perfect score: 36
SAT (www.sat.collegeboard.org)
- Critical Reading
Math, Writing
- Accepted nationally
- Reasoning
- ¼ point penalty for
each wrong answer
- Math grid-ins
- Basic Fee: $52.50
- Subject Test Registration: $26
Each Subject Test: $16
- Writing: 25 min.
- Perfect score: 2400
$ Money Saving Tip! Use code 3594 to send SAT scores to all CSUs. Use code 9999 to send scores to the NCAA. SAT scores sent to one UC
will be sent to all UCs. ACT scores must be sent to each individual college where you will apply.
Fall SAT and ACT Test Dates:
ACT
SAT Reasoning & Subject Tests (SAT II)
Test(s)
SAT I or II
SAT I or II
SAT I or II
Test
Dates
Oct. 11
Nov. 8
Dec. 6
Registration Deadlines
Regular
Late
Sept. 12
Sept.30
Oct. 9
Oct. 28
Nov. 6
Nov. 24
Tests Dates
Sept. 13
Oct. 25
Dec. 13
Registration Deadlines
Regular
Late
Aug. 8
Aug 22
Sept. 19
Oct. 3
Nov. 7
Nov. 21
When Should I Take These Tests? Take the required tests at least once by the spring of the junior year. Students applying to
UC campuses may be required to take specific SAT Subject Tests for impacted majors (check individual department information).
Subject tests are best taken following completion of a corollary subject (e.g. biology after completing physiology, Math II after
completing H Pre-Calculus, etc.). Here are some benefits to testing in the junior year:
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You will have your scores early (and take some stress out of the application process in your senior year)
You may decide to take additional classes to try and improve your scores
You have time to retest, if desired
Colleges will have an early indication of your interests and may send you timely information
Students planning to complete 60 transferable units at the community college (transfer as a junior) are not required to take an
SAT or ACT. We recommend taking at least one test, however, ‘just in case’ you change your mind in the senior year.
ACT and SAT Test Prep Opportunities
It is a good idea to practice and prepare for any test. The ACT and SAT are no different! True, you can’t cram a lifetime of
knowledge into a few weeks, but you can get a ‘feel’ for the test format(s), learn how to strategize when answering questions
and refresh math and vocabulary skills. Students at WHS have different resources to help in this preparation effort, including:
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Free Kaplan ACT and SAT Online Prep. www.kaptest.com/kas. Use current promo code from Kaplan flyer. Under
“Free Resources”, click on SAT or ACT prep. Complete the registration information and use the promo code. This should
bring your total to 0.00. Save your password information!
Complete KAPLAN SAT Prep. On-site classes offered at WHS. See Ms. Griffin, in the College and Career Center for
registration information. Cost is $699. (Scholarships are available for students on free or reduced lunch.)
Tastor and Becker SAT Prep: David Tastor and Scott Becker, Granite Bay IB and AP English and Mathematics teachers at
Granite Bay HS, have offered SAT Prep for the past 10 years. 8 Hour Math and English preparation sessions offered
separately. Cost is $150 per 8 hour course. Visit www.granitebaytestprep.com.
Purchase an SAT or ACT Prep book (e.g.Peterson’s or Princeton Review) at your local bookstore) or check one out for
free at the College & Career Center. Plus, visit the College & Career Center for a list of additional prep opportunities.
Go to www.sat.collegeboard.org or www.act.org for opportunities to take practice tests.