SAT/ACT Information

Halifax HS CEEB Code: 391610

Helpful SAT/ACT Information

 

Register for the SAT                  

Register for the ACT

ACT/SAT Score Conversion Chart 

 

 

SAT vs. ACT Comparison Chart

The SAT and ACT are two very different college entrance exams. Both are nationally administered and are used to help colleges evaluate applicants. The SAT is essentially a three-part aptitude test (Reading, Math, Writing) while the ACT is more of an achievement test with four core sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) and an optional Writing section. Many colleges will accept either test or both exams. Some colleges require one (typically the SAT).    The chart below will help you understand the structure and content of the SAT and ACT.

 

SAT

ACT

 Length                        

3 hours, 45 minutes

3 hours, 25 minutes (includes optional 30-minute Writing Test)

 Sections         

10 Sections: 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing (including Essay), 1 Experimental (not scored)

4 Sections (plus optional Writing Test): English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing

 Subjects         

             Critical Reading
                     Math
                   Writing

               English
                 Math
              Reading
              Science

        Writing (optional)

 Reading

Reading passages with questions pertaining to comprehension and sentence completion

4 passages, 10 questions per passage

 Science          

N/A

Science (analysis, knowledge, problem solving)           

 Math

Arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and algebra II

Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

 Essay

Required

Optional (final section)

 

 Score Composition

               1/3 Math
               1/3 Reading
               1/3 Writing

           ¼ English
           ¼ Math
           ¼ Reading
           ¼ Science

 Scoring

Aggregate score 600 - 2400 based on total of 3 scores 200- 800 (Reading, Math, Writing)

Score of 0-12 for Essay

Composite score 1-36 based on average of 4 sections (English Math, Reading Science)

Score 0-12 for Optional Essay.

 Penalties

 Penalties (typically ¼ point  deducted) for wrong answers

 No penalties for incorrect  answers

 Sending Scores to  Colleges

Currently entire score history is sent. Starting with the March 2009 test date, students can select (“opt-in feature”) which will allow them to choose specific test date(s) – 3/09 and forward - and all scores from the selected test date(s) will be sent. 

 Student decides which  scores are sent

 Additional Information

 

 http://www.collegeboard.com/
 

 http://www.actstudent.org/