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May 17, 2014
SAT vs ACT
In addition to satisfying your A-G requirment courses, you will need to take either the ACT or SAT test to apply for CSU and UCs.
So which test should you take, the ACT or the SAT? Here is a breakdown of the differences between the two tests.
SAT (Scholastic Assesment Test) ACT (American College Testing)
Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
sections: math, critical reading, writing
cost: $50 (financial assistance, if eligible)
max. score: 800 per section
avg. scores:
math – 516
critical reading – 501
writing – 492

Free practice SAT test online or find a location that's near you!
http://www.princetonreview.com/college/free-sat-practice-test.aspx
SAT II: Subject tests
Duration: 1 hour each
Subjects: Literature, US history, World History, Mathematics level 1 or 2, Biology (ecology or molecular), chemistry, physics, French, Korean, Spanish, Latin, Japanese, Modern Hebrew, German, and more!
Note: While the subject tests II are not required in all colleges and universities, it is a good idea to take them just in case you may change your mind on which institution to pursue. You'll probably score better than you think so it doesn't hurt to try!
Duration: about 3 hours (plus ½ hour including optional essay) Sections: English, math, reading, and science. (writing is optional)
Cost: $34 - $49.50 (financial assistance, if eligible)
Max. score: 36
Avg. score: 21
English: 75 questions – 45 minutes
Mathematics: 60 questions – 60 minutes
Reading: 40 questions – 35 minutes
Science: 40 questions – 35 minutes
Writing: 1 prompt – 30 minutes
Free practice ACT test online or find a location that's near you!
http://www.princetonreview.com/college/free-act-practice-test.aspx
Note: The essay section is optional; however, some colleges may require it. Just in case you change your mind on which institution you want to attend, it doesn't hurt to try the essay section.
Also, if you're not a fan of science then don't flip out over the science section. Rest assured you will not be tested in Meiosis and the whole Mendel diagram; instead, this section will test your reading comprehension and the subject just happens to be science based.
Which test should I take?
Ultimately, it is your decision! Believe in yourself, the simple fact that you are participating in Project-Up, looking here, and at other sites for more information means you have the commitment and drive that will propel you in life well beyond acadamia.
Here are just a few heads up from Priceton Review. ACT questions tend to be more straightforward than SAT. The SAT's tend to focus on vocabulary more than the ACT, but the ACT has a science section whereas the SATs do not. ACTs tend to have more difficult math questions. Please talk with your teacher, college councilor, and/or UCSD mentor if you like more info or guidance on how to prepare for the exam! =)