Intro to College Entrance Exams

You may have heard the buzz: college entrance exams matter. On the one hand, you might not have taken high school seriously, earning mediocre or even poor grades with little to no extracurricular involvement. On the other hand, you might have excelled academically, conquered Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or even starred on the football field. However, colleges are after something more. They aim to assess your readiness for their particular institution, ensuring that you not only have the potential to succeed in their curricula but also thrive within the unique academic environment they offer. 

I may not know your story, but I hope one of these sentiments will resonate with you. Your past doesn’t define you; you have the ability to turn your life around starting today with the choices you make and the actions you take – purpose driven action. For those who have achieved success in the past, it’s important to remain humble and not rely solely on past accomplishments. Take this opportunity seriously and continue to strive for excellence.

College entrance exams like the ACT and SAT give colleges a common data point they can use to compare applicants. A stellar performance on either of these exams can significantly strengthen your admissions application, increasing your competitiveness when combined with other aspects of your application. 

Moreover, your college entrance exam score carries far-reaching implications for your future academic and professional endeavors. High scores open doors to scholarships, pave the way for admission to prestigious graduate programs—including law school—and improve your overall career prospects. Simply put, these exams matter and will set the groundwork for your life. 

Why the SAT and ACT?

In the United States, the SAT and ACT are the two most widely accepted entrance exams, recognized by nearly all colleges and universities. That said, they’re structured quite differently and preparing for one won’t necessarily get you ready for the other. It’s crucial to grasp the nuances of their structure, content, and scoring to fully prepare for these tests.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into two tests that can sting like a bee for any high school student with ambitious academic dreams. Let’s start with the original entrance exam itself: the SAT.

SAT Overview

The SAT has a long history dating back to 1926. Yes, you read that right — when you sit for the SAT, you’re taking a test that’s been around since the Roaring Twenties, an era marked by flappers with their exquisitely beaded dresses and bobbed hair, jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and silent films featuring the oh so comedic Charlie Chaplin. It makes sense that during a time focused on ‘standing out,’ the SAT would be developed, reflecting the need for standardized assessment to find the diamonds in the rough.

Originally designed as a straightforward way to assess whether a student was ready for college, the SAT has undergone significant evolution over the years. It aims to better reflect the skills, knowledge, and preparation necessary to excel in your higher education goals.

As far as structure, the SAT is organized into two areas: Reading and Writing and Math. Each of these is designed to test you on a specific area of academic skill. Note that since 2021, College Board, the organization behind the SAT, discontinued the optional essay portion of the SAT. However, it seems that in some states, this essay is still required. To confirm whether it will be included in your specific SAT, ask a school counselor. For further details on the SAT Essay, check out this page. 

Below is a brief breakdown of the current structure:

Reading and Writing Section 

This section, crucial for evaluating your verbal reasoning skills, encompasses both reading comprehension and writing and language questions. This section evaluates your comprehension and analytical abilities, as well as scrutinizes grammar, usage, and other technical aspects of reading and writing.

Within the Reading and Writing section, passages vary in length, ranging from concise 25-word excerpts to more substantial 150-word pieces. These passages cover a diverse array of subjects including literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.

Questions on this section are meticulously crafted to fall under four content areas: 

• Information and ideas, 
• Craft and structure, 
• Expression of ideas, and 
• Standard English conventions. 

Each area assesses different aspects of your reading and writing proficiency, from comprehension and analysis to language usage and rhetorical effectiveness. To learn more, click here. 

Math Section 

The Math section of the SAT focuses on the areas of mathematics that are integral for success in college and future careers. This section encompasses algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, as well as geometry and trigonometry.

The Math section is divided into two modules. Throughout these modules, you’ll encounter a variety of question types, including multiple-choice and student-produced response questions. These questions assess ability to apply essential math concepts and skills. 

About a third of the Math questions involve applying math skills and knowledge to real-world situations, drawn from science, social studies, or other fields. The math questions on the SAT are divided into four categories: 

• Algebra, 
• Advanced Math, 
• Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and 
• Geometry and Trigonometry. 

Each test module includes questions from all four categories, arranged from easiest to hardest. This arrangement ensures that you have the best opportunity to demonstrate your mathematical proficiency and problem-solving abilities. To learn more about the math section, check out this page. 

Scoring the SAT

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with separate scores for the Reading and Writing section (200-800) and the Math section (200-800). Additionally, there are  “subscores,” which give admissions officers more detailed insights about your strengths and areas for improvement. 

Did you know you’re the salt of the earth? In the realm of college admissions, this age-old wisdom takes on a new significance. Consider yourself as a whole package in the college admissions process. Just as salt plays a multifaceted role in enhancing flavor and preserving food, colleges seek students who bring a diverse range of talents, experiences, and qualities to their campus community. Admissions decisions are holistic, meaning they take into account various factors beyond just your test score. While a lower score in one area may raise concerns, it doesn’t necessarily overshadow your other strengths. Instead, colleges may view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement, similar to adding seasoning to enhance the overall dish. If you do receive a significantly lower score in a specific area, colleges may offer you admission and simply require you to take a remedial class or two to bolster your preparation for required first-year courses. So, rather than overdramatizing setbacks, recognize that you have a unique blend of qualities to offer, and focus on presenting yourself in the best possible light during the admissions process.

ACT Overview

And now, [drumroll], let’s dive into the ACT. Administered by ACT, Inc. since 1959, this exam has been a staple of the college admissions process. In case you’re wondering, that year was marked in the United States by its own social and educational transformations. The Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, certainly raised some concerns in the US about improving our educational standards around the STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. 

Similar to its counterpart, the SAT, the ACT is designed to gauge students’ academic readiness for college-level work based on what they’ve learned in high school. The ACT consists of four main sections: 

• English, 
• Math, 
• Reading, and 
• Science. 

Additionally, there is an optional Writing section. Each section is designed to assess specific academic skills, and each one is timed separately. 

English Section 

This section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. It’s composed of 75 multiple-choice questions covering five reading passages, and you have 45 minutes to complete them all. It assesses your ability to understand passages’ purposes, select appropriate language, and apply standard English grammar and mechanics effectively. Understanding what is being tested and practicing can significantly enhance your performance on this section, ultimately boosting your overall ACT score. 

Math Section 

The ACT Math section evaluates your proficiency in applying mathematical concepts learned during your high school courses. Within this section, you’ll encounter 60 multiple-choice questions covering a diverse range of mathematical topics. With a time limit of 60 minutes, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to solve problems efficiently and accurately.

Each question in the Math section requires careful analysis and application of mathematical principles. Whether it’s calculating angles in a triangle or solving equations involving exponential functions, you’ll need to approach each problem methodically and thoughtfully. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses in different areas of mathematics, you can focus your efforts on areas that require more practice or review.

Reading Section 

In the reading section, you’ll be evaluated on reading comprehension by being asked to read a few passages from various subjects and then respond to them. It’s composed of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you have 35 minutes to complete them. There are four passages across a variety of genres and subject areas, from prose fiction and social science to humanities and natural science. Whether you’re analyzing the intricacies of a fictional narrative or pondering the implications of scientific research, each passage offers its own unique insights and challenges.

Your task is not only to comprehend the content of these passages but also to analyze their structure, purpose, and underlying themes. Through a series of multiple-choice questions, you’ll demonstrate your ability to extract key information, discern the author’s intent, and draw connections between ideas presented in the text.

Science Section 

The Science section tests the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. It’s composed of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you have 35 minutes to complete them.You’ll be tasked with recognizing key features and concepts within the provided information, critically assessing relationships between data and conclusions, and drawing new insights or predictions based on the given data.

Calculators are not permitted in the Science section, underscoring the importance of analytical and reasoning skills in this portion of the exam. Your performance in this section will be scored based on four categories: interpretation of data, scientific investigation, and evaluation of models, inferences, & experimental results.

Optional Writing Section 

The optional writing section assesses writing skills through an essay prompt. It consists of a single essay, which you have 40 minutes to complete. You’ll be presented with a prompt that includes three separate perspectives on a contemporary issue or discussion. Your task is to express your views on the issue relating to at least one of the written positions. Aim to practice writing essays early in your test prep so you can hone your skills – consistent practice leads to improvement and your sacrifice will make you a stronger person and hopefully a better candidate for admissions.  

Scoring the ACT

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with each section receiving an individual score. Your composite score, which is the average of the four section scores, is then rounded to the nearest whole number. The optional writing section is scored separately.

Understanding these scoring nuances is crucial. For instance, achieving a score within the range of 29 to 36 is often considered the best, signaling a high level of proficiency. Scores falling between 24 and 28 are typically seen as competitive, while those ranging from 20 to 23 are regarded as good.

SAT vs. ACT: A Comparison

Sure, the SAT and ACT serve basically the same purpose, and there’s a lot of crossover in their overall contents. But each has its own structure and unique approach. The SAT tends to focus more on reasoning and problem-solving skills. The ACT is more content-based, and it notably includes a section dedicated to the sciences.

Of course, the scoring systems also differ — the SAT is scored from 400-1600 while the ACT is scored from 1-36. Score a 34 on the ACT and you’re in great shape. Score a 34 on the SAT and… well, something is wrong.

Which Test Should You Take?

Choosing between the SAT and ACT should be based on your individual strengths and areas for improvement. If you excel in math and science and envision a career in related fields, the ACT might be the right fit. Conversely, if your strengths lie in reading and writing, you may find the SAT more aligned with your abilities.

Keep in mind that certain colleges may prefer or even require one test over the other. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly research the admission criteria of your target schools. Be sure to check the admissions pages of your preferred colleges to understand their specific requirements. This will ensure you’re well-prepared and know exactly what’s expected of you.

Preparing for Your Test

It’s showtime. You’ve decided which test you’re going to take (or maybe both). Now it’s time to start preparing. Here are some basics to consider to help get you started.

Study Plan

A well-structured study plan is absolutely essential. An hour of upfront planning can make all the hours of study that follow so much more effective and efficient. Start several months before you plan to take the test, so that you’re able to balance study time with schoolwork, extracurriculars, and family commitments. 

Setting a timeline with specific goals and milestones is also extremely helpful — even if you don’t stick to it exactly (no one does), having a guide like this is extremely helpful for directing your time when you do find half an hour or so for some studying.

Resources

There are too many SAT and ACT prep resources available to list here, from books and online resources to prep courses and even private tutoring. 

But the number-one best resource is the practice test — proven to be one of the most effective methods for studying. Check out this study for more info. They help you get familiar with the test format itself, and identify which specific areas are your strengths and weaknesses. This means you can tailor your study time to bulking up wherever you’re weak, rather than wasting time studying areas you’ve already mastered.

What to Bring

On test day, make sure to bring ID, your admission ticket, and an approved calculator. Also be sure you’re aware of whatever items are prohibited — electronic devices, unauthorized aids, etc.

Managing Time on Test Day

Time management is crucial on test day. You should go in with a specific strategy for pacing yourself through each section, ensuring you have enough time to answer all the questions and complete every section.

The Wrap-Up

In the opening of this article, we mentioned the buzz surrounding college entrance exams. But beyond the surface, these exams represent more than just obstacles to overcome; they offer opportunities for growth. Your past, whether it’s marked by success or challenges, doesn’t define your future. As you navigate the journey toward college admissions, remember that every decision you make and every step you take shapes your path ahead. Choose the path of diligence, determination, faith, and hope. Have confidence in your abilities and be kind to yourself during moments of struggle. Your resilience in overcoming challenges will undoubtedly strengthen your candidacy, so keep pushing forward. 

Just a quick note on “SAT Subject Tests.” These were discontinued in 2021, so if you see them mentioned in other articles or online resources — don’t panic! They’re no longer relevant for you.