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test yourself - Click here to take a fully loaded ACT or SAT Practice Test
Click here to take a fully loaded ACT or SAT Practice Test
How does the ACT compare to the SAT?  Does it really matter which test is taken?


There are some basic differences in these two tests, and geographically speaking, certain tests are more popular in certain parts of the U.S. The ACT is predominate in the Midwest while the SAT is predominate on the East and West coasts.  Many schools accept either.  Tests are given at multiple times and locations. Check with your guidance office for exact dates, registration materials, fee waivers or go to their websites for more info. The ACT website is: www.act.org/aap and the SAT website is: www.collegeboard.com. Direct links to these sites  are on this page. The basic differences are:

ACT

The ACT

act_h.gif - Click here for more info on the ACT
Click here for more info on the ACT
assesses high school 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 Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
Click on the ACT Assessment graphic above to get more information and to register on-line.

SAT

The class of 2006 will be the first class to take the new SAT for college admissions.

The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned

SAT.gif - Click here to get info on the SAT
Click here to get info on the SAT
in school that you'll need in college.

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section will contain two subscores. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas. To find out more about the SAT click on the Register for the SAT graphic to the right.


I don't think it really matters which test you take.  You might want to get test prep books on both and see which format you do better with.  I do encourage students to prepare for these tests; and I also encourage you to take it more than once since test scores often (not always) come up with practice.


 Test Preparation and help   Get help preparing for tests like AP, SAT, ACT. CLEP, PSAT and more....
 Another great test prep webiste. (Added 2/2005)   This site is very comprehensive and includes PSAT, SAT, ACT and many others.