While the number of “test optional” colleges increases each year, most schools still require incoming freshmen to take either the SAT or ACT.  Still others require students to take SAT II–or SAT Subject–tests, which are offered in a variety of subjects.  The first step in preparing for the tests is to decide which one to take (though many high school students take both).  An overview of each test follows.

SAT

The redesigned SAT will debut in March 2016. (The PSAT, which students typically take in the fall of junior year, will also change beginning in October 2015.)  Its format will be as follows;

• 65-minute, 52-question Reading test comprised of 5 long passages, some with charts.
• 35-minute, 44-question Writing and Language test comprised of 4 passages.
• 25-minute, 20-question Math section (no calculators allowed)
• 55-minute, 38-question Math section (calculators allowed)
• 50-minute Essay (optional, but most colleges will require it)

In addition to its redesigned format, the content and focus of the SAT will change significantly (and will more closely resemble the ACT).  The biggest changes include:

• Reading:  The questions in the new reading section will emphasize identifying evidence.  In responding to questions about a reading passage, students will have to answer questions, then identify which piece of evidence best supports their answer.  The redesigned reading section will also ask students to infer information from graphs and charts, then revise sentences to reflect that information.
• Math:  The math topics covered will be narrower, but more challenging. The new SAT will emphasize linear and polynomial algebra, include some trigonometry and statistics, and go light on geometry.
• Essay:  The essay will no longer ask students to respond to a broad writing prompt. Instead, students will be presented with a roughly 700-word essay and be required to analyze the author’s effective use of evidence.
• Scoring:  Following in the footsteps of the ACT, the new SAT will not subtract points for wrong answers.
• Vocabulary:  The new SAT no longer requires students to demonstrate their knowledge of sometimes obscure vocabulary words via “Sentence Completions.”  Instead, it asks them to choose definitions for commonly used words based on how they are used in context.
• Test prep:  The College Board, which designs and oversees the SAT, has joined forces with Khan Academy to provide free, online test prep for the SAT.  This partnership will mean that all students will have access to high-quality test preparation.

ACT

The ACT includes four sections–English, Math, Reading and Science.  With the introduction of the redesigned SAT in March 2016, the differences between the tests will greatly diminish.  Only the ACT, however, has a Science section that involves challenging reading passages and reading/interpreting charts and graphs.  The test is organized as follows:

ACT Multiple-Choice Tests

English Test Content                   Number of Items
Punctuation	10
Grammar and Usage	12
Sentence Structure	18
Strategy	12
Organization	11
Style	12
Total	75 45 minutes
Mathematics Test Content         Number of Items
Pre-Algebra	14
Elementary Algebra	10
Intermediate Algebra	9
Coordinate Geometry	9
Plane Geometry	14
Trigonometry	4
Total	60 60 minutes
Reading Test Content                Number of Items
Prose Fiction	10
Humanities	10
Social Studies	10
Natural Sciences	10
Total	40 35 minutes
Science Test Content                         Number of Items
Data Representation	15
Research Summaries	18
Conflicting Viewpoints	7
Total	40 35 minutes