Use this page to learn the basics of each exam — how they're structured, how timing and scoring work, and what topics each one covers.
The ACT
The ACT is one of two major college entrance exams. It has recently been updated, making each section shorter with fewer questions but more time per question. The exam is composed of four timed sections, each testing a distinct skill set.
Sections
- The English section tests students' abilities to handle grammar and punctuation as well as deeper rhetorical and logical understanding of English composition.
- The Math section is a straightforward Math exam that tests topics ranging from basic Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus.
- The Reading section tests specific detail understanding as well as broader general reading understanding.
- Finally the Science section tests understanding of patterns and trends in data displayed primarily in charts and graphs. The Science section is now entirely optional! If you do decide to take the Science section, it will not affect your composite ACT score. Instead, you’ll receive a separate STEM score. It’s unclear whether colleges prefer, or even consider, your Science score. There is a separate Essay portion that is optional and costs an additional fee.
The SAT
The SAT is the older, more-established college entrance exam, though no more accepted or regarded by colleges and universities. As of this year offered only digitally, it consists of two separate scores, first Reading and Writing and second, Math, each with a possible score of 800, for a total possible score of 1600. Each score is tested over two modules, both identical in their format and content. The second module of each section is adaptive and is based on your performance on the first module.
Sections
- The Reading and Writing modules test vocabulary, rhetorical and logical reasoning, grammar and punctuation, and finally synthesizing information. There are no longer long reading passages with 10 or so questions. Instead, all Reading questions are one paragraph with one question each.
- The subject matter of the Math sections remains unchanged from previous iterations of the exam, covering algebra, geometry and basic trigonometry.
Not sure which test to take?
I can provide free practice tests for both the ACT and SAT. Take both timed, compare your scores, and we'll go from there — no pressure, no sales pitch.