Are you interested in going away to a certain college?  If so you may of heard that you will need to take a SAT or ACT test.  So what is the difference you ask?  There are quite a few differences between the two.  Below are some of the things to keep in mind when choosing which test you are interested in taking.

SAT - (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

  • This test is timed for 3 hours and 45 minutes.
  • There are 10 sections to this test: 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing, and 1 Experimental.
  • The areas that you’re tested in are: Critical Reading, Math, Writing (including an essay), and experimental.
  • Science is not included.
  • Your math grade is 1/3 of the SAT grade.
  • Math involves: Arithmatic, Algebra I and II, and Geometry.
  • Usually the first thing you do when you start the test is the 25 minute long essay.
  • Your total score is out of 2400, (3 scores of 200-800 for each section and 0-12 for the essay.)
  • 1/4 point subtracted per wrong answer.
  • Sending – This score is sent automatically.

ACT – (American College Testing)

  • This test is timed for 3 hours and 25 minutes.
  • There are 4 test sections, although there can be 5 (writing is optional).  They include Math, English, Science Reading and Writing (optional).
  • It includes science (analysis, interpretation, evaluation, basic content, and problem solving).
  • Math counts for 1/4 of your overall score.
  • The math is based on: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • The test is out of 36 total points.  There are 4 scores of 1-36 for each test and a score of 0-12 for the optional essay.
  • There is no wrong answer penalty.
  • You decide which score you want to send in, it isn’t automatically sent like the SAT.

After reading what the tests include, you should have a pretty good idea on which test you would rather take to send in to your college.  For example, if you are not very comfortable with science and don’t want to be graded in that area you will want to most likely want to take the SAT instead.  Find what your weaknesses and strengths are for each subject and find the one that will help you the most.  Good luck!