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SAT vs. ACT

SAT vs. ACT

Which One Should I Take???

 

  SAT ACT
Why Take It? Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships
Test Structure
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Writing and Language
  • Essay (optional)
  • Math
  • Reading
  • English
  • Science
  • Essay (optional)
Length
  • 3 hours (without essay)
  • 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
  • 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
  • 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages
Science None 1 science section testing your critical thiking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
Math

Covers:

  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra I & II
  • Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Analysis

Covers:

  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra I & II
  • Geometry and Trigonometry
Tools Some math questions don’t allow you to use a calculator You can use a calculator on all math questions.
Essays Optional.  The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. Optional.  The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
How It’s Scored Scored on a scale of 400 – 1600 Scored on a scale of 1 – 36

 

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