SAT Test vs ACT Test

Read the following to your students, or have several students take turns reading each section out loud.

When finished, review the following concepts with your students:

     1- Is it mandatory to take the SAT?

     2- Can you study for the SAT and the ACT?

     3- Can you retake the SAT to improve your score?

     4- What are the three components of the SAT?

What is the SAT?

The SAT is a three-hour examination that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning. Many colleges and universities use your SAT test results as part of the data on which they base admissions decisions. The College Board, a non-profit association based in New York City, runs the SAT program.

In recent years, more California high school seniors, both in number and percentage, have taken the SAT. Currently, about 52 percent of California's high school seniors take the test, although many students take the SAT test one or more times in their sophomore and junior years.

Can I study for the SAT?

There are many online and book resources that can be used to study for the SAT. There are also many services out there that can help you study. Reviewing math and vocabulary are important factors in achieving the best possible SAT score. Also, students who spend time doing practice questions tend to be more familiar and more comfortable taking the SAT’s.

Can I re-take the SAT?

Yes, but most colleges require your application to be ‘complete’ before they will look at it. Taking the SAT’s during the Spring of your senior year will be way too late. Students frequently send out their college applications during the summer after their junior year.

What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?

There are three major differences between the ACT and SAT. Some schools want their students to take the SAT; some schools want their students to take the ACT. The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of

an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities. The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.

 The SAT has only 3 components: Verbal, Mathematics, and a required Writing Test.

 As of 2005, the SAT now has a mandatory writing test. The ACT continues to offer its wellestablished test, plus an optional writing test. Some colleges require students who apply to take both the ACT and SAT. The SAT still remains the more popular of the two tests for college admission.

Checking with your college(s) of choice is important in determining which test is required.