General Questions about the SAT

The SAT and ACT are the official tests used by colleges to help decide whether to admit students or deny them (along with GPA, transcript, recommendations, etc.). Not all schools require the SAT, but the great majority does. The University Prep Center recommends that all college bound students take either the SAT or the ACT in order to make a successful transition to higher education.

Why should students take the SAT?

Most colleges require the SAT or ACT for admissions and may use it to award scholarships.

How long is the test?

3 hours, 45 minutes (Two 10 minute breaks)

How is it scored?

There are 3 sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. Each section is scored from 200 to 800. The lowest score you can get on the SAT is a 600; the highest score anyone can get is a 2400.

How do I register to take the SAT?

Visit www.universityprepcenter.com Click on the SAT Registration page.

How many math questions are on the SAT?

There are 54 Math questions on the SAT. You'll have three math sections; 2, 25-minute sections and 1, 20-minute section.

What type of math questions are on the SAT?

The 54 questions are broken down into 2 question types: 44, multiple-choice, problem solving questions and 10, student produced grid-in questions.

What math concepts are tested on the SAT?

Basic Arithmetic, Algebra 1 &II, and Geometry.

How is the math section scored?

200-800 points. You get 200 points for signing your name and each question you get right gets you closer to an 800 perfect score.

General Questions about the ACT

What exactly is the ACT?

ACT Ð American College Testing. The ACT is a national college admission examination that consists of subject area tests. Accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and universities.

Who can take the ACT?

People of all ages and grade levels are eligible to take the ACT. Including those who have already graduated from high school.

Why take the ACT?

The ACT is accepted by virtually all colleges including all of the Ivy League Schools. It is not an aptitude or an IQ test. The questions are directly related to what the students learn in high school in English, Math, and Science.

What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?

The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities. The ACT is scored based on the number correct with no correction for guessing.

What is a good ACT score?

The ACT is graded on a composite score from 1 to 36. A score of 26 or over is considered ÒgoodÓ. Nationally acclaimed colleges/universities will look for students scoring on the high end. The national average is about 21.

I have taken the ACT several times. Is there a limit to the number of times one can take the ACT? Which score do the schools consider?

Time is the only factor in how many times you are capable of taking the ACT. Most colleges will consider only your highest score.

Does the ACT penalize you for wrong answers?

No, there is no wrong answer penalty for the ACT.

How is the ACT scored?

A composite score between 1and 36 is given based on the average of the 4 sections. There are sub scores between 1-18 in each section that provide you with more detail about your test performance.