What are the differences between the SAT and the ACT?

Most of you are probably wondering what the difference between SATs and ACTs are. You can compare the two by reading the charts below:

ACT
-3 hours, 25 minutes (including the 30-minute optional Writing Test)
-4 test sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus an optional Writing section
-4 Reading Comprehension passages, 10 questions per passage
-Covers science reasoning (analysis, interpretation, evaluation, problem solving)
-Math Topics Covered: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry (4 questions)
-Total composite score of 1-36 (based on average of 4 sections); each section receives a score of 1-36; the optional Writing section receives a score of 0-12
-No wrong answer penalty
-You decide which score is sent

SAT
-3 hours, 45 minutes
-10 Sections
-Critical Reading, Math, Writing (includes the Essay)
-Reading sections: mix of passage comprehension and sentence completion questions that require vocabulary expertise
-Science not included
-Math Topics Covered: Algebra, Geometry, and Basic Algebra II
-Total score out of 2400; 3 scores of 200-800 for each section; Writing section has 2sub-scores: multiple choice (20-80) and the essay (0-12)
-1/4 point per wrong answer (except for Math Grid-in questions)
-Your entire score history will be sent automatically

Leave comments if you have any questions or concerns.

-Ellen