College Admissions Exams (ACT/SAT/PSAT)
College Admissions Exams (ACT/SAT/PSAT)
PLEASE NOTE:
*Check with your prospective college campus for standardized testing requirements.
University of California (UC) Exam requirement:
UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships.
For more information: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/exam-requirement/
California State University (CSU) Freshman – Testing Requirements:
The California State University (CSU) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses.
For more information: https://www.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/getting_into_the_csu/Pages/testing-requirements.aspx
ACT and SAT INFORMATION
(ORHS School Code: 050602)
High school students generally take the ACT or SAT by the end of their junior year and retest in the fall of their senior year.
For SAT and ACT test dates and to register for these College Admissions Tests, visit the following websites for details:
ACT: www.actstudent.org
SAT: sat.collegeboard.org
*Both ACT and SAT Fee waivers are available to students who have applied and qualify for free or reduced lunch. See your counselor for details.
How the SAT Is Structured
The SAT takes three hours and consists of three tests: (1) the Reading Test, (2) the Writing and Language Test, and (3) the Math Test. Compared to the ACT®, the SAT provides 43% more time per question:
| Component | Time Allotted (minutes) | Number of Questions/Tasks |
| Reading | 65 | 52 |
| Writing and Language | 35 | 44 |
| Math | 80 | 58 |
| Total | 180 | 154 |
Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some of the math questions ask you to write in the answer rather than select it.
On all questions, there’s no penalty for guessing: if you’re not sure of the answer, it’s better to guess than leave the response blank.
How the ACT Is Structured
The ACT has four mandatory multiple-choice sections which are always presented in the same order: (1) English, (2) Math, (3) Reading, and (4) Science. There’s also an optional (5) Writing section for a total of five test sections.
The total test time without the Writing section is 2 hours and 55 minutes.
The total test time with the Writing section is 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Here’s what you can expect in terms of number of questions, time limit, time per question, and question type for each of the ACT sections:
English
| Number of questions | 75 |
| Time limit | 45 minutes |
| Approximate time per question | 36 seconds |
| Question type | Multiple choice with four answer choices |
Math
| Number of questions | 60 |
| Time limit | 60 minutes |
| Approximate time per question | 1 minute |
| Question type | Multiple choice with five answer choices |
Reading
| Number of questions | 40 |
| Time limit | 35 minutes |
| Approximate time per question | 52 seconds |
| Question type | Multiple choice with four answer choices |
Science
| Number of questions | 40 |
| Time limit | 35 minutes |
| Approximate time per question | 52 seconds |
| Question type | Multiple choice with four answer choices |
Writing
| Number of questions | 1 |
| Time limit | 40 minutes |
| Approximate time per question | 40 minutes |
| Question type | Essay prompt |
How do the ACT and SAT differ?
| ACT | SAT | |
| Score range | Composite: 1-36
(writing domain scores: 2-12) | Composite: 400-1600
(Essay reported in 3 dimensions, 2-8 each) |
| Structure | 4 tests + optional writing | 3 tests |
| Tests | English, Math, Reading, Science | Reading, Writing and Language, Math |
| Length | 2 hours 55 minutes + optional 40 minute essay | 3 hours |
| Fee | ACT Test options and prices | SAT Registration fee |
| Free Score Reports – 4 |  If requested when you register | If requested when you register |
| Fee Waivers | | |
| Free Test Prep | | |
| No penalty for guessing | | |
| Accepted by all U.S. colleges | | |
ACT and SAT Practice
ACT and College Board
Both the ACT and College Board offer free online sample tests, tips and practice.
ACT: www.actstudent.org
SAT: sat.collegeboard.org
FREE TEST PREP
PREPARING FOR THE ACT TEST: Click here
SAT PRACTICE AND PREPARATION: Click here
PSAT
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is an exam given to high school sophomores and juniors. The PSAT is offered once a year, in October. The PSAT tests the same skills as the SAT and gives students the opportunity to gain experience taking standardized college admissions exams. For juniors, taking the PSAT exam can qualify students for National Merit Scholarships funds.
PSAT Score Report (link to https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/sample-psat-nmsqt-score-report.pdf)
Understanding Your PSAT Scores (link to https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/scores/understanding-scores)
Khan Academy and College Board
Khan Academy provides FREE SAT Online test preparation that links to your individual PSAT results.
Create and Link your College Board account with your Khan Academy account for personalized SAT practice. IT’S FREE.