Understanding your PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT, and Pre-ACT Scores! Watch the Presentation!
SAT/ACT EXAM
Most colleges require that you take an entrance exam. Check with the colleges you are interested in attending to find out which exams are necessary. A number of colleges do not require the SAT or ACT as a component of admission. Please refer to www.fairtest.org/university/optional to find these colleges.
Should you take the new SAT, the ACT, or both? Take this quiz.
| 2022-2023 SAT/ACT TEST DATES | |
|---|---|
|
SAT |
ACT |
|
August 27 October 1 November 5 December 3 March 11 May 6 June 3 |
September 10 October 22 December 10 February 11 April 15 June 10 July 15 |
|
COMPARING THE SAT AND ACT EXAMS |
||
|---|---|---|
|
SAT |
ACT |
|
| Why Take It | Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships | Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships |
| Test Structure |
Reading Writing & Language Math Essay (Optional) |
English Math Reading Science Reasoning Essay (Optional) |
| Length |
3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) |
2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay) |
| Reading | 5 reading passages | 4 reading passages |
| Science | None | 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) |
| Math |
Covers: Arithmetic Algebra I & II Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis |
Covers: Arithmetic Algebra I & II Geometry and Trigonometry |
| Calculator Policy | Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator | You can use a calculator on all math questions |
| Essays | Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. | Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. |
| How It's Scored | Scored on a scale of 400-1600 | Scored on a scale of 1-36 |
Source: princetonreview.com
PREPARING FOR THE ACT & SAT
The best preparation for college entrance exams is exactly what you are already doing, being an attentive student. Enriching your vocabulary, reading widely, writing frequently, and practicing math concepts is your best approach. Although professional test preparation is available, research shows that taking a prep class does not guarantee that your score will increase significantly. We suggest you study on your own the first time you take the test, then reevaluate your studying options after receiving your first scores. Do not wait until a week before you take the exam.
Suggested NO or LOW COST ways to practice:
- Read the editorial page of your newspaper and talk about what you read.
- Practice in a stress-free environment on your own time frame.
- ACT Practice Questions
- Best Colleges ACT Prep
- SAT Question of the Day
- SAT Question of the Day App
- SAT Practice Questions
- SAT Practice Test
- Subject Test Practice Questions
- Khan Academy (for SAT)
- IPSF Summer Enrichment Academy SAT/ACT Prep Classes
Suggested Books:
-
The Real ACT Prep Guide: The Only Guide to Include 3 Real ACT Tests, Author: ACT.org
-
The Official SAT Study Guide, Author: The College Board
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
College Board no longer offers subject tests as of 2021.