May 05, 2015

SAT and ACT

SAT

The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught in secondary school classrooms. Most colleges utilize the SAT to make admission decisions.
Taking the SAT is the initial step in finding the right university for you — the place where you can further create your skills and seek your passions. At the same time SAT scores are only one of numerous variables that schools consider when they make choices. According to the universities, the blend of secondary school scores and SAT scores is the best predictor of your academic success in college.
Every SAT incorporates the accompanying  three scored areas - components that are viewed as essential for success in university:
The SAT is taken 6 times a year in India, in October, November, December, January, May and June.To register, please visit www.collegeboard.org


Sections Mathematics Section Critical Reading Section Writing Section
Time 70 Minutes 70 Minutes 60 Minutes
Section
  • Two 25-min sections
  • One 20-min sections
  • Two 25-min section
  • One 20-min section
  • One 25-min MCQ section
  • One 10-min MCQ section
  • One 25-min Essay section
Content
  • Number and Operations
  • Algebra and Functions
  • Geometry
  • Statistics
  • Probability
  • Data Analysis
  • Short and long reading passages
  • Sentence Completion
  • Essay
  • Grammar, usage and word choice
Total Marks 800 800 800

ACT

The ACT test is made up of four individual test, each of which is designed to measure academic achievement in a major area: English, Math, Reading and Natural Science.ACT has pulled ahead for the first time in USA: 1,666,017 students took the ACT in 2012; 1,664,479 took the SAT.
The ACT is taken 6 times a year in India, in September, October, December, February, April and June. To register, please visit www.actstudent.org

Sections English Math Reading Science Reasoning
Time 45 Minutes , 75 Questions 60 Minutes , 60 Questions 35 Minutes , 40 Questions 35 Minutes , 40 Questions
Content
  • Punctuation
  • Basic Grammar and usage
  • Sentence Structure
  • Strategy
  • Organization
  • Style
  • Pre-Algebra
  • Elementary Algebra
  • Intermediate Algebra
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Plane Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Pose Fiction
  • Humanities
  • Social Studies
  • Natural Science
  • Data Representation
  • Research Summaries
  • Conflicting Viewpoints

SAT Vs ACT

SAT is designed as an aptitude test whereas the ACT is an academic achievement test, which is meant to test what you have learnt in school. The following table shows the difference between SAT and ACT.

ACT SAT
Test Structure and Format
Length 3 hours, 25 min (with optional Writing Test) 3 hours 45 minutes
Structure 4 Sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus an optional Writing Test 3 hours 45 minutes
Scoring
Score
  • Composite of 1-36 based on average scores from the 4 test sections
  • Optional Writing Test score of 0-12 (not included in overall score) plus an optional Writing Test
  • Total score range of 600-2400 based on adding scores from 3 subjects
  • Score of 0-12 for the Essay
Wrong Answer Penalty No penalty for wrong answers Wrong answer penalty
Content
Reading Reading Comprehension Reading Comprehension Sentence Completion
Vocabulary Less Intensive Very Intensive
Writing Test Optional Required
Math
  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
  • Basic Trigonometry
  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
Science Reasoning Section Extremely Basic Level(Secondary School) Not Applicable

References: edukraft.in

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