This page includes general information about standardized tests for college as well as when to take them, how to register and more. We’ve also given helpful resources for preparing for these tests.
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2015-16 Test Dates
Which Test? | Test Date | Deadline | Late Deadline | Score Release** |
ACT | Sept 12, 2015 | Aug 7, 2015 | Aug 21, 2015 | Sept 21, Oct 5, 2015 |
SAT | Oct 3, 2015 | Sept 3, 2015 | Sept 22, 2015 | Oct 22, 2015 |
ACT | Oct 24, 2015 | Sept 18, 2015 | Oct 2, 2015 | Nov 10, 17, 2015 |
SAT | Nov 7, 2015 | Oct 9, 2015 | Oct 27, 2015 | Nov 26, 2015 |
SAT | Dec 5, 2015 | Nov 5, 2015 | Nov 23, 2015 | Dec 24, 2015 |
ACT | Dec 12, 2015 | Nov 6, 2015 | Nov 20, 2015 | Dec 23, Jan 6, 15-16 |
SAT | Jan 23, 2016 | Dec 28, 2015 | Jan 12, 2016 | Feb 11, 2016 |
ACT | Feb 6, 2016 | Jan 8, 2016 | Jan 15, 2016 | Feb 16, 23, 2015 |
New SAT | Mar 5, 2016 * | Feb 5, 2016 | Feb 23, 2016 | Mar 24, 2016 |
ACT | Apr 9, 2016 | Mar 4, 2016 | Mar 18, 2016 | Apr 27, May 11, 2016 |
New SAT | May 7, 2016 * | Apr 8, 2016 | Apr 26, 2016 | May 26, 2016 |
New SAT | June 4, 2016 * | May 5, 2016 | May 25, 2016 | June 23, 2016 |
ACT | June 11, 2016 | May 6, 2016 | May 20, 2016 | June 22, 29 2016 |
What are the SAT and ACT?
Standardized tests that colleges use to compare applicants. Most colleges require students to have taken either the SAT or ACT.
What is the Difference?
Colleges will accept both. The differences are in content, how they are structured and how they are scored.
What’s the Difference Between the ACT and the current SAT?
Test Structure and Format | ACT | Current SAT |
---|---|---|
Length | 3 hours, 35 min (with Writing Test) | 3 hours, 45 minutes |
Structure | 4 Sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus an optional Writing Test | 10 Sections (3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing, and 1 Experimental, which is unscored) |
Scoring | ACT | Current SAT |
---|---|---|
Score | Composite of 1-36 based on average scores from the 4 test sections 4 scores of 1-36 for each test Optional Writing Test score of 1-36 (not included in the overall score) |
Total score range of 600-2400 based on adding scores from 3 subjects 3 scores of 200-800 for each subject Score of 0-12 for the Essay |
Wrong Answer Penalty | No penalty for wrong answers | ¼ point subtracted from your raw score for each wrong answer (except for Math Grid-Ins) |
Sending Score History | You decide which score is sent | You decide which score is sent *Some colleges require you to send all scores, check with the college to be sure |
Content | ACT | Current SAT |
---|---|---|
Reading | Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension Sentence Completions |
Math | Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Algebra II Trigonometry |
Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Algebra II |
Science | Analysis Interpretation Evaluation Basic Content Problem Solving |
Not applicable |
Essay | Optional Final Section 40 Minutes Not Included in Composite Score Topic presents conversations around contemporary issues |
First Section 25 Minutes Factored into overall score More abstract topic |
What is the SAT II, or SAT Subject Test?hey jeanne hiiiiii
Subject Tests are hour-long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. SAT Subject Tests allow you to differentiate yourself in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in college. They provide a more complete picture of your academic background and interests (collegeboard.org). UC schools as well as certain private schools strongly encourage that students take the subject test in addition to the SAT and/or ACT. Keep that website citation!, not trying to plagiarize 🙂
How much do they cost?
Our students qualify to receive 2 fee waivers for each test: SAT, SAT II and ACT. This means they can take each test 2 times for FREE!
When should I take them?
Ideally, our students should take advantage of all of their fee waivers and take each test twice over the course of their junior and senior years. December of senior year is the last opportunity to take these tests for college.
Should I study?
Yes! Here are some great resources
https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-test
www.actstudent.org/testprep