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Standardized Testing

Many four, and some two year, colleges require standardized testing. Typically colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT. More selective colleges may also require the SAT Subject tests. Those schools may accept the ACT in place of both the SAT and SAT Subject test. The colleges will list that information on their websites.

 

Admissions officers and educators often describe the difference between SAT and ACT in these terms: the ACT is a content-based test, whereas the SAT tests critical thinking and problem solving. Here are some of the factors that make the SAT and ACT very different breeds:

  • The ACT includes a science reasoning test; the SAT does not.
  • The ACT math section includes trigonometry.
  • The ACT tests English grammar; the SAT does not.
  • The SAT tests vocabulary much more than the ACT.

Remember, test scores from the SAT and/or ACT are important parts of your application, but they're only one of several factors. Your courses, grades, recommendations and your personal statement are all factors that colleges consider. Although the SAT is historically the test of choice for students in New England, many students now choose to take both the SAT and the ACT. Most colleges across the country accept either ACT or SAT test scores. For information on what choice might be best for you, please speak to your counselor.

 

More information about the SATs can be found at College Board.

 

More information about the ACT can be found at ACT.

 

Registration deadline dates:

 

SAT

To register go to College Board

 

ACT

To register go to the ACT website

Minuteman's CEEB code is 221191


Students who may qualify for a fee waiver should see their guidance counselor.