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.
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 |
