Most four year colleges and universities require applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score report for admission. The purpose is for the admission office to evaluate if a student has the academic ability to be successful at their institution. Students can easily become confused on which test to take for their college choices.
The Scholastic Assessment Test
The SAT is delivered in two versions: the SAT I and SAT II. The SAT I (as opposed to the SAT II) is the appropriate test for initial college admission consideration. Comprised of three sections, critical reading, math, and writing, the SAT I testing is available seven times a year. Each section has a score range of 200-800, so 2400 is a perfect score. The SAT is given seven times a year.
The American College Test
The ACT has five separate sections: English, math, reading, science, and writing. Scores are presented in terms of a composite score ranging from 1 to 36. A perfect score for the ACT is a 36; however, the writing section is scored separately. A writing score range is 2-12. The ACT is available six times a year.
Determining Which Test to Take
At one time colleges located on the coasts required the SAT for admission, and the colleges in the Midwest required the ACT. Now, colleges across the country will usually take either the SAT or ACT. By accessing the college’s website and viewing the admissions tab, one can determine which of the two tests are needed for admission. Many colleges will take either test for admission purposes.
Because the SAT and ACT are different, the SAT a logic/reasoning test and ACT an achievement test, students may find that they score better on one test than the other. Articles on the web may contend that certain genders do better on one test than another; however, research has not quantified this. Other sites attempt to match students and their interests/preferences to which test to take.
Furthermore, high school students should consider their personal strengths before registering for either of the SAT or ACT. The ideal situation would permit the student to take both tests to determine which test the student scores the best, as well as other prerequisites. Each testing company permits students to decide which results to send to the college, so taking the tests multiple times is acceptable. Students can access sample questions for the tests from the testing websites. By reviewing the questions, the student can evaluate which of the tests is appropriate for their own college admissions.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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