SAT/ACT Which test should you take? Presented By: Joseph Lederman School Counselor C.D. Hylton High School

BOTH TESTS?? In 2009, the number of college applicants who took the ACT, for all practical purposes, finally equaled the number who took the SAT (SAT = 1.5 million students & ACT = 1.4 million students). The ACT is now an equal competitor in the admission process and students are as likely to take it as the SAT.

Why take the SAT? The SAT measures two areas. It measures developed verbal reasoning, which are the type of skills that would be measured by reading long reading passages. In mathematics, the SAT measures developed mathematical reasoning. The SAT measures a student’s ability to understand and interpret information that may or may not have been presented in a classroom setting.

Content of the SAT The SAT has three sections: Math focuses on numbers and operation; algebra; geometry; data analysis; and probability and statistics. Critical reading focuses on sentence completion and reading comprehension. Short essay is a 25-minute writing on a given prompt and it is mandatory.

Why take the ACT? The ACT is curriculum-based. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what students have learned in high school courses in English, mathematics, and science. Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, students are generally more comfortable with the ACT than they are with traditional aptitude tests or tests with narrower content.

Content of the ACT The ACT has four sections: 1. English focuses on mechanics; grammar; and rhetoric skills. 2.Math tests the areas of algebra through trigonometry. 3.Reading focuses on arts and literature. 4.Science reasoning consists of evaluation and problem solving. 5.The ACT also has an optional essay.

Costs SAT Reasoning Test - $45.00 SAT Subject Test - $20.00 basic registration add $9.00 per specific test ACT (no writing) - $31.00 ACT (with writing) - $46.00

NCAA Requirements Division I Athletics sliding scale with either test (ACT or SAT) and core grade point average of 2.0 minimum Division II Athletics minimum grade point average of 2.0 SAT score = 820 ACT sum score = 68

Score Comparisons (According to ACTstudent.org and Collegeboard.com) ACT SAT ACT SAT

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Check with your student’s school and ask for the SAT Disability contact. Be mindful of application dates. Materials are time sensitive. Not every application is approved.

SAT/ACT fee waivers Every school is allowed a certain amount of SAT and ACT waivers. Will NOT waive late fee. Check with the eligibility standards for each school. Each student is allowed two each year. College Application fee waivers are also available for schools who participate.

Failure is NOT an option The SAT and ACT are not pass or fail tests. Tests can be retaken and scores from multiple tests can be used. Your students’ body of work is most important.