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Which Test is Right for You: SAT vs ACT
Playing college sports is a great opportunity and academics plays an important role in getting to the next level. While determining what NCAA eligibility requirements you need to meet, you have noticed the option of submitting test scores from either the SAT or ACT. Today we will explain the differences between the two tests, and hopefully give you some direction on which test is right for you!
WHY THESE TESTS
Colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT for admission and merit-based scholarships.
WHEN
SAT - 7 Times each year (March or April/May/June/August/October/November/December)
ACT - 7 Times each year (February/April/June/July/September/October/December)
COST
SAT - $52
ACT - $55
STRUCTURE
SAT - Math/Reading/Writing & Language
ACT - Math/Reading/English/Science
TIME
SAT - 3 hours
ACT - 2 hours, 55 minutes
# OF QUESTIONS
SAT - 154
ACT - 215
MATH
SAT - Arithmetic/Algebra I & II/Geometry/Trigonometry/Data Analysis
(Calculator not allowed on all questions)
ACT - Arithmetic/Algebra I & II/Geometry/Trigonometry
(Calculator allowed on all questions)
READING
SAT - 5 reading passages
ACT - 4 reading passages
SCIENCE
SAT - None
ACT - 1 section testing critical thinking
SCORES
SAT - 400 to 1600
ACT - 1 to 36
The NCAA uses an ACT sum score that can be between 37-144. The ACT sum score is a combination of English, Mathematics, reading, and science subjects.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
SAT
Division I - 900
Division II - 840
Division III - no minimum requirement
ACT
Division I - 75
Division II - 70
Division III - No minimum requirement
WHICH TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE
While both the SAT and ACT are nationally accepted, some states require high school students to take the ACT or SAT. In these cases, it is best that you take whichever test is required for you state, and avoid studying for both tests.
Here are a list of states/regions that require the SAT:
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Illinois
Maine
Michigan
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
West Virginia
These states require the ACT:
Alabama
Hawaii
Kentucky
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
North Carolina
Utah
Wisconsin
Wyoming
TRY THE SAT VS ACT QUIZ
If you are still undecided on which test is best for you, take this short quiz to help you make an informed choice. Check whether you agree or disagree with each statement listed below.