SAT/ACT/Subject Tests
SAT
SAT vs. ACT
 TYPE:
Reasoning, Problem Solving, Aptitude Test
Sample Question: What is your view of the
claim that something unsuccessful can
still have some value?
 CONTENT:
Math- Algebra 1, Basic Geometry & Algebra 2
Reading- Sentence completion, short & long
reading passages, reading comprehension
Writing- An essay, questions related to:
grammar, usage, & word choice
 FORMAT:
Begin with 25 minute essay, alternate
randomly from math, reading and writing
in 10-25 minute sections
 SCORING:
Each section is 200-800 points, 2400 is the
highest score.
There is a guessing penalty.
ACT
 TYPE:
Knowledge, Curriculum, Achievement Test
Sample Question: In your view, should high schools
become more tolerant of cheating?
 CONTENT:
Math- Algebra and Geometry up to Trigonometry
Reading- Four passages: Prose Fiction, Social
Science, Humanities and Natural Science
English- Grammar
Science- Charts & Experiments
Writing- Optional, but cannot be used in place of
the SATs if not completed at most institutions
 FORMAT:
Begin with and alternate randomly between 35-60
minute sections of Math, Reading, Science, or
English, complete with “optional” 30 minute
writing section
 SCORING:
Each subject is scored 1-36 and averaged to create a
composite score, 36 is the highest possible score
There is no guessing penalty.
(At some institutions ACT scores can be used in
place of SAT & SAT subject tests)
SAT Composite Score
(Math, CR & W)
2400
2340-2390
2280-2330
2220-2270
2160-2210
2100-2150
2040-2090
1980-2030
1920-1970
1860-1910
1800-1850
1740-1790
1680-1730
1620-1670
1560-1610
1500-1550
1440-1490
1380-1430
1320-1370
1260-1310
1200-1250
1140-1190
1080-1130
1020-1070
960-1010
900-950
ACT Composite Score
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
SAT Composite Score
(Math & CR only)
1600
1540-1590
1490-1530
1440-1480
1400-1430
1360-1390
1330-1350
1290-1320
1250-1280
1210-1240
1170-1200
1130-1160
1090-1120
1050-1080
1020-1040
980-1010
940-970
900-930
860-890
820-850
770-810
720-760
670-710
620-660
560-610
510-550
WHEN SHOULD I TEST?
 Students took the PSAT in October of their sophomore and junior
years (during the school day).
 SAT/ACT practice tests through PTO/Kaplan (2/9/2013 – results
available within a couple of weeks)
 Students should sit for their first SAT and/or ACT starting January 2013
(later for students who are enrolled in Algebra 2)
 Statistics show students often see an improvement in their score from
the first testing to the second, but not generally on a third testing
unless some sort of prep is completed
Testing 2012-2013
SAT Test Dates
ACT Test Dates
 Dec 1, 2012
 Dec 8, 2012
 Jan 26, 2013 – at GVHS
 Feb 9, 2013
 March 9, 2013 – at GVHS
 April 13, 2013 – at GVHS
 May 4, 2013
 June 8,2013
 June 1, 2013 – at GVHS
HOW DO I REGISTER?
SAT: Online Registration(collegeboard.com)
ACT: Online Registration(actstudent.org)
*New This Year…
 Photo i.d. is required to register
 Photo i.d. and admission ticket must be presented
to entering testing room
 Standby testing eliminated – must register online
and be placed on waitlist
TEST PREP
 PSAT results in December
 PTO/Kaplan- Practice ACT, SAT, Combo test
 COURSES (GVHS/Private Classes/Individual
Tutoring)
 Resources on Collegeboard/ACT Websites
 Kaplan Free Online SAT/ACT Prep
 Books
 My College QuickStart
SUBJECT TESTS (aka SAT II’s)
Admission tests that measure students’ knowledge and skills in
particular subject areas.
Not required by the majority of colleges and universities but
many of the most competitive colleges recommend or
require that applicants take two or more subject tests.
**Many schools accept the ACT (with writing)in lieu of subject tests
Subject Tests (cont’d)
 English Literature
 Which subject test(s)
 World Languages
should students take?
 When should subject
tests be taken?
 When are subject tests
are offered?
 How many subject tests
can students take?
 U.S. & World History
 Math (level I and II)
 Science
 Biology
 Chemistry
 Physics
REPORTING SCORES
SAT/SUBJECT TESTS
 Official Scores - must be sent
directly from the CollegeBoard
 Score Choice – gives students
the option of sending or
suppressing test scores
 Cost – 4 free score reports
(must be determined at time of
registration or up to 9 days after
testing). $11 per report after this
period.
Test scores do not appear on
high school transcript
ACT
 Official Scores – must be sent
directly from ACT
 Score Choice – can choose
which test dates you want sent
 Cost - $11 per report (4 free
reports when designated at
registration)
Test scores do not appear on
high school transcript
Additional Information
 Testing Accommodations
Must obtain prior approval through testing agency
 Fee Waivers
Check testing agency’s website for eligibility
requirements
 Test optional schools
Fairtest.org/university/optional