Duration

ACT:  3 hrs 40 mins (optional essay is 40 mins)

SAT:  3 hrs 50 mins (optional essay is 50 mins)



Structure

ACT:    4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science &
             an Optional Essay)

SAT:   4 sections (Reading, Writing & Language, 2 Math
             sections & an Optional Essay)



Wrong Answer Penalty

ACT:    No penalty for wrong answers

SAT:    No penalty for wrong answers



Scoring

ACT:    The exam is out of 36 pts.  The test-taker's
            "composite" score is calculated by adding the scores
            from each section (36 pts/ea) & dividing by 4. If the 
            optional essay is chosen, test-takers will be given a
            separate English Language Arts or "ELA" score.
           The "ELA" score is  calculated by adding the scores of 
           The Writing, Reading & Essay sections & dividing by 4.  
            

SAT:  The exam is out of 1600 pts.  The test-taker's score is
            calculated by adding the scores from the 2 verbal
            sections (total 800 pts) & the scores from the 2 math
            sections (total 800 pts).  If the optional essay is
            chosen, test takers will be  given a separate "essay 
           "only" score. The "essay only" score is not combined
            with the Reading + Language & Arts score.


 

Super Scoring

ACT:    Many collleges do not super score ACT test results.
              Colleges take the "composite" score from the test
              date(s) the test-taker submits.

SAT:    Most colleges do super score SAT test results. 
             Colleges combine the best score from each section
             of each test date submitted. 



Scores Sent to Colleges

ACT:    The test-taker decides which test date score(s) to 
             submit to colleges.

SAT:   The College Board sends the scores from all the tests
             taken unless the test-taker selects "Score Choice". 
            (If the test-taker selects "Score Choice" only the
            scores  from the test date(s) selected will be sent to
           colleges.  However, an "SC" will appear on the test-
           taker's SAT score report so colleges will know that
           "Score Choice" was selected. (Please note that some
           colleges do not accept "Score Choice").