So How Do These Tests Stack Up to Each Other?

One of the most important decisions for high school students preparing for college, is which college admissions exam should I take (SAT or ACT)? The SAT, was revised in March 2016 mirrors the current ACT in more ways than before, however there are still numerous differences such as the problem solving process, how concepts are presented, and other content related material. No worries, so here at ConnectPrep we’ve mastered both exams and can help you do the same.

Test Structure

The SAT has only one reading section and one writing section—the math section is divided into a calculator portion and a no-calculator portions. All of the sections will always be in the same order. Total test time: 3 hours, plus the optional essay.
The ACT structure remains the same, with the exception of the new essay, which will be longer.

SAT

ACT

  • Reading: 52 questions, 65 minutes
  • Writing and Language: 44 questions, 35 minutes
  • Math: no calculator—20 questions, 25 min; with calculator—38 questions, 55 min
  • Optional Essay: 1 prompt, 50 min
  • English: 75 questions, 45 min
  • Reading: 40 questions, 35 min
  • Math: 60 questions, 60 min
  • Science: 40 questions, 35 min
  • Optional Writing: 1 prompt, 40 min

Scoring

The SAT reverts back to the 400-1600 scale. Now the writing and reading sections will count the same as the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score, which will be combined with the Math score to create a final score between 400-1600.

SAT

ACT

  • No more wrong answer penalty. There will no longer be 1/4 point penalty for every wrong answer!
  • The essay will be given three different scores and no longer affects your total score. The new optional SAT essay will be similar to the ACT essay.
  • Each test taker will receive a separate essay score that doesn’t factor into your score on the 400-1600 range.
  • There is also a change with the essay score. Instead of just one score between 2 and 12, each test taker will get three scores, for reading, analysis, and writing, between 2 and 8.
  • The ACT scoring: section scores from 1-36 averaged to create a composite also between 1 and 36.
  • The exception is the ACT Writing. It will still be a separate score, but it will now be on a scale of 1-36, rather than 2-12. Also, like the new SAT essay, it will be scored across multiple areas: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. Each of the subscores will be between 2 and 12.

Overview: Reading

The SAT reading will include only longer passages ( Sentence completions and short passages are no longer part of the test)

There will be no sentence completions or short passages

Similar to the ACT reading: there will be a series of 500-750 word passages with questions.
Both tests will feature paired passages

SAT

ACT

  • Time: 65 Min
  • # of Questions: 5 passages, 52 questions
  • Passage Types: 1 U.S. or World Literature, 2 History or Social Studies, 2 Science
  • Question Types: Main Idea, Vocab-in-Context, Inference, Evidence Support, Data Reasoning, Technique, Detail-Oriented
NEW SAT READING
  • Time: 35 Min
  • # of Questions: 4 passages, 40 questions
  • Passage Types: 1 Prose Fiction or Literary Narrative, 1 Social Sciences, 1 Humanities, 1 Natural Science
  • Question Types: Main Idea, Vocab-in-Context, Inference, Detail-Oriented
ACT READING

Overview: Math

The SAT has aligned itself more towards the Common Core Math curriculum being taught in classrooms across the country. The math is more straightforward similar to the ACT and will include a few trigonometry and complex numbers problems.

SAT

ACT

  • Time: Calculator: 55 min, No Calculator: 25 min
  • # of Questions: Calculator: 38 questions, No Calculator: 20 questions
  • Topics:
  • Heart of Algebra — 33%
  • Problem Solving and Data Analysis — 28%
  • Passport to Advanced Math — 29%
  • Additional Topics in Math — 10%
NEW SAT READING
  • Time: Calculator: 55 min, No Calculator: 25 min
  • # of Questions: Calculator: 38 questions, No Calculator: 20 questions
  • Topics:
  • Pre-algebra — 20-25%
  • Elementary algebra — 15-20%
  • Intermediate algebra — 15-20%
  • Coordinate geometry — 15-20%
  • Plane geometry — 20-25%
  • Trigonometry — 5-10%
ACT READING

Overview: Science

The SAT has aligned itself more towards the Common Core Math curriculum being taught in classrooms across the country. The math is more straightforward similar to the ACT and will include a few trigonometry and complex numbers problems.

SAT

ACT

There will not be a science section on the NEW SAT. The NEW SAT will contain a few data interpretation questions similar to the ACT. In 3 sections, there will be chart/graph analysis questions along with two reading passages that focus on science topics.
The ACT science section comes down to data analysis. Understanding the information in charts and graphs. It does not require prior knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, etc. A test taker should learn specific strategies to score well on this section.

Overview:Essay

The essay is the one section for which both tests are undergoing a major overhaul. Moreover, the SAT essay and ACT writing test are both becoming more complex, rather than less so, and they will both be optional.
Ideally, the changes to the essay will create results that better reflect your ability to understand and build arguments, though it remains to be seen how many schools will require the essay section once it’s optional for both tests.

SAT

ACT

  • Time: 50 Minutes
  • Optional?: Yes
  • Scoring Domains: Writing, Reading, and Analysis
REDESIGNED SAT ESSAY
  • Time: 40 Minutes
  • Optional?: Yes
  • Scoring Domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions
ACT ESSAY
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General

Overview of New SAT changes:

  • The old scoring format returns (1600 point scale, Math/Verbal 800 point maximum)
  • 3 hrs instead of 3hrs 45 mins
  • Vocab less intense
  • Majority of questions will be 4 answer choices rather than 5
  • More straightforward Math and Vocab
  • Optional Essay
  • The NEW SAT will resemble the current ACT

ACT Reading

  • The ACT focuses more on reading comprehension rather than an analytical approach with the SAT.
  • Many more questions which are random. Not only are there many more ACT English questions than on the SAT Writing, finding this information can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. The SAT navigates you towards specific sections of the passage where the information can be obtained.
  • Less time per question. You need to move through the questions at a fairly brisk pace as test takers have approximately eight and half minutes per ten question passage for the ACT reading vs. 13 minutes per 10-11 minute passage on the SAT.

REDESIGNED SAT ESSAY

  • The new SAT essay is transitioning from asking the test taker to make an argument to an analysis of the content.
  • Analyze and Analyze. This is now the focus as you will be asked to break down an argumentative essay. Your score will be based on these three areas: reading, analysis, and writing.
  • Opinions DO NOT MATTER. There is no need to offer your thoughts about the topic. The only area of focus should be an explanation of the other side makes his/her point.
  • Aligned more English class and on AP tests. The new essay is a more direct reflection of the essays taught in school.

ACT Essay

  • The ACT decided to make a small change to the Writing section (essay). Although not drastically different, there are a few changes to point out.
  • Analysis of three perspectives on an issue. Instead of just focusing on the question, your new task is to look at the prompt and evaluate three perspectives of an issue.
  • Your opinion Does Matter. The new ACT writing section will ask you to make an argument to support your position.
  • Be specific. The prompt will only provide perspectives on the issue. In order to deliver a stronger essay, you’ll want to provide as much detailed and specific info as possible to support your argument.

New SAT Reading

  • All of the questions are now aligned with the passages.
  • Inclusion of classic texts. Reading text are now more aligned to a schools curriculum such as two texts from Science, US and World Literature, History(2), and Social Studies. Language can be more challenging with old text excerpts.
  • Charts and figures in science passages. Two of the five passages on the redesigned SAT will cover scientific topics, and these will include charts and figures.
  • Different Types of questions. New evidence, vocabulary in context, constructing logical arguments, and scientific reasoning questions are included in the test. , which ask you to indicate which part of the passage supports your answer to a previous question. These questions can be challenging.
  • Less emphasis on challenging vocabulary words
  • Questions go in chronological order. Questions are in chronological order which carries over from the Pre 3/16 SAT.

Connor Barth

IT Team
Connor is a senior Electrical Computer Engineering student at the University of Rochester. He is currently employed as a IT Consultant at the Simon Business School. His main interests include computer technology and wireless communications. As the son of a college professor Connor not only enjoys the benefits of an engaged educational experience, but also understands the importance of learning and finding the correct educational environment. Connor looks forward to using his skills, passion and experience to help the ConnectPrep team succeed.

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Data Analyst Team
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Matthew currently attends the University of Rochester studying for a degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering. He loves to design and build anything that catches his interest, from using only digital logic chips to construct a calculator or verilog code to design and test a CPU. He has also lead one week long science camps for the past two years, teaching young kids the basics of chemistry, physics, and electricity. Matthew is excited to put his talents and interests to use in helping implement the data analytics and graphics engines for ConnectPrep.
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Jon Aho

Development Team
Jon is a Electrical and Computer Engineering student at the University of Rochester. He’s been coding for nearly 7 years, and has a number of comprehensive software and hardware projects under his belt. Currently employed as a Research Fellow at his university, he also works at implementing the ConnectPrep Analytics website.
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Data Analyst Team

Deanna recently graduated from the University of Rochester with a BS in chemical engineering and legal studies minor. During her time as an undergraduate, she served as a writing tutor, speaking tutor, trained prospective tutors, and eventually served as the tutoring group’s president. Deanna is excited to work for ConnectPrep, continue to assist the tutoring process, and use her engineering background to help develop ConnectPrep’s analytic programs.

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Analytics and Social Media Team

Jason has always had a thirst for education, whether it be for himself or for others. He is currently training to be a public speaking tutor for his university colleagues and, in addition, plays a central role on the Committee for Political Engagement, where he works to educate the student body on all matters political. At ConnectPrep he serves as the point man for social media, but when he gets the chance likes to try his hand at everything from analytics programming to web development. In his spare time you can expect to find him practicing fake law as a member of his school’s mock trial team, promoting class council initiatives, or working on his soccer “skills.” Jason currently attends the University of Rochester, majoring in Economics and Political Science.

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IT Team
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Kevin is the co-founder of Connect Prep, specializing in technology and online services. Kevin is an Oregon native and Stanford University graduate. He has years of experience working in sales and marketing in the petroleum industry and has managed projects involving the promotion of bio-fuels and emissions reducing products. When he’s not working, Kevin enjoys playing golf, traveling, and watching college football. He has a passion for education as well as creating interactive educational software that will be able help more students reach their educational goals.
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Jeremy is our education guru. He has years of experience working as an educator with students of all ages, using cutting-edge academic and test-prep curricula to take learning to a new level. He has helped students score in the top percentiles on SAT’s, ACT’s, and receive top marks in many academic subjects. He brings a wealth of knowledge to our company, with a dynamic vision for innovation and market growth. Jeremy earned a BA from Washington University in St. Louis and an MPA from the University of Pittsburgh.

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