ACT and SAT Comparison

	ACT	SAT
Length	3 hours, 25 minutes (includes the 30-min. optional Writing)	3 hours, 45 minutes
Sections	4 test sections English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Writing (5 w/ the Writing Test) English - punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style Math - pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. Reading - measures your reading comprehension. You're asked to read four passages and answer questions Science - measures the skills required in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving.	3 sections – Critical Reading, Math, Writing (includes essay) The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions. The writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage. The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.
Reading(ACT)/ Critical Reading (SAT)	4 Reading Comprehension passages, 10 questions per passage	Mix of Reading Comprehension and Sentence Completion questions that require vocabulary expertise
Science	Science (analysis, interpretations, evaluation, problem solving) covered	Science not included
Math	Math accounts for ¼ of overall score	Math accounts for 1/3 of overall score
Essay	Last thing you do (optional); 30 minutes	First thing you do; 25 minutes
Scoring	Total composite score of 1-36 (based on average of 4 tests) 4 scores of 1-36 for each test Score of 0-12 for the optional Essay	Total score out of 2400 3 scores of 200-800 for each section. 2 sub-scores of 20-80 for writing multiple choice and 0-12 for the Essay
Wrong Answer Penalty	No wrong answer penalty	Yes, ¼ point per wrong answer (except) for Math Grid-in questions)
Sending Score History	You decide which score is sent	Your entire score history will be sent automatically

The ACT, for students in grades 11 and 12. It measures students’ academic readiness for college in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT also includes an optional Writing Test. A curriculum-based test, The ACT assesses student mastery of both college readiness standards and, in many states, state learning standards.

Go to www.act.org for registration deadlines and testing dates.

The SAT tests what students know and how well they can apply that knowledge. SAT questions are based on the same subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms, such as geometry, grammar, algebra, and critical reading.

Go to www.collegeboard.com for registration deadlines and testing dates.

***NOTE**** University of California requires writing, so, if you choose the ACT make sure to also choose to take the optional writing section.