College Entrance Exams

According to the National Association for College Admission Counselling (NACAC), 58.3% of colleges place considerable importance on admission tests. ACT and SAT are the two most common admission tests which are nationally recognized standardized tests. The idea behind both exams is similar: to demonstrate college readiness. But despite similar aims, the tests vary in structure and timing as well as the content matter and scoring. However, it is important to remember that both the tests are given equal importance and there is no particular advantage of taking one test over the other. 

Table of Contents:

• SAT

• ACT

• Other tests: PSAT & AP

• Test Dates: SAT & ACT

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SAT

Scholastic Assessment Test, commonly known as SAT is a tool used by colleges and universities to gauge the college - readiness of the applicants. 

Key points about the SAT:

• There are 2 main subjects under SAT: Math ( arithmetic, geometry, algebra 1 and 2) and Evidence-Based Reading (reading, vocabulary, grammar & usage) and Writing 

• There is also a 50 minutes optional essay which is one-third of the total in the writing section

• The total testing time for the SAT is 3 hours 50 mins

• The SAT test takes place 7 times per year - August, October, November, December, March, May, and June

• It is traditionally taken in the spring of junior year and fall of senior year

• You can obtain a maximum score of 1600; 1 score for each correct answer

• For the essay, two graders will score the essay between 1-6 and the total score you can yield is between 2-12 points

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ACT

American college test commonly known as ACT is another tool used by colleges and universities to gauge the college readiness of students who want to pursue higher education post-high school.

Key points about ACT

• There are four main subjects under ACT: Math ( arithmetic, algebra 1 &2, geometry and limited trigonometry), Reading, English (grammar and usage) and Science

• There is also an optional writing section under the ACT

• The ACT is offered six times a year: September, October, December, February (except in New York), April and June

• It is traditionally taken in the spring of Junior Year and fall of senior year

• Each of the 4 subjects is scored on a scale between 1 to 36. 1 point is awarded for every right answer

• Scores of each section are averaged to yield a score between 1 and 36 

• The optional essay is scored by 2 readers who award points between 1 and 6

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Other Tests - PSAT & AP

Apart from the SAT and ACT, there are other tests to assess a student’s college -readiness. Let us discuss them below:

PSAT

PSAT also is known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is a mock test for college-bound students. However, a superior score on PSAT can lead to recognition as a National Merit Scholar during students a junior year. This scholarship offers monetary awards and looks good on a college application.

Key Points about PSAT :

• The subjects under PSAT are: Critical Reading, Writing (vocab, grammar, and usage) & Math (arithmetic, geometry, and algebra)

• There is no optional essay portion in the writing section 

• PSAT is administered once a year in the month of October to Juniors since only they are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship.

• Each subject is scored out of 80 and the maximum points that can be scored by a student are 240

• One point is awarded for each right answer and .25 points deducted in case of a wrong answer

• The scores are distributed to school guidance departments from the college board

Advance Placements (AP)

Advanced Placements is a college-level accelerated course taught in high school. It is offered to students to allow them to gain college credit or receive advanced placement for satisfactorily completing college-level courses in high school.

Key points about AP:

• There are over 30 subjects under AP including various sciences, foreign languages, math and English

• AP exams are usually held on 2nd and 3rd weeks of May

• Students may take multiple AP exams and enroll in multiple classes in a year 

• The AP exams are rated between 1 and 5 based on how successful the student have been in a similar course if taught in college

• If your scores are 3 or higher, you might be eligible for course credit from colleges (varies from college to college)

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Test Dates - SAT & ACT

All important SAT test dates for the year 2020-2021 is projected  in the table below:

SAT Exams Dates	Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline	Score Release Dates
Aug 29, 2020	Jul 31, 2020	Aug 14, 2020	Sep 17, 2020
Oct 3, 2020	Sep 4, 2020	Sep 18, 2020	Oct 22, 2020
Nov 7, 2020	Oct 9, 2020	Oct 23, 2020	Nov 26, 2020
Dec 5, 2020	Nov 6, 2020	Nov 20, 2020	Dec 17, 2020
Mar 13, 2021	Feb 12, 2021	Feb 26, 2021	Apr 1, 2021
May 8, 2021	Apr 9, 2021	Apr 23, 2021	May 27, 2021
Jun 5, 2021	May 7, 2021	May 21, 2021	Jun 24, 2021

All important ACT test dates for the year 2020-2021 is given in the table below:

Act Exams Dates	Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline	Score Release Dates
Sept 12, 2020	Aug 7, 2020	Aug 21, 2020	Sept 22; Oct 6, 2020
Oct 24, 2020	Sept 20, 2020	Oct 4, 2020	Nov 3; Nov 17, 2020
Dec 12, 2020	Nov 6, 2020	Nov 20, 2020	Dec 22, 2020; Jan 5, 2021
Feb 6, 2021	Jan 8, 2021	Jan 15, 2021	Feb 16; Mar 1, 2021
Apr 17, 2021	Mar 5, 2021	Mar 19, 2021	Apr 20; May 4, 2021
June 12, 2021	May 7, 2021	May 21, 2021	June 22; July 6, 2021
July 17, 2021	June 11, 2021	June 25, 2021	July 27; Aug 10, 2021

Please note : 

• No test centers have been assigned in New York for the July 17, 2021 ACT test

• The first dates of ACT score release are only for multiple-choice questions, the second dates are for the final scores

* The above dates for both SAT and ACT have projected dates. Remember to verify before making any decisions

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Concluding Thoughts

Know that most four-year colleges in the United States accept both ACT and SAT scores. If you are in your junior high or senior high and college bound the information provided above will help you sort when and which test you want to take. One strategy that may help you decide which test to take is by taking the practice tests for both SAT and ACT and then see for yourself where you score better.