b'27Standardized Tests: The SAT and ACTMany colleges require you to submit scores from standardized admissions tests. Preparing in advance for theseApplying to Collegetests 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. The 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. 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/digital-sat.For free practice ACT tests, visit www.act.org and select Learn More About ACT Test Prep.Comparing the SAT and ACTSAT ACTFormat Two required sections:Three required sections:Reading & WritingEnglish MathMathematicsThe test is in an adaptive format. ReadingThe test is digital. Two optional sections:Writing ScienceTo check out sample writing prompts, visit www.act.org and search sample essays.Scoring A perfect score is 1600. A perfect score is 36. Scores range from 400 to 1600 on Scores range from 1 to 36, which is the average of the four the required sections and are the totalrequired sections.number of points scored on:The average score that colleges use is called a Composite Score. Reading & Writing (200-800)The optional writing section is scored separately. Math (200-800) Learn more about ACT scoring atwww.act.org and click on Your Scores.Length Two hours and Two hours and 55 minutes , plus an additional 40 minutes for 14 minutes. the writing section.'