Test Prep
Which test should I take?
Colleges accept the ACT® and SAT®, so which test should you take? Read information about each of the tests below to help you determine which test is the best fit for you. If you are still unsure you can always contact us and we can help you determine which test best matches your abilities.
SAT® Basics
What is it? Accordion Open
The SAT® is designed to measure a student’s aptitude for college through critical reasoning based questions. Emphasis is placed on a student’s ability to use logic and knowledge of various concepts to solve problems.
How is it scored? Accordion Closed
The test is composed of three categories: Reading, Math, and Writing. Questions from these areas are divided into 9 subject exclusive sub-sections along with one essay. Test takers will be given a sub-score in reading, math, and writing between 200 and 800 points, with the exception of the essay which is scored between 0 and 12 points.
What makes it so important? Accordion Closed
Colleges and scholarships will look at these individual sub-scores, though it is often either the sum of the Reading and Math sections or of all three sections that is the most important.
For more information on registering for the SAT® visit the official SAT® website.
ACT® Basics
What is it? Accordion Open
The ACT® is made to test what a student has learned. Most questions are straight forward, but the amount of tested knowledge is fairly extensive.
How is it scored? Accordion Closed
This test has four required portions (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and an optional essay. Students are not penalized for guessing and are given scores that range from 1 to 36, with the exception of the optional essay which is scored from 1 to 12.
What makes it so important? Accordion Closed
Individual scores are important, but the average of all four is the score that most colleges and scholarships want to know.
For information on registering for the ACT® visit the official ACT® website.