SAT & ACT Information
The SAT and ACT are college admission exams used around the world as a measure of College Readiness. Some colleges have become test optional, and you will need to check the admissions requirements webpage of each college or university that you are interested in to determine their admission requirements.
The SAT and ACT are offered several times a year. At least half of all students take the SAT and/or ACT twice—in the spring of their junior year and in the fall of their senior year, to try to improve their score.
Fee waivers are available to students that demonstrate financial need (free and reduced lunch) for both tests. Visit your counseling office for testing schedules, test centers and fee waivers.
What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
ACT
- Multiple choice tests that measure what a student has learned in English, mathematics, reading, science and an optional writing test.
- Score is based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for wrong answers.
- Perfect score: 36
SAT
- Critical thinking/reasoning test with three components: critical reading, writing and mathematics.
- Score is based on the numbers of correct answers with a correction (deduction) for wrong answers.
- Perfect score: 2400.
SAT Subject Tests
For the SAT Subject Tests™, most students take them toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year. In general, you should take tests such as world history, biology, chemistry or physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject. Students tend to do better on other tests like languages after at least two years of study. Check with your college to see if a subject test is required.
Testing Resources
- Khan Academy - Free personalized SAT practice tests
- ACT.org - ACT Test Prep Booklet
- ACTStudent.org - For ACT Test Takers
- CollegeBoard.org - Official SAT Practice Exam & Test Prep Booklet
- CollegeQuest.com - Free ACT, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT practice tests