ACT/SAT Comparisons

Below is a table with estimated ACT and SAT

score comparisons.

Other College Tests

PSAT/NMSQT
This is a practice test for the SAT thats given in
October. This test is also used to determine National
Merit semifinalists. This PSAT is primarily a test
for juniors, but many sophomores take it also. All
college bound students should take the PSAT.
SAT Subject Tests
These one-hour tests measure a students knowledge
in specific subject areas (biology, French, etc.). Some
colleges require or recommend that students take
one or more Subject Tests. To register, go to sat.
collegeboard.org.

ACT

SAT

ACT

SAT

36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27

2400
2330
2250
2180
2120
2060
2000
1940
1880
1820

26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17

1770
1710
1650
1590
1530
1470
1410
1350
1290
1230

TESTS

Should you take the ACT or the SAT?

While many students take both the ACT and SAT,
some college admissions counselors recommend
that you take a practice test for both, and then spend
all of your time and energy preparing for the test
youre likely to do better on.
For advice on which test you should take, talk to
your counselor or contact the admissions office(s)
of the college(s) you are considering.

AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International

Baccalaureate) Tests
Many high schools offer AP and/or IB courses. These
courses are equivalent in content and difficulty to
college level courses. Students can take an exam at
the end of an AP or IB course and, if their score is high
enough, they may be awarded college credit.

College InfoGuide
WOODBURN PRESS

For additional information on any of

these tests, see your counselor.

College

College InfoGuide

College Tests Item 612

www.woodburnpress.com
Copyrighted Material
2015 Edition

College

TESTS

Most 4-year colleges require that

students submit ACT or SAT scores
as part of the application process.
ACT/SAT test scores are just one of the many
factors that colleges use to decide whether
or not to accept an applicant.

All colleges accept both ACT and SAT scores.

You should take the ACT and/or SAT in the

spring of your junior year. If you want to
improve your scores, you will then have time
to retake them.

If youre applying to a competitive program

or college, or are applying for a scholarship,
having high test scores can be important.

You can retake the ACT or SAT as many times

as you want.

About the Test

The best way to prepare for the ACT and SAT

is to take college prep courses in high school.

About the Test

The SAT has 3 sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics,
and Writing.

The ACT has 4 multiple-choice tests: English, Mathematics,

Reading, and Science. It also has an optional Writing Test.

The ACT is offered nationally in September, October,

December, February, April, and June. Its given on Saturday
mornings, and it takes approximately four hours.

Registering for the ACT

The SAT is offered nationally in October, November,

December, January, March, May, and June. Its given on
Saturday mornings, and it takes approximately four hours.

Registering for the SAT

Students can register online at sat.collegeboard.org.
Students should register 6-8 weeks before the test.

To register online, go to actstudent.org. Students should

register 6-8 weeks before the test date.

Once registered, students receive instructions and an

Admission Ticket to get into the test.

Preparing for the ACT

Read Preparing for the ACT. This free study guide is available
at actstudent.org and in high school guidance offices. It
provides valuable information, tips, and a practice test.

There are numerous books and computer programs with

practice questions and tests to help students prepare for
the ACT (The Real ACT Prep Guide, ACT Online Prep program).

Be sure to take at least one practice test.

ACT Scores
Students receive a score (1-36) for each test, and an overall
Composite score. The Writing Test score does not affect a
students Composite score.

Since there is no penalty for guessing, students should

answer every question.

The SAT

The ACT

Score reports are released 3 - 8 weeks after the test date.

Once registered, students receive instructions and an

Admission Ticket to get into the test.

Preparing for the SAT

Getting Ready for the SAT, a free study guide, is available
online and in guidance offices. For online questions and
a practice test, go to sat.collegeboard.org/practice. Be sure
to take at least one practice test.

SAT Scores
Students receive a score (200-800) for each section.

Since there is a slight penalty for each incorrect answer,

when students have no idea which answer is correct, they
should leave it blank. When students can eliminate one
or more choices, they should make an educated guess.

Score reports are released 5 weeks after the test date.

New Redesigned SAT

In March 2016, students will take a redesigned SAT. For
information on the changes, go to sat.collegeboard.org