What is the SAT?

The SAT is a three-hour test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful in college. Many colleges and universities use the SAT as one indicator among others-class rank, high school GPA, extracurricular activities, personal essay, and teacher recommendations-of a student's readiness to do college-level work. SAT scores are compared with the scores of other applicants, and the accepted scores at an institution, and can be used as a basis for awarding merit-based financial aid.

       Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is administered seven times a year.

What is the ACT?

The ACT Assessment Program is a comprehensive system for collecting and reporting information about students planning to enter postsecondary education. These tests are designed to assess students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The optional Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that measures students' writing skills. The tests emphasize reasoning, analysis, problem solving, and the integration of learning from various sources, as well as the application of these proficiencies to the kinds of tasks college students are expected to perform.

       In addition to providing a composite score and scores for each of four skill areas, the ACT Assessment also provides two sub scores in English, three sub scores in mathematics, and two sub scores in reading. Two scores are reported for the optional Writing Test: a Combined English/Writing score and a Writing Test sub score. ACT also provides some comments about each student's essay.