ACT/SAT Testing
What are the SAT/ACT Tests?
Almost all four year colleges and universities requires scores from either the SAT or the ACT. They are standardized, comprehensive tests which usually take three to four hours to complete. We encourage students to take the SAT and/or ACT in the Winter and/or Spring of their Junior year. That way they can retake the test and get a better score BEFORE applying to colleges the fall of their Senior year.
Which test should the student take?
The best option is usually to take both tests, because colleges will accept whichever score was higher. If the student is in AVID, TrIO, or on Free/Reduced Lunch, than they can qualify for a waiver of the test fees. In this case it is advisable to take both tests.
If you are only taking one, which one should you take?
Here are some of the key differences between the SAT and the ACT:
ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):
SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
When are the tests and how does one sign up?
2015-16
Almost all four year colleges and universities requires scores from either the SAT or the ACT. They are standardized, comprehensive tests which usually take three to four hours to complete. We encourage students to take the SAT and/or ACT in the Winter and/or Spring of their Junior year. That way they can retake the test and get a better score BEFORE applying to colleges the fall of their Senior year.
Which test should the student take?
The best option is usually to take both tests, because colleges will accept whichever score was higher. If the student is in AVID, TrIO, or on Free/Reduced Lunch, than they can qualify for a waiver of the test fees. In this case it is advisable to take both tests.
If you are only taking one, which one should you take?
Here are some of the key differences between the SAT and the ACT:
- ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.
ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):
SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
- The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.
- The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
- The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.
- The ACT Writing Test is not required.
- The SAT is broken up into more sections.
- The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam.
When are the tests and how does one sign up?
2015-16
SAT Dates
Oct 3
Nov 7 Dec 5 Jan 23 Mar 5 May 7 Jun 4 |
Registration Deadline
Sept 3
Oct 9 Nov 5 Dec 28 Feb 5 Apr 8 May 5 |
Late Registration Deadline
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Register online at www.sat.org/register
ACT Dates
Sept 12
Oct 24 Dec 12 Feb 6 Apr 9 Jun 11 |
Registration Deadline
Aug 7
Sept 18 Nov 6 Jan 8 Mar 4 May 6 |
Late Registration Deadline
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