Testing Resources
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Who?
Anyone looking to apply at an accredited College or University will have to consider taking the ACT test. Much like everything in the admissions process, different factors will determine If you have to take test. Some things you should consider before the test are:
- Does my College/University require that I take the ACT? (not all schools require the test check fairtest.org)
- Should I take the ACT over the SAT? (for more Information on how the two tests differ check the CCP handbook page 28)
What?
The ACT is a college entrance exam used by many institutions to determine college readiness and give merit-based aid. The test is scored on a scale of 1-36 with sections for reading, writing, math, and an optional essay.
The test is:
- Timed with 3 hours allotted for those with no essay and 3 hours and 50 minutes for those with an essay.
- Some high schools will cover the cost of taking the test, be sure to check with your counselor for information on waivers.
When?
You can take the ACT as soon as you begin high school. However, it is recommended that you take the ACT at least once during your junior year and again for Senior year. The date of the test differs so keep up to date by checking act.org.
- You can take the test as many times as you’d like.
- Most waivers covers the cost of two test if you are eligible.
- Pick a time that works with your schedule and location!
Where?
Locations vary based on school district and testing center. Always check for the most convenient locations near you. With the recent pandemic,, the ACT has adapted to online testing, stay up to date by following the ACT on social media!
- Most tests take place in a school classroom under the supervision of a proctor.
- You don’t have to wait to take the test in person. Get practice by taking online practice tests at actstudentservices.org.
- Based on your location, plan you’re your schedule to ensure you make it on time.
College Entrance Exams: ACT vs. SAT
SAT
ACT
Why Take It
Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Test Structure
- Reading
- Writing & Language
- Math
- Essay (Optional)
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science Reasoning
- Essay (Optional)
Length
- 3 hours (without essay)
- 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
- 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
- 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Reading
5 reading passages
4 reading passages
Science
None
1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
Math
- Arithmetic
- Algebra I & II
- Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
- Arithmetic
- Algebra I & II
- Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability & Statistics
Calculator Policy
Some math questions don’t allow you to use a calculator.
You can use a calculator on all math questions.
Essays
Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text.
Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
How It's Scored
Scored on a scale of 400–1600
Scored on a scale of 1–36
What is SUPERSCORING and Why Should I Care?
Superscoring is the process by which colleges consider your highest section scores across all the dates you took the ACT or SAT. Rather than confining your scores to one particular date, these schools will take your highest section scores, forming the highest possible composite score.
Schools which Superscore will give some students a better chance at admission overall.
Test Anxiety: Crash Course Study Skills
ACT/SAT Prep Resources
There are tons of free prep sites available. When using a fee waiver to register for the ACT, all students receive the www.actstudent.org test prep for free (a huge value).
Here is just a small sampling of other sites:
• ACT Academy
• Chomp Chomp
• Kahn Academy
• Magoosh
• McGraw-Hill Education Practice Plus
• Pocket Preps
• Prep Scholar
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Who?
Anyone looking to apply at an accredited College or University will have to consider taking the ACT test. Much like everything in the admissions process, different factors will determine If you have to take test. Some things you should consider before the test are:
- Does my College/University require that I take the ACT? (not all schools require the test check fairtest.org)
- Should I take the ACT over the SAT? (for more Information on how the two tests differ check the CCP handbook page 28)
What?
The ACT is a college entrance exam used by many institutions to determine college readiness and give merit-based aid. The test is scored on a scale of 1-36 with sections for reading, writing, math, and an optional essay.
The test is:
- Timed with 3 hours allotted for those with no essay and 3 hours and 50 minutes for those with an essay.
- Some high schools will cover the cost of taking the test, be sure to check with your counselor for information on waivers.
When?
You can take the ACT as soon as you begin high school. However, it is recommended that you take the ACT at least once during your junior year and again for Senior year. The date of the test differs so keep up to date by checking act.org.
- You can take the test as many times as you’d like.
- Most waivers covers the cost of two test if you are eligible.
- Pick a time that works with your schedule and location!
Where?
Locations vary based on school district and testing center. Always check for the most convenient locations near you. With the recent pandemic,, the ACT has adapted to online testing, stay up to date by following the ACT on social media!
- Most tests take place in a school classroom under the supervision of a proctor.
- You don’t have to wait to take the test in person. Get practice by taking online practice tests at actstudentservices.org.
- Based on your location, plan you’re your schedule to ensure you make it on time.
College Entrance Exams: ACT vs. SAT
Why Take It
SAT
Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
ACT
Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Test Structure
SAT
- Reading
- Writing & Language
- Math
- Essay (Optional)
ACT
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science Reasoning
- Essay (Optional)
Length
SAT
- 3 hours (without essay)
- 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
ACT
- 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
- 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Reading
SAT
5 reading passages
ACT
4 reading passages
Science
SAT
None
ACT
1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
Math
SAT
- Arithmetic
- Algebra I & II
- Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
ACT
- Arithmetic
- Algebra I & II
- Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability & Statistics
Calculator Policy
SAT
Some math questions don’t allow you to use a calculator.
ACT
You can use a calculator on all math questions.
Essays
SAT
Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text.
ACT
Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
How It's Scored
SAT
Scored on a scale of 400–1600
ACT
Scored on a scale of 1–36
What is SUPERSCORING and Why Should I Care?
Superscoring is the process by which colleges consider your highest section scores across all the dates you took the ACT or SAT. Rather than confining your scores to one particular date, these schools will take your highest section scores, forming the highest possible composite score.
Schools which Superscore will give some students a better chance at admission overall.
Test Anxiety: Crash Course Study Skills
ACT/SAT Prep Resources
There are tons of free prep sites available. When using a fee waiver to register for the ACT, all students receive the www.actstudent.org test prep for free (a huge value).
Here is just a small sampling of other sites:
• ACT Academy
• Chomp Chomp
• Kahn Academy
• Magoosh
• McGraw-Hill Education Practice Plus
• Pocket Preps
• Prep Scholar