SAT-ACT Test Comparison

SAT
What areas are tested: The SAT test measures a student’s skill based on 3 different topics.
Those three consists of: math, reading, and writing. There are also the subject tests that focus
more on science, history, and language as well. Students from grades 11 and 12 take the SAT
test in order to submit their scores to colleges as part of the college application process. The
number of hours to complete the SAT test is 3 hours.
When should you test? What dates are offered: Many students take the SAT test during the
spring of their junior year. They will still have the opportunity to take it a second time in the fall
of their senior year. But that is if they decide to. SAT testing offers different dates that fit your
plan. They have one planned for October 2nd, 2021, November 6th, 2021, November 19th, 2021,
and December 4th, 2021.
How do you register for the test? To register for the SAT test, you must do the following: go to
the College Board official website, create an account, submit all the required details, select
which exam you want to take along with your nearest test center, upload a clear photograph of
yourself, and pay the application fee.
How much does the test cost: You must pay a fee waiver of $55 to take the SAT test.
Are there waivers available? What is the process for obtaining a waiver for this test: There are
fee waivers you can get to obtain the SAT test. If a student thinks that there eligible, their
school counselor or representative from a community-based organization, will help you get
one. If a student is homeschooled, they must show proof of eligibility like taxes or proof of
enrollment in an aid program.
What resources are available to prepare for the test: To study for the SAT test, there’s lots of
websites that can prep you for the challenges ahead. Try looking into these educational
programs: Khan Academy, College Board, Test Prep Review, Kaplan, and The Princeton Review
are some good resources to help practice questions on and study for the test.

ACT
What areas are tested: The ACT test consists of four-multiple choice tests. These subjects are
English, math, reading, and science. The test is designed to measure a student’s skill, and to
have them succeed in postsecondary education that is required for secondary education. The
amount of time it takes to complete the ACT test, is the same with SAT. It takes three hours
long, but that’s based on taking the test. If a student takes breaks in between, it would take 2
hours and 55 minutes to complete. If they sign up for the optional essay, the test takes 3 hours
and 40 minutes.
When should you test? What dates are offered: During the fall or winter of their junior year is
when students should take the ACT test. That way they won’t feel too nervous and they can
prepare for additional tests that happen in the spring and summer of their junior year.
Depending on your plan, you can take the ACT test on any date. Here are the following dates:
October 23rd, 2021, December 11th, 2021, November 5th, 2021, and more.
How do you register for the test? You will need to create an ACT account to register. After you
created the account, it will ask you a series of questions related to your high school, high school
classes, family, and interests. In addition, you will be asked about your information. These
include: your name, address, phone number, email, and social security number. Once all those
steps are completed, you can proceed to register for the ACT test.
How much does the test cost: There’s 3 different costs for the ACT test. You can do the full ACT
with no writing that costs $60.00, the full ACT with writing for $85.00, and the test option
change for $25.00.
Are there waivers available? What is the process for obtaining a waiver for this test: In order
to get a fee waiver, check with the school counselor first to see if the student is eligible. If they
say yes, then that student can get up to four fee waivers to take the ACT test for free. Once
registered into ACT online or by mail, use the fee waiver code.
What resources are available to prepare for the test: For practicing and studying the ACT test,
you would need to find some resources or programs to get you started. Here are some
resources: Official ACT Practice Questions, The Princeton Review, McGraw-Hill, Kaplan, and
more. These resources can provide you with the material needed to get ready for the ACT test.