b'27Standardized Tests: The SAT and ACTMany colleges require you to submit scores from standardized admissions tests. Preparing in advance for these tests can have a big impact on your scores. Remember: test scores are just one part of your application and will be viewed together with your grades and activities.Applying to CollegeThe Tests: Which to Take? The SAT and ACT are both timed tests which measure students academic readiness for college. Both tests are accepted at all four-year colleges in the U.S. Note that the SAT will change significantly in Spring 2024 whenit will become a digital-only test.Most students take the SAT or ACT (or both) during their junior and/or senior years of high school. Many takethem multiple times to try to improve their scores. It is wise to take them at least twice. Your English or mathteacher, or your school counselor, can help you decide which test is a better fit for your learning style. Youshould try sample questions from each to determine the test with which you are most comfortable.For free practice SAT tests, visit www.khanacademy.org/sat.For free practice ACT tests, visit www.act.org and select Learn More About ACT Test Prep.Comparing the SAT and ACTSAT 2023 SAT 2024 ACT 2023 and 2024Format Three required sections:Two required sections:Four required sections:ReadingReading & WritingEnglish Writing & LanguageMathMathematics Math The test is in an adaptive format. ReadingThe essay is optional. ScienceThe test is digital.The test is taken with paper A writing section is optional. and pencil. To check out sample writing prompts, visit www.act.org and search sample essays.Scoring A perfect score is 1600. A perfect score is 1600. A perfect score is 36. Scores range from 400 to Scores range from 400 to Scores range from 1 to 36, which is the 1600 on the required sections1600 on the required sectionsaverage of the four required sections.and are the total number ofand are the total number of The average score that colleges use is points scored on: points scored on: called a Composite Score. Reading & Writing (200-800)Reading & Writing (200-800)The optional writing section is scoredMath (200-800)Math (200-800)separately. Learn more about SAT scoring:Learn more about ACT scoring atwww.collegereadiness. www.act.org and click on Your Scores.collegeboard.org/sat/scores. Length Three hours. Two hours and Two hours and 55 minutes , plus an 14 minutes. additional 40 minutes for the writing section.'