College Entrance Exams

SAT versus ACT: Comparing the Tests

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) is required for admission to all University System of Georgia universities and colleges (and most private universities and colleges). Students should plan to take the SAT, ACT, or both by the spring of the junior year as well as the fall of the senior year. Many scholarship applications require scores from fall test dates. Check the college catalog or the College Handbook in the guidance office to find which test or tests are required by the school(s) you are considering. Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or the ACT. Because research indicates that many students perform quite differently on the ACT and SAT I, it may benefit you to take both tests. Colleges typically use the higher of the two scores for admission, scholarship, and athletic eligibility. Some competitive colleges may require the SAT II in specific subject areas. Students should apply for the appropriate test prior to the registration deadline. Information and applications for these tests are provided through the guidance office. A variety of SAT and ACT study materials are available for student use in the career center such as printed material, use of preloaded computer software, or internet websites. In addition, students can purchase entrance exam preparatory books, videos, and computer software at most major book stores. 

The following is a brief description of each exam:

* SAT I - A three hour measurement of verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. Verbal questions test ability to understand and analyze what is read, recognize relationships between parts of a sentence, and establish relationships between pairs of words. Vocabulary skills are tested using reading passages, sentences, and word-pairs. Mathematics questions test your ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The score is reported on a scale of 200 - 800 for both Verbal and Math. The Star Student of each high school is the senior who has the highest combined SAT score in one sitting taken through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10% of their class.