| SAT and ACT Info |
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The SAT and ACT are two different standardized tests that high school students ought to take before entering college. Most four-year colleges and universities require students to take either the SAT or ACT prior to admission. Generally, universities will not have a preference as to which test a student takes. It will be stated clearly on the admission application if the university requires one or the other.
What's the difference?
Which should I take? In a word, both . College-bound students ought to take both the SAT and the ACT in the spring of their junior year. Then, students ought to re-take the test on which they did better in the fall of their senior year. Since the vast majority of schools—including the three in-state universities—accept both tests, it does not matter which score you report. Also, since the tests are substantially different, students who do poorly on one test may do well on the other.
What about the optional ACT writing test? Do I need to take it and is it important? It depends on where you want to go to school. Some out-of-state schools require a writing test, so check with your school of choice to see if you need to take the optional ACT writing test. The SAT writing test is not optional, so do the best you can. However, keep in mind that a writing test is not currently required by the in-state and many out-of-state universities, and they do not use the writing test in their admission decisions.
What are the dates?
SAT Reasoning Test 2010-2011
ACT 2010-2011
The PLAN and PSAT are offered in the fall of each year, but the dates vary from year to year. Check the official websites for more information: PLAN and PSAT .
How do I register? Go to the College Board's website to register for the SAT.
Go to the ACT's student website to register for the ACT.
For the PSAT and PLAN tests, you must contact a local high school and ask to be included in their test administration. It is best to do this at the beginning of the school year. The PLAN is generally for sophomores and the PSAT is generally for juniors, but students in lower grade levels are encouraged to take both tests as well.
What about the SAT Subject Tests? Some out-of-state colleges and universities require that you take two or three of the SAT Subject Tests. Also, certain departments and colleges within the in-state universities require specific SAT Subject Tests. Check with your school and college of choice for more information. To learn more about these tests, visit the official website: SAT Subject Tests . |
