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Which Test do I Take - SAT or ACT?
 
   Deciding on which standardized test to take is a frequently asked question.  We recommend that you take both as colleges and universities accept either test when considering your admission application.  Taking both tests allows you to determine which test is best suited for your individual testing style, as there are differences between them.  Upon receiving your tests scores, we suggest that you analyze your results and then take the test that you did best on one more time to maximize your scores.  Clearly, this is a suggested strategy, we realize that some students have found that other options may work best for them.  Should you have questions, please feel free to speak with your counselor, or with Mrs. Smith in the DHS Career Center.
 
SAT vs ACT - How are the tests different?
 
                                                 SAT                                                                             ACT
 
Sections                  Consists of math, writing and critical reading              Consists of math, english, reading and       science
 
Scoring                    Sections scored from 200-800 and then                       Sections scored from 1-36 and then averaged
                                 added together.  The highest score is 2400                   together.  The highest score is 36
 
Essay                       Required essay (scored out of 12 points)                     Optional essay (scored out of 12 points.)  Note that
                                                                                                                                  many colleges require it
 
Math                        Arithmetic, Alegbra and Geometry                                    Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry
 
Multiple Choice      Multiple choice questions have 5 answer choices      Multiple choice questions have 4 answer choices
 
Style                        Critical Reasoning                                                                Applied Knowledge
 
 
Grid-Ins                  Math "Grid-Ins" require you write in answers                  No math "Grid-Ins"
 
Guessing               Better to skip than guess - you lose points                     Guess away - you don't lose points for wrong
                                 for wrong answers                                                               answers
 
Schedule               Administered 7 times each year                                       Administered 6 times each year
 
Cost                        $49 SAT, $22 SAT Subject, $10.50 scores                     $49.50 ACT w/ Writing, $10 scores