Hi! Welcome to the SAT/ACT spot!

Here, you can find all you need for the SAT or ACT. Scroll around this page to find some helpful information on each test; then, when you are ready, you can go over to the Blog to find tips on a variety of test prep topics.

You can also go over to the Online Course if you want an in-depth, full course on a specific section of the test or even the complete test.

Finally, you can set up some personal, one-on-one tutoring sessions. If you aren't sure if that's for you yet, try out the Free Tutoring Trial, at no cost, and you can see if it's a good fit.

As you can see, there are many ways to use the SAT/ACT spot, from full courses to just browsing for free tips. Choose the one that is right for you. Good luck!!

SAT: what is it? ACT: what is it? Frequently asked questions Blog: test taking tips

SAT Summary

What is the SAT all about?

The SAT is one of two main college entrance exams. The test is split up into four sections: a Reading section, a Writing & Language section, and two Math sections, one where you are allowed to use your calculator and one where you are not. The SAT score is made up of a Verbal score (Reading + Writing/Lang.), which ranges from 200 at the lowest to 800 at the highest, and a Math score (both Math sections), which also ranges from 200 to 800. The total score is the Verbal and Math scores combined and will range from 400 to 1600.

SAT Reading

  • 65 minutes
  • 52 questions
  • 5 passages
  • 1 Literary passage, 1 History passage, 3 Natural/Social Science passages
  • Tests Reading comprehension and vocabulary

SAT Writing/Lang.

  • 35 minutes
  • 44 questions
  • 4 passages
  • All informative passages
  • Tests grammar, structure, writing style

SAT Math No Calc

  • 25 minutes
  • 20 questions
  • 15 multiple choice questions and 5 grid-in (non-multiple choice) questions
  • Tests Algebra, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics, Probability and Arithmetic
  • Questions start easy and get progressively more difficult

SAT Math Calc

  • 55 minutes
  • 38 questions
  • 30 multiple choice questions and 8 grid-in (non-multiple choice) questions
  • Tests Algebra, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics, Probability and Arithmetic
  • Questions start easy and get progressively more difficult

ACT Summary

What is the ACT all about?

The ACT is the other major college entrance exam. It consists of four sections (or "tests" as the ACT refers to it), and an optional section: the Reading test, the English test, the Math test, the Science test, and the optional Writing test or Essay section. Each test/section has its own individual score that ranges from the lowest, 1, to the highest, 36. You will also get a composite score that is an average of all your section/test scores (English, Math, Reaading, Science). The optional Writing section has its own subject score of 2 to 12, as well as four subscores that range from 2 to 12, which measure different aspects of the essay's writing quality.

ACT English

  • 45 minutes
  • 75 questions
  • 5 passages
  • All informative passages
  • Tests grammar, strucure, writing style

SAT Math

  • 60 minutes
  • 60 questions
  • Tests Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Trigonometry
  • Questions start easy and get progressively more difficult

ACT Reading

  • 35 minutes
  • 40 questions
  • 4 passages
  • 1 Prose Fiction passage, 1 Social Studies passage, 1 Humanities passage, 1 Natural Science passage
  • Tests Reading comprehension and vocabulary

ACT Science

  • 35 minutes
  • 40 questions
  • 6 to 7 science passages
  • Data Representation passages (charts and tables detailing a phenomenon), Research Summary passages (detailing an experiment), 1 Conflicting Viewpoints passage (detailing a science debate between 2 or more parties)
  • Tests chart/graph reading, data analysis, basic science knowledge

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About the SAT and ACT

Q: Is there an essay section for the SAT or ACT?

A: The SAT essay section was discontinued in 2021. The ACT essay is still available, but is optional for most schools and required for just a handful.

Q: Where can I get practice tests?

A: You can get SAT practice tests from the Collegeboard website, which are official. You can get a practice online ACT from the ACT website. Both also provide purchasable practice tests, as well. In addition, many test prep companies publish their own practice tests that you can purchase.

Q: Are the tests curved?

A: Yes, both tests are scored on a curve. A more difficult test will be scored more leniently, and an easier test will be scored more harshly. So, you could get more answers wrong on a more difficult test and still get the same score you got on an easier test.

Q: How many times should I take the test?

A: It depends. Some students take it just once, some take it many times. But, most students who are serious about getting a good score take it two or three times, or even more times.

Q: What is superscoring?

A: Superscoring is where your best scores from each section, across all your test dates, are taken and assembled into an overall or composite score to present to colleges. Both tests provide this option to colleges that participate.

Take an online SAT/ACT course at your own pace

The Online Test Prep Courses

If you are interested in a full test prep course online, check out The Complete SAT Course (which covers the Reading, Writing/Lang., and Math sections), Everything You Need to know for the SAT Math Sections, Everything You Need for the SAT Reading and Writing Sections, Everything You Need to Know for the SAT Writing/Lang. Section, Everything You Need to Know for the SAT Reading Section, and The Complete ACT Reading Course.

Each course consists of self-paced video lectures, section quizzes, and handy study sheets.

The Complete SAT Course Everything You Need to know for the SAT Math Sections Everything You Need for the SAT Reading and Writing Sections Everything You Need to Know for the SAT Writing/Lang. Section Everything You Need to Know for the SAT Reading Section The Complete ACT Reading Course

One-on-one personal test prep tutoring

Free Tutoring Trial

If you are interested in a more personal learning experience, you can sign up for some video test prep sessions led by me, Robert, a tutor and prep course designer. I can help you with preparing for either the SAT or ACT... or both! Sessions are done through video chat, and I use a combination of worksheets, whiteboards, quizzes, practice test, etc. I have lesson plans to get you ready for your test, but if you have material of your own, or just want to meet for a few sessions to go over specific questions or a recent test you did, we can do that too. Just reach out and send me an e-mail!

Free Trial

Not sure about diving in and buying some sessions? Don't worry, you can sign up for a free 15 minute session. I can answer any questions you have about the sessions, demonstrate the tools, or even go over a tip or two for the test. Just e-mail me and we can set something up.

Courses Pricing

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