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The ACT Test (ACT) |
SAT (College Board) |
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| Method of Scoring |
Scores based on number of right answers. No penalty for incorrect answers. |
Scores based on number of right answers. No penalty for incorrect answers. |
| Test Score Scales |
ACT Composite Score: 1-36
-Average of four test scores -Does not incude writing
ACT Mathematics Test: 1-36
ACT Reading Test: 1-36
ACT English Test: 1-36
ACT Science Test: 1-36
ACT Writing Test (optional): 2-12
Additional Scores and Indicators
(New readiness scores and indicators give students, parents, and educators more detailed insights to better plan for future success.)
-STEM Score: 1-36 -ELA Score: 1-36 -Progress Toward Career Readiness Indicator -Text Complexity Progress Indicator |
SAT Composite Score: 400-1600 -Sum of two section scores -Does not include essay
SAT Mathematics: 200-800
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-800
No Science Test
SAT Essay (optional): 2-8 |
| Common Uses |
-Admissions -Talent Identification -Academic Advising -Freshman Course Placement Decisions -Awarding Course Credit, Especially in English and Math courses -Awarding Scholarships (not sole criterion) |
-Admissions -Talent Identification -Academic Advising -Awarding Scholarships (not sole criterion) |
| Test Delivery Method | Computer-Based Test | Paper-Based Test |
| Testing Opportunities Per Year | 24 | 6 |
| Days to Receive Multiple-Choice Test Scores | 2-3 | 14 |
| Test Fee |
$150.00 $166.50 (with writing) Pricing subject to change |
$88.50 – $100.50 $105.50 – $117.50 (with writing) Depending on location |
|
The ACT Test (ACT) |
SAT (College Board) |
|
| Test Purpose |
Designed to measure academic achievement in: -Reading -Mathematics -English -Writing (Optional) -Science |
Designed to measure. -Reading -Mathematics -Writing and Language -The SAT Essay (Optional) |
| Accepted for University Admission | The ACT is accepted by all colleges and universities in the United States and more than 200 other universities around the world. | Accepted by all US universities. |
| Test Content |
ACT Mathematics Test (60 items, 60 minutes) Multiple-Choice 100% Preparing for Higher Math -Number & Quantity -Algebra -Functions -Geometry -Statistics & Probability
Integrating Essential Skills Modeling
ACT Reading Test (40 items, 35 minutes) Multiple-Choice 100% -Key Ideas and Details -Craft and Structure -Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
ACT English Test (75 items, 45 minutes)
Multiple-Choice 100%
Production of Writing -Topic Development -Organization, Unity, and Cohesion
Knowledge of Language
Conventions of Standard English
-Sentence Structure and Formation -Punctuation -Usage
ACT Science Test (40 items, 35 minutes) Multiple-Choice 100%
-Interpretation of Data -Scientific Investigation -Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results
Passage Formats on the Science Test:
-Data Representation -Research Summaries -Conflicting Viewpoints
ACT Writing Test (optional) (1 prompt, 40 minutes)
Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level university composition courses. Consists of one 40-minute essay. |
SAT Mathematics (Total 58 items, 80 minutes)
Calculator Portion (38 items, 55 minutes) Multiple-Choice 79%, Grid-In 21%
-Heart of Algebra -Problem Solving and Data Analysis -Passport to Advanced Math -Other Topics
No-Calculator Portion (20 items with 25 minutes) Multiple-Choice 75%, Grid-In 25%
-Heart of Algebra -Passport to Advanced Math -Other Topics
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Reading Test (52 items, 65 minutes) -US and World Literature -History/Social Studies -Science
Writing and Language Test (44 items, 35 minutes) -Careers -History/Social Studies -Humanities -Science
No Science Test
Note: Reading subject test is constructed of 40% science and the Writing and Language subject test is constructed of 25% science.
SAT Essay (optional) (1 task, 50 minutes) Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text. |