As you inch closer and closer to graduation and on to college, there are a few thing you’ll want to plan for. One of the big “to-do” items on your college-bound checklist is the SATs (or the ACTs depending on your college). In this post, we’ll describe these tests in a bit more detail and give you some tips on how/when to schedule them! If you have any more questions about either test, feel free to give our guidance department a call.

ACT/SAT: What Are They?

Both the ACT and the SAT are nationally administered standardized tests that help colleges evaluate candidates. Most colleges and universities accept either test. So as you begin to think about college and creating the best application package possible, your admissions plan should begin with the question, “Which test should I take?” When weighing your options, keep in mind that there are differences in test structure and the type of content assessed. Use the chart at the bottom of this post to see which test makes the most of your strengths to help you determine which might be best for you. The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities. To compare the two tests, CLICK HERE.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is an aptitude test used by college admissions counselors in the selection process and is a requirement at most colleges. It consists of a math and verbal section, and offered eight times nationally per year. Unfortunately Primavera Online High School is not a test site so students must take the test at sites in other area schools near their homes. Generally we encourage juniors to take the test in May or June and seniors to take the test in October or November. Students may take the test on any test date. If the test is taken more than once, normally the best scores from each section are used by admissions counselors in the selection process. Sophomores also may take the SAT.

Resources:

American College Test (ACT)

The American College Test (ACT) is an aptitude test used by college admissions counselors in the selection process and is a requirement at most colleges. It consists of math, verbal and science sections. It is offered five to six times per year nationally. Students may use calculators on the math sections. Unfortunately Primavera Online High School is not a test site so students must take the test at sites in other area schools near their homes. We encourage juniors to take the test in May and seniors to take the test in November. Sophomores may also take the ACT.

College Bound Exams Suggested Testing Timeline by Grade

  • Sophomores: PSAT (October)
  • Juniors: PSAT (October) & SAT/ACT (May or June)
  • Seniors: SAT/ACT (October or November)

SAT Registration is done via www.collegeboard.com.

ACT Registration is done via www.actstudent.org.

Primavera’s SAT & ACT High School Code is 030033.

SAT vs. ACT Comparison

SAT

ACT
When is the test administered? Seven times per year. Six times per year.
How is the test structured? 10 Sections: Three Critical Reading, three Math, three Writing, and one Experimental. The Experimental section is not scored and is masked to look like a regular section. 4 sections plus optional writing section English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning. The Writing section is optional. An Experimental section is added on certain dates only, and is not scored.
Is the test timed? Yes Yes
How long is the test? 3 hours, 45 minutes 3 hours, 25 minutes (including the 30-minute optional Writing Test)
What is the content of the test? Math 54 Questions Number and Operations, Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Measurement, Data Analysis, Statistics and ProbabiliyReading 67 Questions Extended Reasoning, Literal Comprehension, Vocabulary in context, Sentence completionsWriting 48 Questions Essay, Improving sentences, Identifying sentence errors, Improving paragraphsOptional subject area tests available in english, history, matehematics, science and languages. Math 60 Questions Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12.Science 40 Questions Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences.Reading 40 Questions Measures reading comprehension.English 75 Questions Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills.Writing (optional) Writing skills, idea organization in entry level college courses.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers? Yes. ¼ point subtracted for each wrong answer (except for Math Grid-In questions). No
How is the test scored? 200-800 per section, added together for a combined score. A 2400 is the highest possible combined score. 1-36 for each subject, averaged for a composite score. A 36 is the highest possible composite score.
Are all scores sent toschools? Yes. If a student requests a score report be sent to specific colleges, the report will include the scores the student received on every SAT taken.NEW—Beginning with the Class of 2010, you decide which test score is sent. No. There is a “Score Choice” option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the schools will see.
What is the cost of the test? $51* $36.50 for the ACT (no writing)*$52.50 for the ACT plus Writing*
Are there other uses for the test? Scholarship purposes. Scholarship purposes. Certain statewide testing programs.
When is the best time to Register for the test? At least six weeks before the test date At least four weeks before the test date
Test Contact Information The College Board
1-866-756-7346collegeboard.com		 ACT,Inc.
1-319-337-1000actstudent.org
Information taken from: www.kaptest.com, www.actstudent.org, www.collegeboard.com 

*Fee waivers for both SAT and ACT are available to students meeting certain financial expectations.

For information about college bound testing, please contact your Guidance Counselor at 480.456.6678 Option 2 then Option 6.