ACT and SAT Information

Questions about the SAT or ACT?

Not sure which test you should take or how to sign up?

Need to get ready for the tests?

Check out the info below and the internet resources so you can help do as well as possible on these important tests!

QUICK FACTS on the SAT & ACT

SAT—quick facts

· 10 section exam (3 critical reading, 3 math, three writing and 1 experimental section that is masked to look like a “real section”)

· Math tests up to geometry & algebra II

· Critical reading includes sentence completions, short & long reading passages and reading comprehension

· 1/4 point deducted for wrong answers

· 200—800 points awarded per section for a maximum combined score of 2400

· Students can request a score report be sent to  specific colleges, but the report will include the scores for every SAT taken.

· Recommended that you register for SAT 6 weeks prior to the test date

· Administered 7 times per year (4 times at RSHS)

ACT—quick facts

· 5 section exam (English, math, reading, science and optional writing sections)

· Math tests up to trigonometry

· Science includes charts and interpretations

· Reading includes four passages—one each of prose fiction, social science, humanities and natural science

· English stresses grammar

· Writing is one essay

· No penalty for wrong answers

· 1-36 points for each section, averaged together for a highest possible score of 36

· There is a score choice option where students can select both which schools receive their scores and which scores they receive.

· Recommended to register for the ACT 4 weeks prior to test date

· Given 6 times per year (often at Elkton High)

 WHICH ONE DO I TAKE?

 So which one do you take?  The SAT is typically more widely used and accepted on the East Coast; however, many schools in the mid-west and west coast have begun leaning more toward the ACT.  Some students fair better on the ACT than the SAT due to the format, but the tests are similar.

I would recommend taking both so you can maximize your options when it comes to your college applications; however, if you’re only up to taking one of the tests, take the SAT.  If you’re still unsure, check with the admissions office at the schools you’re applying to and see which test they prefer.

HOW DO I SIGN-UP?

 If you are interested in taking the SAT and/or the ACT please stop into the Guidance Office for a registration bulletin and test prep booklet.  You can register for each test either by mailing in the registration form in the registration bulletin or by using online registration. For online registration use the following websites:

www.collegeboard.com

www.ACTstudent.org

The SAT can be stressful for some students so taking it in an environment that is familiar can be helpful.  Unfortunately, the ACT is not given here, but it is given at Elkton High if you’re interested. 

TEST FEES:

SAT—$45.00

ACT—$32 (without writing)/$47.50 (with writing)

TEST DATES:

SAT: 10/10(RSHS), 11/7/09(RSHS), 12/5/09, 1/23/10, 5/1/10, and 6/5/10.

(bold dates are given at RSHS)

 ACT: 9/12/09, 10/24/09, 12/12/09, 2/6/10, 4/10/10, 6/12/10.  ACT"S are given at Elkton HS.