Before you decide between the ACT and the SAT, make sure you know what test the college you want to attend accepts. A majority of colleges take both, but some only take one or the other. Most students take these test during their junior or senior year of high school. Read below to see the difference between the two tests along with a top ten list!
ACT-American College Testing
The ACT is a national college admissions exam that consists of subject areas in the following areas:
ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT with writing). Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if you are taking the ACT with writing).
It is administered on six testing dates in the United States. The basic registration fee includes score reports for up to four college choices, if you list valid codes when you register. It is strongly recommended that you prepare for this test prior to taking it so that you only have to take it once, but many students end up taking it twice. Most high schools have preparatory classes that help to prepare you for what is to be expected on test day, along with practice questions.
For frequently asked questions, click here.
- English
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Science
- Writing (can be taken without this portion)
ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT with writing). Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if you are taking the ACT with writing).
It is administered on six testing dates in the United States. The basic registration fee includes score reports for up to four college choices, if you list valid codes when you register. It is strongly recommended that you prepare for this test prior to taking it so that you only have to take it once, but many students end up taking it twice. Most high schools have preparatory classes that help to prepare you for what is to be expected on test day, along with practice questions.
For frequently asked questions, click here.
SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test
The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge in three different areas:
There are many free online tools that can help you do your best on both of these exams. Click here for SAT practice prep questions. As it was mentioned previously, it is strongly suggested that you practice or gain experience with these types of tests. The more familiar you are with the environment and questions, the better off you will be.
In Rochester, Minnesota, Northrop Community Education Center offers a 12-hour ACT Prep Course and a 12-hour SAT/PSAT Prep Course. These classes meet for three hours, once each week for four weeks. The cost per class is $120.
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- 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.
There are many free online tools that can help you do your best on both of these exams. Click here for SAT practice prep questions. As it was mentioned previously, it is strongly suggested that you practice or gain experience with these types of tests. The more familiar you are with the environment and questions, the better off you will be.
In Rochester, Minnesota, Northrop Community Education Center offers a 12-hour ACT Prep Course and a 12-hour SAT/PSAT Prep Course. These classes meet for three hours, once each week for four weeks. The cost per class is $120.
Top Ten Tips
- Practice, practice, practice
- Know the differences between the tests
- Use wise guessing strategies
- Take the test more than once
- Be an avid reader
- Read questions carefully, particularly math questions
- Don't necessarily answer the questions in order
- Use marking strategies on each section
- Know the directions before the day of the test
- Be prepared for the test day