SAT

The SAT test is taken by high school students to demonstrate to colleges what the prospective student knows and how well they can apply their knowledge. There are three aspects of the test: reading, writing, and math. SAT scores are sent out to your desired colleges and universities as part of the admissions package.

Colleges and universities look at the combination of high school grades and SAT scores. This combination serves as a prediction of a student’s future academic success. A student’s scores on the reading, math, and writing sections will project the student’s ability to handle college courses in critical reading, mathematics, and writing. The content of these courses is more complex in college than it is in high school, but the skills and their practical application are the same.

The skills assessed on the SAT are skills that you have been learning since you started grade school. The skills that will be assessed are critical reading, grammar and usage, identifying errors in a written passage, arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability. You will show your knowledge of these skills through the process of answering multiple choice questions. There will also be a written essay  portion of the exam. The SAT is meant to show your scholastic ability. Logic and abstract thinking are not tested during the taking of the SAT.

ACT

The ACT exam, or American College Test, is a national standardized test that serves as a measurement of aptitude and critical thinking. Colleges and universities in the United States carefully review exam results when admitting students to schools. ACT scores are an important factor of consideration. Therefore, performing well on the ACT is a key component to your future.

Question Content

So, what is the ACT really and what kind of skills are required? The required skills vary according to section.

English

This section primarily tests grammar & usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style.

Mathematics

Some subjects reviewed in this section include pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry.

Reading

This section of the exam challenges reading comprehension based on question content. Just as with the other sections of the exam, you must deduce based on the information provided.

Science

The science portion of the test challenges interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving.

Writing

The writing section tests just that: writing skills. It will test your ability to create and defend an argument in a clear and concise manner.