ACT and SAT
(PreACT and PSAT too)
These are the 2 most popular college admission tests. The content tested and skills required are very similar, but each test has its own unique feel. Colleges accept either test, with most accepting superscores. In general, we recommend a 3 month runway to prepare for your test.
Choosing which test to take is a decision that should be made with eyes wide open and sample data points.
The ACT features 4 sections - English, math, reading, and science - that will be scored on a 1-36 scale. The composite score will be the average of those 4 scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. The highest possible score is 36.
The SAT features a Reading & Writing section that consists of 2 modules. The first module is common and the second module is based on performance on the first. The Reading and Writing (verbal) section is scored on a 200-800 scale. The Math section also consists of 2 modules. The first module is common and the second module is based on performance on the first. The Math section is scored on a 200-800 scale. The overall score is the sum of the Reading & Writing and Math scores. The highest possible score is 1600.
Each test is offered several times a year. Most students will take a test at least twice. The right time to test will come down to your math course, your commitments outside the classroom, and the family calendar.