|
SAT |
ACT |
How often is it administered? |
7 times per year |
6 times per year
|
What is the test structure? |
10-section exam: 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing, and 1 Experimental. The Experimental section is masked to look like a regular section. |
5-section exam: English, Math, Reading, Science, Reasoning, and Writing (optional). An Experimental section is added to tests on certain dates only, and is clearly experimental. |
What is the test content? |
Math: up to geometry and algebra II
Reading: sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, reading comprehension |
Math: up to trigonometry
Science: charts, graphs, and data interpretation
Reading: four passages, one each of Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science |
Is there a penalty for wrong answers? |
Yes, 1/4 of a point for each wrong answer on multiple-choice questions |
No |
How is the test scored? |
200-800 per section, added together for a score of 600-2400. 2-12 for the essay. |
1-36 for each subject, averaged for a composite score. 2-12 for the Writing Test. |
Are all scores sent to schools? |
Yes. If a student requests a score report be sent to specific colleges, the report includes the scores the student received on every SAT taken. |
No. There is a "Score Choice" option. Students can choose which schools receive their scores AND which scores the schools see. |
Are there other uses for the exams? |
Scholarship purposes and certain statewide testing programs |
Scholarship purposes and certain statewide testing programs |
Need more information? |
Education Testing Service (ETS):
609-771-7600 or ETS.org
The College Board: collegeboard.com |
ACT, Inc:
319-337-1270
ACTstudent.org |
