The ACT is given seven times per year (September, October, December, February, April, June & July). 

The test is made up of three required sections (English, Math, Reading) with an optional Science section and Essay.   Each section on the ACT is graded on a scale of 1-36.  The four sub-scores from English, Math, and Reading are averaged to get the student’s Composite score.  The optional Science section is also graded on a scale of 1-36 but not included in the Composite score. The optional Essay is scored on a 2-12 scale and not included in the average for the Composite score.

You should take the ACT if:

1. Fast test taker

2. Straight-forward thinker

3. Like using calculators all the time

4. Enjoy finding patterns in scientific tables/charts/graphs for fun

5. Read for speed, not depth

Here’s how the sections breakdown:

English: 50 questions in 35 minutes, focusing on grammar rules and context.

Math: 45 questions in 50 minutes, emphasizing Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry and Trigonometry.

Reading: 36 questions in 40 minutes based on four total passages with one from each of four categories: Fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science.

Science (Optional): 40 questions in 40 minutes, testing a student’s ability to quickly assess the results of 6-7 experiments, mostly through recognizing patterns in tables, charts and graphs. No science knowledge required!

It is recommended that students do not take the optional essay section. It is a 40-minute exercise, where the student is presented with an issue and three viewpoints on that issue. The student must assess each viewpoint and give his or her own assessment of the issue.

The SAT is given eight times per year (August, September, October, November, December, March, May, June). The test contains four sections (2 Reading & Writing, 2 Math).

Scoring: The raw scores from the Reading and Writing sections are combined to get a scaled Reading/Writing score ranging from 200 to 800. The raw scores from the Math sections are combined to get a scaled Math score ranging from 200 to 800. There is no penalty for wrong answers.

Wondering if the SAT is right for you? Get in touch with us for an assessment.

Here’s how the sections breakdown:

SAT Reading and Writing section consists of 54 multiple-choice questions divided into two adaptive, 32-minute modules (64 minutes total). Rather than using long reading passages, every question is paired with its own short text (25–150 words) that tests vocabulary, reading comprehension, standard English grammar conventions, and rhetorical synthesis.

SAT Math section consists of 44 questions split into two adaptive, 35-minute modules (70 minutes total), with a built-in Desmos graphing calculator allowed throughout the entire test. It evaluates four core domains—Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry—using a mix of multiple-choice and student-produced response (grid-in) questions.

Most colleges and graduate programs require multiple essays and/or a personal statement. This is an (often misused) opportunity to inform the admission committee about what makes you unique beyond your grades and scores.

Through a detailed interview process, I can help you recognize strengths to include (and what not to include) that will increase your chances of admission to your goal school.

Your PSAT results are not submitted on your college application and you do not have to take it. However, if you achieve Commended Scholar (approx. top 5% nationally) or National Merit Semi-Finalist (approx. top 0.5% in your state), it is a notch on your college application resume and could qualify you for a number of scholarships. It is also helpful in determining whether you should be focusing on the SAT or ACT.

How is it scored?

The PSAT is scored on the same rubric, but a slightly different scale, as the real SAT. While the SAT is scored on a scale of 400–1600, the PSAT is scored on a scale of 320–1520. The raw scores from the Reading and Writing sections are combined to get a scaled Reading/Writing score ranging from 160 to 760. The raw scores from the Math sections are combined to get a scaled Math score ranging from 160 to 760. There is no penalty for wrong answers.

To calculate your NMSQT (National Merit) score, divide your Reading/Writing score by 5, divide your Math score by 10, and add them together. In other words, take away the zeros (i.e. 710 becomes 71) and double-count the Reading/Writing score.

Should you prepare for it?

The answer is maybe. For most students, it is just a little early practice and exposure to the test format and not worth starting the prep process too early. However, if you did very well on your sophomore PSAT and think you may qualify for National Merit, it should be considered as part of an early testing schedule. You can prepare for the October PSAT and then piggyback that prep onto a November or December SAT test date.

Here’s how the sections breakdown:

SAT Reading and Writing section consists of 54 multiple-choice questions divided into two adaptive, 32-minute modules (64 minutes total). Rather than using long reading passages, every question is paired with its own short text (25–150 words) that tests vocabulary, reading comprehension, standard English grammar conventions, and rhetorical synthesis.

SAT Math section consists of 44 questions split into two adaptive, 35-minute modules (70 minutes total), with a built-in Desmos graphing calculator allowed throughout the entire test. It evaluates four core domains—Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry—using a mix of multiple-choice and student-produced response (grid-in) questions.