• About Gear Up
  • What We Do
  • Find Resources

Latest News

  • External Evaluator Sought
     
  • GEAR UP Staff Present at NCCEP 2009!
     
 
  • Middle School Student
  • High School Student
  • Parent
  • Educator
gateway photo
Discover. Plan. Prepare. Apply.
 

Which Test is Best for Me?

Which is best for you?

The ACT® Assessment or the SAT I® test? Most colleges will accept either ACT® or SAT I® scores in college admissions. But these tests are not the same. Many students do better on one than the other. You can also take both. Here’s a quick comparison of the two tests.

 

Which Test is Best for Me?
ACT® Assessment SAT I® Test
Includes a science reasoning section Does not include a science section
Includes trigonometry questions Does not include trigonometry questions
Vocabulary words are in context Vocabulary words are not in context
100% multiple choice test: a separate writing test is optional Includes short answer questions and a writing section
Does not subtract points for wrong answers Subtracts partial points for some wrong answers
Math makes up 25% of your score Math makes up 50% of your score
Questions go from easy to hard Easy and hard questions are all mixed up
You can choose which test date scores are reported to colleges You cannot choose which scores to report Colleges receive scores for all of your test dates
 

Related Info:

ACT
ACT's PLAN Assessment
Solutions To Common Studying Problems
Strategic Tutoring Resources
Study Tips [PDF]
Taking the Tests
Tagged:
  • Apply for College
  • High School
  • Tips & Advice
 
What you can expect to make without higher education.
In 2005, the median income of a high school graduate or GED recipient was $24,435. That’s $16,699 less than they would have earned with a bachelor’s degree.

Middle School Student

  • Apply for College
  • Discover Your Future
  • Pay for College
  • Plan Now

High School Student

  • Apply for College
  • Discover Your Future
  • Pay for College
  • Plan Now

Parent

  • Applying for College
  • Financial Planning
  • Pay for College
  • Planning for College

Educator

  • Career Focus
  • College Fun
  • Issues in the Field