The ACT is given seven times per year (September, October, December, February, April, June & July).  About 1.92 million students from the class of 2015 (59%) took the ACT compared to the 1.67 million who took the SAT. 

The test is made up of four required sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) with an optional essay.   Each section on the ACT is graded on a scale of 1-36.  The four sub-scores from English, Math, Reading and Science are averaged to get the student’s Composite score.  The optional essay is scored on a 2-12 scale and not included in the average for the Composite score.

You should take the ACT if:

1. Fast test taker

2. Straight-forward thinker

3. Like using calculators all the time

4. Enjoy finding patterns in scientific tables/charts/graphs for fun

5. Read for speed, not depth

Here’s how the sections breakdown:

English: 75 questions in 45 minutes, focusing on grammar rules and context.

Math: 60 questions in 60 minutes, emphasizing Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry and Trigonometry.

Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes based on four total passages with one from each of four categories: Fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science.

Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes, testing a student’s ability to quickly assess the results of 6-7 experiments, mostly through recognizing patterns in tables, charts and graphs. No science knowledge required!

It is recommended that students take the optional essay section. It is a 40-minute exercise, where the student is presented with an issue and three viewpoints on that issue. The student must assess each viewpoint and give his or her own assessment of the issue.

The SAT is given seven times per year (October, November, December, March, May, June & August). The test contains four sections (Reading, Writing, Math: no calculator, Math: with calculator).

Scoring: The raw scores from the Reading and Writing sections are combined to get a scaled Reading/Writing score ranging from 200 to 800. The raw scores from the no calculator and calculator Math sections are combined to get a scaled Math score ranging from 200 to 800. There is no penalty for wrong answers.

Wondering if the SAT is right for you? Get in touch with us for an assessment.

Here’s how the sections breakdown:

Reading: 52 questions in 65 minutes. There are five passages total from the categories of science, literature, history/social studies, and social science. While the SAT no longer contains obscure vocabulary, it now tests second and third definitions of more common words with multiple meanings in context. The readings also feature charts and graphs.

Writing: 44 questions in 35 minutes. There are four passages with 11 questions each. There will be one passage each from the categories of careers, history/social science, humanities and science. The questions address issues of writing style, grammar usage and mechanics. The writing passages will also feature charts and graphs.

Math (No Calc): 20 questions in 25 minutes. This section requires basic algebraic skills normally handled by calculators. In addition, this section places a high emphasis on word problems, real world applications, functions, statistics/data analysis, systems of equations, rate, sequences, and trigonometry. While some 2-D and 3-D geometric formulas are provided at the beginning of the section, knowledge of additional formulas is required.

Math (with Calc): 38 questions in 55 minutes. This section requires functional knowledge of a graphing calculator. In addition, this section places a high emphasis on word problems, real world applications, functions, statistics, systems of equations, rate, sequences, and trigonometry. While some 2-D and 3-D geometric formulas are provided at the beginning of the section, knowledge of additional formulas is required.

The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour tests in specific subject areas. Every college/university has different requirements for the number of subject tests students are required or recommended to take.

Based on his knowledge of a student's strengths and weaknesses, David can help determine what subject tests are best for you.

David can offer practice tests and test-taking techniques for all subject tests. His specific areas of expertise include Math 1C, Math 2C, Literature, U.S. History, and World History.

Most colleges and graduate programs require multiple essays and/or a personal statement. This is an (often misused) opportunity to inform the admission committee about what makes you unique beyond your grades and scores.

Through a detailed interview process, I can help you recognize strengths to include (and what not to include) that will increase your chances of admission to your goal school.

Your PSAT results are not submitted on your college application and you do not have to take it. However, if you achieve Commended Scholar (approx. top 5% nationally) or National Merit Semi-Finalist (approx. top 0.5% in your state), it is a notch on your college application resume and could qualify you for a number of scholarships. It is also helpful in determining whether you should be focusing on the SAT or ACT.

How is it scored?

The PSAT is scored on the same rubric, but a slightly different scale, as the real SAT. While the new SAT is scored on a scale of 400–1600, the PSAT is scored on a scale of 320–1520. The raw scores from the Reading and Writing sections are combined to get a scaled Reading/Writing score ranging from 160 to 760. The raw scores from the no calculator and calculator Math sections are combined to get a scaled Math score ranging from 160 to 760. There is no penalty for wrong answers.

To calculate your NMSQT (National Merit) score, divide your Reading/Writing score by 5, divide your Math score by 10, and add them together. In other words, take away the zeros (i.e. 710 becomes 71) and double-count the Reading/Writing score.

Should you prepare for it?

The answer is maybe. For most students, it is just a little early practice and exposure to the test format and not worth starting the prep process too early. However, if you did very well on your sophomore PSAT and think you may qualify for National Merit, it should be considered as part of an early testing schedule. You can prepare for the October PSAT and then piggyback that prep onto a November or December SAT test date.

Here’s how the sections breakdown:

Reading: 47 questions in 60 minutes. There are five passages total from the categories of science, literature, history/social studies, and social science. While the revised PSAT no longer contains obscure vocabulary, it now tests second and third definitions of more common words with multiple meanings in context. The readings also feature charts and graphs.

5-minute break

Writing: 44 questions in 35 minutes. There are four passages with 11 questions each. There will be one passage each from the categories of careers, history/social science, humanities and science. The questions address issues of writing style, grammar usage and mechanics. The writing passages will also feature charts and graphs.

Math (No Calc): 17 questions in 25 minutes. This section requires basic algebraic skills normally handled by calculators. In addition, this section places a high emphasis on word problems, real world applications, functions, statistics/data analysis, systems of equations, rate, sequences, and trigonometry. While some 2-D and 3-D geometric formulas are provided at the beginning of the section, knowledge of additional formulas is required.

5-minute break

Math (with Calc): 31 questions in 45 minutes. This section requires functional knowledge of a graphing calculator. In addition, this section places a high emphasis on three areas: linear equations; complex equations or functions; and ratios, percentages and proportional reasoning. While some 2-D and 3-D geometric formulas are provided at the beginning of the section, knowledge of additional formulas is required.