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SAT/ACT » What is the SAT and ACT

What is the SAT and ACT

What is the SAT and ACT?

Both the SAT and ACT are entrance exams used by colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, test created and administered by the College Board. The ACT is a  multiple-choice, test created and administered by ACT.

 

What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?

The ACT covers a broader set of knowledge (e.g including science) and requires answering more questions than the SAT. Students who excel at problem solving and have a strong 'natural' aptitude for math and verbal skills tend to do well SAT, whereas students who can move fast and solve many problems across domains, tend to perform slightly better on the ACT.

 

The purpose of both tests is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.

 

SAT Basics

SAT Length

3 hours (plus 50 minutes if taking optional Essay)

SAT Sections

●       Math

●       Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

●       Essay (optional)

SAT Cost

$68

Highest SAT Score

1600

Average SAT Score

1060

ACT Basics

ACT Length

2 hrs, 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if taking ACT with writing)

ACT Sections

●       English

●       Math

●       Reading

●       Science

●       Writing (optional)

Cost

Without Writing: $60  USD ($85 if taking ACT with writing portion)

Max. Score

36

Avg. Score

21

 

 

Please Note:

The California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC) no longer require SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarships. However, if a student is accepted to a CSU, they can submit their scores to help place them in the right math and written communication courses. To do this, students can include their ACT ID or College Board ID in the Standardized Tests section of their Cal State Apply application. At UC they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll
 
Some out-of-state universities still require SAT or ACT testing for admissions.