Grade 10
Introducing the US standardized tests
In this section you can:
- Learn about testing from the experts.
- Take a quiz to help you decide if you need to test or not.
- Explore the critical questions that need to be asked.
- Find out things that you can do right now!
- Get answers to your frequently asked questions.
- Tell us what’s on your mind.
- Explore what others think about the benefits of standardized testing.
LATEST NEWS
The College Board will discontinue the SAT Reasoning Test Optional Essay and SAT Subject Tests in June 2021
Expert View – what the old guys think!
Find out everything that is important to know about SATs in less than 5 minutes from our resident expert.
Important Links
Read this to get the complete picture…
A short overview
SAT and ACT are both tests used for admission to US universities and colleges.
- If you are not going to study in the USA, then you do not need to do one of these tests.
- If you are going to study in the USA, then you can check the following website that gives an updated list of SAT/ACT optional universities and colleges. SAT/ACT Optional units
If in doubt, email the University/College and ask.
- If your University/College does not require SAT/ACT, then you do not need to test.
SAT is scored between 400-1600 and ACT 1-36. Both are multiple choice-based tests except for the optional essay writing section
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Introducing the SAT Tests
There are two types of SAT Test
- SAT Reasoning Test (formerly called SAT 1). Multiple choice sections on Math and English followed by an optional essay.
- SAT Subject Tests (formerly called SAT 2).
Subjects available:
- Math: Level 1 and Level 2
- Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- English (Literature)
- History: US History, World History
- Languages: Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, German, Modern Hebrew, Latin, Japanese and Korean
N.B Not all SAT Subject tests are available on every test date and at every test center
Which SAT subject tests should I take?
The SAT Subject Tests that you take should be based on your interests and academic strengths. The tests are a good way to show colleges your interest in specific majors or programs of study (e.g., engineering, pre-med. etc. ), and to highlight your strong points. Play to your strengths!
SAT Test dates 2021-22
August 28th, October 2nd, November 6th, December 4th, March 12th , May 7th, June 4th
- No SAT Subject tests on March 12th, 2022.
- Not all Test centers will offer all SAT Subject Tests on any given test date.
- Registration deadlines are approximately 3-4 weeks before the test date.
Details here SAT Registration deadlines
SAT Preparation
- The Official SAT Study Guide can be purchased online at SAT Prep books
- The Collegeboard’s Official SAT Online Course. Plus past papers to practice on. SAT Online Prep course
More details about the SAT Tests
| Test | Content | ||
| Reading Test | 52 questions | 65 minutes | Measures ability to understand written text |
| Mathematics | 58 questions | 80 minutes | Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12 – problem solving, data analysis and equations |
| Writing and Language Test | 44 questions | 35 minutes | Measures the interpretation, analysis and evaluation of a text |
| Optional Writing Test – Essay | 50 minutes | Explain how the author builds an argument to persuade an audience. Support your explanation with evidence from the passage. |
Introducing the ACT Test
The ACT test is a test of English, Math and Science. It is multiple choice except for the optional writing test
ACT Test dates
- Normally 7 per year – September, October, December, February, April, June, July
- Dates not available for 2021-22
Register for ACT
Cost
- ACT (No Writing Test) $55
- ACT with writing $70
ACT Test prep
Online course plus Test prep books
ACT Test
| Test | Content | ||
| English | 75 questions | 45 minutes | Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills. |
| Mathematics | 60 questions | 60 minutes | Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12. |
| Reading | 40 questions | 35 minutes | Measures reading comprehension. |
| Science | 40 questions | 35 minutes | Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. |
| Optional Writing Test | 1 prompt | 40 minutes | Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses. |
SAT and ACT Tests… a comparison
| SAT | ACT | |
| When is it offered? | August, October, November, December, March, May, June | September, October, December, February, April, June, July |
| What is the test structure? | 3 tests + optional essay | 4 tests + optional writing test |
| Timing of Test | 3 hours + 50 min essay (optional) | 2 hours 55 mins + 45-minute essay (optional) |
| Scoring | 400–1600. (Essay scored separately) | 1-36 |
| Test sections and timing |
Reading Test 65 minutes Writing and Language Test 35 minutes Math Test 80 minutes |
Reading Test 35 minutes English Test 45 minutes Math Test 60 minutes Science Test 35 minutes |
| Are scores sent to colleges? | You choose which scores to send | You choose which scores to send |
| Website to register for test | www.collegeboard.org | www.act.org |
Action ideas
Things you can do that will make a big difference.
Idea 1:
Complete the quiz
Our simple quiz (below) may be able to help you clarify whether you need to take standardized testing seriously or not.
Idea 2:
Contact the University
If you know the name of of the possible university of your choice, then just get in touch with them. They are usually very helpful!
Wigsbury Quiz
Find out if US standardized testing is right for you.
Take our 3 question quiz to find out if you should be considering preparing for US standardized testing.
Think you may need to do testing? Take the quiz below to help you decide which type….
Some critical questions that need to be asked
Sometimes the questions are more important than the answers.
question 1:
Is a University that values standardized testing really the best place for an IB student?
question 3:
When and where should I take a standardized Test?
question 2:
Do I need to take a Standardized Test?
question 4:
How many points do I need to get?
Wigsbury Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the important questions
What is the difference between SAT and ACT?
ACT also has a science paper. Please see below
How do I know if the University/College I want to apply to requires SAT/ACT?
You can go on the website of the University/College you are interested in applying to.
or
You can check the following website that gives an updated list of SAT/ACT optional universities and colleges. SAT/ACT Optional Units
If in doubt, email the University/College and ask.
Can I take both SAT and ACT?
Yes, but you need to make a timeline so that you have time to do this.
Where can I take a test?
Ask your counselor if your school is a test center. If it is not, then ask him/her to recommend a nearby Test Center. There is a full list of test centers country by country here:
How do I register to take the test?
How much does the test cost?
The SAT costs $49.50 and the SAT with Essay costs $64.50 if you are in the USA. Regional fees are added if you are outside the USA….approximately $50 extra
See here for list of costs. SAT cost
ACT (No Writing Test) $55
ACT with writing $70
When should I take the test?
You need to make a timeline. You will be applying to US colleges in the fall of your senior year (Grade 12). This means that you should test during your junior year (Grade 11). You can also test again in the fall of your senior year if necessary. Forward planning is essential, do not leave anything until the last minute, as by then it may be too late.
How many test dates are there each year?
There are normally 7 test dates each year. However, it is best to check as sometimes test dates get cancelled or changed
Can I take the test more than once?
Yes.
How can I prepare for the test?
The are several prep books available. The best-known ones are published by Collegeboard, Princeton Review, Kaplan and ACT
Are past papers available?
How long does the SAT test last?
3 hours + 50 minutes essay (optional)
How long does the ACT test last?
2 hours 55 minutes + 45 minutes essay (optional)
SAT or ACT?
That is the question!
Tell us what’s on your mind!
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