SAT/ACT General Info
Should you take the new SAT, the ACT, or both? Take this quiz.
SAT vs ACT Comparison: Some Differences Between Each Test
Both the SAT and the ACT are standardized tests that help colleges and universities determine how prepared you are, as a student, to take college-level courses.
At first glance, the two tests don’t look very different. They take a similar amount of time to complete (between 3 hours and 35 minutes for the ACT, around 3 hours and 50 minutes for the SAT), and they cover all the same basic subjects: reading, writing, comprehension, problem solving, and mathematics. In the past, the two tests were more distinct from each other, but the SAT went through a massive revision and redesign in 2016, and now is very similar to the ACT’s format.
Additionally, all US colleges and universities accept both the ACT and the SAT, so there’s no direct advantage to taking one test over the other. However, despite all these similarities, there are also some surprising differences that might influence your choice.
The biggest difference is the amount of time allotted to each section of the test. The SAT allows more time per question for every section of the test, whereas the ACT requires you to move faster through the questions.
Additionally, the ACT has more questions than the SAT, but the SAT questions often require more lengthy reading and problem solving (so they take a little longer to complete).
SAT/ACT
Due to the inability of so many students to test during th spring of 2020, many colleges have changed their testing policies and may no longer require an SAT or ACT score for admissions. Some of these changes are temporary and some are permanent. It is encumbant upon the student to research the policies at each college to which they are interested in applying.
At this time (Fall of 2020) it is the recommendation of WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL that students continue to attempt to take the SAT and/or ACT to provide for as many possible opportunities for college admissions and financial aid as possible if it is safe and reasonable for them to do so, however they should rest assured that many great opportunities are available without test scores this year.
Students who have a test score and are applying to test optional schools should consider the policies and admissions statistics of the school before deciding to submit those scores. College and career center staff is available to assist students with this decision.
Follow the links below for more information
Due to the inability of so many students to test during th spring of 2020, many colleges have changed their testing policies and may no longer require an SAT or ACT score for admissions. Some of these changes are temporary and some are permanent. It is encumbant upon the student to research the policies at each college to which they are interested in applying.
At this time (Fall of 2020) it is the recommendation of WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL that students continue to attempt to take the SAT and/or ACT to provide for as many possible opportunities for college admissions and financial aid as possible if it is safe and reasonable for them to do so, however they should rest assured that many great opportunities are available without test scores this year.
Students who have a test score and are applying to test optional schools should consider the policies and admissions statistics of the school before deciding to submit those scores. College and career center staff is available to assist students with this decision.
Follow the links below for more information
ACT and SAT Test Dates
SAT/ACT
Due to the inability of so many students to test during th spring of 2020, many colleges have changed their testing policies and may no longer require an SAT or ACT score for admissions. Some of these changes are temporary and some are permanent. It is encumbant upon the student to research the policies at each college to which they are interested in applying.
At this time (Fall of 2020) it is the recommendation of WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL that students continue to attempt to take the SAT and/or ACT to provide for as many possible opportunities for college admissions and financial aid as possible if it is safe and reasonable for them to do so, however they should rest assured that many great opportunities are available without test scores this year.
Students who have a test score and are applying to test optional schools should consider the policies and admissions statistics of the school before deciding to submit those scores. College and career center staff is available to assist students with this decision.
Follow the links below for more information ACT and SAT Test Dates
Due to the inability of so many students to test during th spring of 2020, many colleges have changed their testing policies and may no longer require an SAT or ACT score for admissions. Some of these changes are temporary and some are permanent. It is encumbant upon the student to research the policies at each college to which they are interested in applying.
At this time (Fall of 2020) it is the recommendation of WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL that students continue to attempt to take the SAT and/or ACT to provide for as many possible opportunities for college admissions and financial aid as possible if it is safe and reasonable for them to do so, however they should rest assured that many great opportunities are available without test scores this year.
Students who have a test score and are applying to test optional schools should consider the policies and admissions statistics of the school before deciding to submit those scores. College and career center staff is available to assist students with this decision.
Follow the links below for more information
ACT TEST DATES:
Fall 2020 Test Dates
September
- Saturday, September 12
- Sunday, September 13
- Saturday, September 19
October
- Saturday, October 10
- Saturday, October 17
- Saturday, October 24
- Sunday, October 25
The ACT is an achievement test that measures what students have learned in school. There are five components: English, Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Writing (optional). Register for the ACT only and for the ACT with writing for by the dates above.
SAT TEST DATES:
|
Test Date
|
Normal Deadline
|
Late Registration*
|
Online Score Release**
|
| August 29, 2020 | July 31, 2020 | August 18, 2020 | September 21, 2020 |
| September 26, 2020 | August 26, 2020 | September 15, 2020 | October 9, 2020 |
| October 3, 2020 | September 4, 2020 | September 22, 2020 | October 16, 2020 |
| November 7, 2020 | October 7, 2020 | October 27, 2020 | November 20, 2020 |
| December 5, 2020 | November 5, 2020 | November 24, 2020 | December 18, 2020 |
| March 13, 2021 | February 12, 2021 | March 2, 2021 | March 26, 2021 |
| May 8, 2021 | April 8, 2021 | April 27, 2021 | May 21, 2021 |
| June 5, 2021 | May 6, 2021 | May 26, 2021 | June 18, 2021 |
The SAT assesses student skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics and Writing (optional) and allows students to demonstrate how well they can apply their knowledge. Register for the SAT only and for the SAT with essay by the dates listed above. About the NEW SAT.
Testing Information and Registration
- WHS School Code (CEEB Code): 053937
- NCAA Eligibility Center’s Code: 9999 (To send scores directly to the Eligibility Center)
Visit the Counseling department and the College and Career Center for more information.
NEW SAT to ACT Scores Conversion Chart
NEW SAT to ACT Scores Conversion Chart
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