| WHICH TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE ? |
 |
| |
ACT |
SAT |
| TEST LENGTH |
3 hours, 25 minutes (including the 30-minute optional Writing Test) |
3 hours, 45 minutes |
| TEST STRUCTURE |
4 Test Sections (5 with the optional Writing Test): English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional) Experimental (sometimes added and clearly labeled) |
10 Sections:
3 Critical Reading
3 Math
3 Writing (including the Essay)
1 Experimental (not scored but included as a regular section) |
| READING |
Reading Comprehension:
4 passages with 10 questions per passage |
Critical Reading:
50 Reading Comprehension questions (short and long passages with questions)
17 Sentence Completion questions |
| MATH |
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, algebra II, and trigonometry |
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and algebra II |
| SCIENCE |
Analysis, interpretation, evaluation, basic content, and problem solving |
Science not included |
| ESSAY |
Last thing you do (optional): 30 minutes
Not included in composite score; Topics are relevant to high school students |
First thing you do: 25 minutes
Factored into overall score; Topics are broad in scope |
| SCORING |
Composite score if 1-36, based on average of scores from 4 subjects |
Total score out of 600-2400, based on adding scored from 3 subjects |
| WRONG ANSWER PENALTY |
No penalty for wrong answers |
¼ point subtracted for each wrong answer (except for student produced responses) |
| SENDING SCORE HISTORY |
You decide which composite score is sent. |
You have the option to decide which total score is sent. Certain colleges still require that all scores be submitted with your application. |
| TEST CONTACT INFORMATION |
ACT, Inc.
1-319-337-1000
actstudent.org |
The College Board
1-866-756-7346
collegeboard.com |
