SAT or ACT? Which test is right for you? When can you take them?
The main differences between the two tests have to do with the format, content, length of test and scoring. The SAT is a 10-section exam lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes. The SAT includes three Critical Reading, three Math, and three Writing sections. One additional section is experimental (not scored) and can be an extra section of Critical Reading, Math, or Writing. (Warning: You have no way of knowing which section is experimental, so take all the sections as though they count!) The SAT Writing section includes an essay, scored from 2-12, which is factored into the overall Writing score. Each section (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) is scored out of 800, making the highest possible total score 2400.
Unlike the SAT, which requires students to produce their own answers on part of the Math section, all four scored sections of the ACT are entirely multiple-choice. The ACT covers English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. The writing portion of the ACT is optional (even though some colleges require it), and the essay score is not included in the overall composite score. With this 30-minute optional writing section, the ACT is 3 hours and 25 minutes long. The total ACT composite score is an average of all four sections, which are each scored on a scale of 1-36. While the math on the SAT tests up to basic geometry and Algebra 2, the ACT includes up to trigonometry. Although one test isn’t better than the other, depending on your strengths you may find one to be easier. The ACT is more of a knowledge-based test than the SAT; therefore, it is a good idea to practice each to see which is better for you.
SAT Tests
| Date | Test | Application Deadline | Late Deadline | Scores Reported Online | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 2012 | SAT and Subject Tests |
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October 26, 2012 | ||
| November 3, 2012 | SAT and Subject Tests | October 4, 2012 | October 19, 2012 | November 21, 2012 | ||
| December 1, 2012 | SAT and Subject Tests | November 1, 1012 | November 16, 2012 | December 21, 2012 | ||
| January 26, 2013 | SAT and Subject Tests | December 28, 2013 | January 11, 2013 | February 5, 2013 | ||
| March 9, 2013 | SAT ONLY | February 8, 2013 | February 22, 2013 | March 29, 2013 | ||
| May 4, 2013 | SAT and Subject Tests | April 5, 2013 | April 19, 2013 | May 24, 2013 | ||
| June 1, 2013 | SAT and Subject Tests | May 2, 2013 | May 17, 2013 | June 21, 2013 |
After the October, January, and May tests, students may request the Question and Answer Service and get back a physical copy of the test booklet and their responses to each question. This allows them to prepare for future versions of the test by knowing exactly which questions they’ve missed.
The regular registration fee on the SAT is $50. The late registration fee is $77. The QAS service adds an additional $20. Subject tests are $23 per test date and $23 per test (students may take up to 3).
Check with College Board for more information on the SAT.
ACT Tests
| Date | Test | Application Deadline | Late Deadline | Scores Reported Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2012 | ACT | August 17, 2012 | August 24, 2012 | September 24, 2012 |
| October 27, 2012 | ACT | September 21, 2012 | October 5, 2012 | November 12, 2012 |
| December 8, 2012 | ACT | November 2, 2012 | November 16, 2012 | December 24, 2012 |
| February 9, 2013 | ACT | January 11, 2013 | January 18, 2013 | February 26, 2013 |
| April 13, 2013 | ACT | March 8, 2013 | March 22, 2013 | April 29, 2013 |
| June 8, 2013 | ACT | May 3, 2013 | May 17, 2013 | June 24, 2013 |
After the December, April, and June tests, students may request the Test Information Release and get back a physical copy of the test booklet and responses to each question. This allows them to prepare for future iterations of the test by knowing exactly which questions they’ve missed.
The regular registration fee for the ACT is $50.50, or $35 without the Writing Test. Late registration for the ACT is $72.50. The Test Information Release adds an additional $18.
Check with act.org for more information on the ACT.
PSAT Test
| Date | Test |
|---|---|
| October 17, 2012 | PSAT |
| October 20, 2012 | PSAT |
The 2012 PSAT/NMSQT test dates are Wednesday, October 17 and Saturday, October 20. You must sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT at your high school or at another high school in your community. This test is administered by high schools, not through test centers. Online registration for the PSAT/NMSQT is not available. Please note that each high school chooses only one October test date.
If you would like to take the PSAT/NMSQT, contact your high school counselor.
