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About the ACT
Interest in the ACT has been growing rapidly as students realize the advantage of having
an alternative or supplement to the SAT. All four-year colleges that accept the SAT also accept the ACT. Students
can choose the test that is right for them.
Spring of the junior year and fall of the senior year are the best times to take the ACT. Compass can arrange
a free practice test to gauge your ability on the ACT.
| Test Date |
Registration |
Late Registration |
| August 12 |
August 22 |
| September 19 |
October 3 |
| November 7 |
November 20 |
| Test Date |
Registration |
Late Registration |
| January 6 |
January 16 |
| February 27 |
March 13 |
| May 8 |
May 22 |
| Test |
Breakdown |
| English |
75 questions, 45 minutes |
| Mathematics |
60 questions, 60 minutes |
| Reading |
40 questions, 35 minutes |
| Science |
40 questions, 35 minutes |
Writing
(optional, but required by many schools) |
1 essay, 30 minutes |
Overall |
3 hours 25 minutes |
| SAT |
ACT |
Key ACT Differences |
| Writing |
English
Writing(optional) |
Similar to the multiple choice portion of the SAT Writing except that
it has additional emphasis on punctuation. The "optional" ACT Writing essay is required by
many colleges. The ACT essay is always the last section; the SAT essay is always the first
section of the exam. |
| Math |
Math |
Covers math through trigonometry, whereas the SAT does not. The ACT
forbids calculators with computer algebra systems like the TI-89. |
| Critical Reading |
Reading |
Tests similar reading skills. No vocabulary oriented Sentence Completions. |
| N/A |
Science |
No analogue on the SAT. Measures interpretation, analysis, evaluation,
reasoning, and problem-solving skills. |
| Deduction for incorrect multiple choice problems |
No deduction for incorrect answers |
Raw Scores |
| 200-800 scale |
1-36 scale |
Scaled Score |
| 600-2400 sum |
1-36 scale |
Composite or Combined Score |
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"My Compass tutors were able to work around my busy
schedule, and they came right to me. I'm used to practicing
for sports, but Compass showed me how I could apply those
same skills to raising my SAT scores. Best of all,
I got accepted by Harvard!"
Emily T.
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