What do you need for the SAT/ACT?

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test or Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized exam for admission to American universities.

In most American educational institutions, SAT results are one of the main criteria when considering a student's candidacy.

Both domestic and international students take the SAT for admission to US universities. Every year, about 2 million people take the SAT in America. Foreigners planning to study in the USA take the SAT abroad in 175 countries around the world.

Preparing for the SAT and ACT is an important step for students seeking admission to colleges and universities in the USA. These standardized tests play a key role in the admissions process, and understanding what it takes to pass them successfully will help you better prepare. In this article, we will cover the main aspects to consider when preparing for the SAT and ACT.

1. Understanding the test format

SAT is a test to check the student's general level of academic knowledge and his or her readiness to study at US universities. The SAT is administered and administered by the private organization College Board:

• Structure: The SAT has three main sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. There is also an optional essay section.

• Time: The test takes about 3 hours (without essay) and 3 hours 50 minutes (with essay).

• Scoring: Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with a total score of 400 to 1600.

ACT:

• Structure: The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional essay section.

• Time: The test lasts 2 hours 55 minutes (without essay) and 3 hours 35 minutes (with essay).

• Score: Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with the average score calculated as the arithmetic mean of all sections.

2. Register for the test

To participate in the SAT or ACT, you must register in advance:

• Registration sites: For the SAT, this is the College Board website, for the ACT, this is the ACT.org website.

• Registration deadlines: Please pay attention to the registration deadlines, which may vary depending on the test date.

• Payment: The cost of the ACT exam for Russians is $166.50 with an essay and $150 without. The SAT is slightly cheaper: $115.5 and $96.5, respectively.

3. Preparing for the test

Study materials:

• Books: There are many textbooks and guides for preparing for the SAT and ACT. It is recommended to choose reputable sources.

• Online resources: Platforms such as Khan Academy (for the SAT) and other online courses offer free or paid preparation courses.

Practice tests:

• Regular practice with practice tests will help you get used to the format and timing of the exam. It will also help you identify weak points.

Group Studies and Tutors:

• If you prefer a more structured approach, consider working with a tutor or in a study group.

4. Test Day Materials

It is important to have the following items with you on test day:

• Proof of identity: This is usually a passport or other photo ID.

• Registration confirmation: Print out your test registration confirmation.

• Stationery: Bring a few pencils, an eraser, and if needed, a calculator (for the SAT).

• Water and snacks: Some test sites allow you to bring water and snacks for breaks.

5. Emotional Preparation

Don’t forget about mental preparation:

• Sleep: Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the test.

• Nutrition: Make sure you eat a balanced breakfast on test day.

• Stress Management Strategies: Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to reduce anxiety.

So, despite the undeniable similarities between the two exams, the ACT and SAT have a number of important distinctive features.

The SAT is more flexible in terms of time, its questions are objectively considered easier, while the ACT gives less time to solve the test, requires a deeper knowledge of mathematics and includes one section that is not presented in the SAT.

The maximum score in the SAT is 1600 points, in the ACT - 36. At the same time, all universities accept both the SAT and ACT. American universities do not give preference to only the SAT or ACT, so the choice of exam depends on your personal abilities and preferences. In general, your chances of entering a US university depend on how well you pass the SAT or ACT, so both exams require careful preparation and a balanced decision.

Before you make a decision, we recommend that you take practice versions of these tests. You will be able to evaluate the format and difficulty of the tasks, see sample questions and try your hand at passing all parts of the exams.