March 6, 2018

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing) are two of the most important tests that high schoolers who are looking to get into a university will take. Their scores are taken by the colleges and universities that you apply to in order to see your academic ability. Though you can take both of these tests, it is not always needed. For most schools they only require you to take one of the tests.

“The ACT and SAT are a version of a placement test for students to demonstrate their skill level,” Michele Sotelo, the counselor for students with their last name starting with F to K.

As Mrs. Sotelo describes, these tests are designed to show your skill level in different subjects. There are many different levels to them though. The SAT has reading, math, and writing and language sections and the ACT has an english, math, reading, and also a science section. Some of the math section on the SAT does not allow you to use a calculator whereas on the ACT you may use a calculator on all of the math section. They both include an essay portion but it is not required, but it is encouraged. Sotelo also explains how colleges use the writing portion of either exam during the application process to compare it to your application essays.

A couple of their other differences between the two is the scoring and the cost The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600 and the ACT 1 to 360. The cost for the SAT is $46 without the essay and $60 with the essay. The ACT is also $46 without the essay, but with the essay it is $62.50.

Taking these tests will be undoubtedly beneficial for getting into certain big, or even Ivy-League, universities and colleges. It is always good to take these tests no matter what your score is and if you did do bad on it you can always take it again until you get a score that you are happy with.