Download - SAT, SAT II, PSAT & ACT
SAT, SAT II, PSAT & ACT
An Overview of College Admissions Testing For San Antonio ISD High School CounselorsOffice of Research and Evaluation
Which Test to Take and Why? SAT, SAT II and ACT are accepted U.S. college and
university admissions exams, used as one part of a complex applications process.
PSAT is an excellent practice test for the SAT but is not accepted by schools for admissions review.
SAT II offers one-hour Subject Tests. Some colleges may require applicants take 2 or 3 of these tests as part of the admissions process.
Each college and university sets their own requirements. Students must understand what will be required by each school to which they apply.
Data Source: The Princeton Review
When the Tests are Offered The PSAT is generally taken in the fall of the junior
year in preparation for the SAT exam. It is offered only once each year, in October.
The SAT and ACT are generally taken in the spring of the junior year. If necessary, both can be retaken during the fall of the senior year. The tests are offered six times each year.
The SAT II subject tests are also offered six times each year. However, each subject may not be offered at each administration so students should be careful to determine when their particular tests will be offered.
Data Source: The Princeton Review
Test Basics All are timed, standardized, multiple-choice tests. The
SAT II Writing test includes a 20-minute essay. Students will have 3 hours to complete the SAT or
ACT. Students have 1 hour for each of the SAT II tests and 2 hours and 10 minutes for the PSAT.
SAT, SAT II and PSAT include penalties for wrong answers. The ACT does not.
PSAT scores are the only qualifying criteria for National Merit Scholarships and National Achievement Scholarships.
The SAT, SAT II and ACT are used as criteria for many other scholarship programs.
Data Source: The Princeton Review
Test Details
7 Sections: 3 Verbal, 3 Math,
1 Experimental Questions are:
In order of difficulty Less based on curriculum Tricky with many distracters Highest math level is
Algebra/Geometry Test is preferred by:
Private schools as well as schools on the East and West coasts
4 Sections: English, Mathematics,
Reading, Science Reasoning Questions are:
Not in order of difficulty More based on curriculum Straightforward with fewer
distracters Highest math level is
Trigonometry Test is preferred by:
Private schools as well as schools on the East and West coasts
SAT ACT
Data Source: The Princeton Review
Test Details (cont.)
One-Hour Tests on the following:
English—Writing, Literature Math—Math IC*, Math IIC* History—American
History/Social Studies, World History
Sciences—Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Foreign Languages—Chinese, French, German, Modern Hebrew,Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish
English Language Proficiency
5 Sections: 2 Verbal, 2 Math, 1 Writing
Skills Verbal and Math questions are
similar to the SAT Writing skills questions are
similar to the multiple-choice questions on the SAT Subject Test in Writing
Offered only once each year in October
Scores: Not used for college admissions Are used for Scholarships
SAT II PSAT
Data Source: The Princeton Review
Math—Math IC* and Math IIC*
Math IC - 50 questions- Assumes two years of algebra and one year of geometry (plane Euclidean,
coordinate, three-dimensional). understanding of basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary
statistics, and some miscellaneous topics.
ability to use scientific or graphing calculator …a calculator is required Math IIC - 50 questions- Assumes Two years of algebra, one year of geometry (coordinate, three-
dimensional). , and precalculus and/or trigonometry Understanding of basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary
statistics, and some miscellaneous topics. ability to use scientific or graphing calculator …a calculator is required
From: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII/popMath.html
Preparing for the Tests Practice tests and preparatory courses are
available on the web. http://www.princetonreview.com/college/testprep
Information on how to study for these tests is available at bookstores, libraries and online.
Data Source: The Princeton Review