Clayborne answers ChatGPT’s top-ranked questions about the SAT and the ACT

We asked ChatGPT to share the most frequently asked questions about the SAT and the ACT.

Here they are in one post:

1. What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT tests?
2. How long does each test take?
3. What is the format of each test?
4. How are the tests scored?
5. What is a good score on the SAT or ACT?
6. How many times can I take the SAT or ACT?
7. When should I take the SAT or ACT?
8. How do I register for the SAT or ACT?
9. How much does it cost to take the SAT or ACT?
10. What is the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT?
11. What is on the SAT or ACT test?
12. Do colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?
13. Can I use a calculator on the SAT or ACT?
14. What happens if I cancel my SAT or ACT scores?
15. How do I send my SAT or ACT scores to colleges?

Q1. What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT?

A1. The only difference between the SAT and ACT is the format. The tests emphasize similar skills and content areas, but in differing proportions.

• • Reading – SAT typically has more challenging passages, but provides more time to analyze them. ACT has fewer passages and they are more straightforward, at the cost of much-accelerated pace.
  • Writing – identical material, but SAT is shorter than ACT.
  • Math – SAT emphasizes math – half your SAT score, ¼ your ACT score. ACT has significantly more geometry content.
  • Science – ACT only, but the SAT incorporates data interpretation skills into math and scientific content into Reading

Q2. How long does each test take?

A2.

1. 1. 1. The SAT takes 3 hours
      2. The ACT takes 2 hours and 55 min

Q3. What is the format of each test?

A3.

• The SAT exam format:

 

Section	Order	Time Allotted (minutes)	# of Questions
Reading	1	65	52
Writing / Language	2	35	44
Math (no calculator)	3	25	20
Math (calculator)	4	55	38
TOTAL		180	154

 

• The ACT exam format:

Section	Order	Time Allotted (minutes)	# of Questions
English	1	45	75
Math	2	60	60
Reading	3	35	40
Science	4	35	40
TOTAL		175	215

 

Q4. How are the tests scored?

A4.

1. • SAT
     1. Composite score out of 1600
     2. Math out of 800
     3. Verbal out of 800
     4. 1 raw point per correct answer; no wrong answer penalty. Each test form is scaled for difficulty to arrive at a section score out of 800.
   • ACT
     1. Composite score out of 36 (average of four section scores)
     2. English, Math, Reading, and Science scaled scores out of 36
     3. 1 raw point per correct answer; no wrong answer penalty. Each test form is scaled for difficulty to arrive at a section score out of 36.

Q5. What is a good score on the SAT or ACT?

A5. The entirely depends on admission criteria for a student’s school(s) of interest.

Nationally:

• • • SAT: 81st-86th percentile = 1250-1300; 90th-93rd = 1350-1400; 98-99th = 1500-1550

• • • ACT: 75th percentile = 23-24; 90th = 29; 99th = 34-36

Q6. How many times can I take the SAT or ACT?

A6. As many times as offered. We recommend sitting for the test twice and no more than four times.

Q7. When should I take the SAT or ACT?

1. 1. It depends on your commitment level and bandwidth during the year, but earlier is better. Ideally you are preparing for your first official test the summer of rising Junior year, then concluding your testing before the end of the academic year.

Q8. How do I register for the SAT or ACT?

A8. You may register for the ACT and SAT on their respective websites. Alternatively, you may solicit the aid of your school counseling department.

Q9. How much does it cost to take the SAT or ACT?

A9.

• • SAT – $60
  • ACT – $66

Be aware of additional fees for late registration, waitlist registration, change fees, and question/answer services post-test.

Q10. What is the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT?

1. Work with Clayborne! Diagnostic tests and consultations are always free. Start here.
2. Identify your target test and test date.
3. Plan for a prep timeline 10-12 weeks in advance of the test.
4. Develop a weekly study plan to work through content, timing, and strategy.
5. Simulate the official test through timed practice tests once per month.

Q11. What is on the SAT or ACT test?

A11.

• A mixture of multiple-choice questions pertaining to reading comprehension, mathematics up to trigonometry, English language conventions for grammar and rhetoric, and data interpretation within scientific contexts.
• Logical reasoning skills and analytical reading skills.

Q12. Do colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?

1. 1. For schools that require or accept test scores, there is no preference between the SAT and ACT.

Q13. Can I use a calculator on the SAT or ACT?

1. • ACT – math only
   • SAT – on one math section designated for calculator usage (section 4)

Q14. What happens if I cancel my SAT or ACT scores?

1. 1. Schools will not see scores that are canceled within the free score release deadline
   2. It is generally advisable to not cancel scores, as many schools allow you to submit your best scores from multiple tests (“score choice” policy). Be sure to check your school list and their admission policies to this effect.

Q15. How do I send my SAT or ACT scores to colleges?

1. 1. Free score release – you may indicate a number of schools to which your scores will be sent automatically during test registration. (NOT ADVISED!)
   2. Score choice – via common app or individual school application portals, you can submit your scores in a variety of ways. Again this requires diligent research for each of your schools to determine the best path forward.

Contact us at contactus@clayborne.com  or get in touch here for any college admissions-related inquiries.

 

 

 

 

Scott Webster, Owner, and College Admissions Prep Director,
Clayborne Education, LLC