All students considering college should take either the ACT or SAT. Colleges need at least one test score for admissions purposes; the scores are also used for some scholarships. Montana has a strong focus on the ACT, which all students take free of charge in their Junior year. It is recommended that students take the test again on their own in the fall of their senior year. Students may take the SAT on their own as well, but only one of the tests is needed for college admissions purposes. An explanation of the differences between the ACT and the SAT may be found at the bottom of this page.
Also, go to http://www.kaptest.com/college-prep/getting-into-college/free-practice-test to take both an SAT and an ACT practice test, plus receive feedback on your scores. For more in depth SAT preparation, visit. http://www.khanacademy.org/sat for the Official SAT practice site. For official ACT practice resources and tips, visit http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html. There are also some great tips and advice in this booklet here- Test Prep ebook.
We strongly suggest that students take the Writing portion of the tests as many colleges require those scores.
ACT Test Dates and Fees
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | (Late Fee Required) |
|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2017 | August 4, 2017 | August 5-18, 2017 |
| October 28, 2017 | September 22, 2017 | September 23-October 10, 2017 |
| December 9, 2017 | November 3, 2017 | November 4-17, 2017 |
| February 10, 2018* | January 12, 2018 | January 13-19, 2018 |
| April 14, 2018 | March 9, 2018 | March 10-23, 2018 |
| June 9, 2018 | May 4, 2018 | May 5-18, 2018 |
| July 14, 2018* | June 15, 2018 | June 16-22, 2018 |
ACT w/o writing- $46.00
ACT w/ writing- $62.50
Go to www.act.org to register and for free test prep resources. Ask Mrs. Bertelsen for fee waiver information and help paying for the test.
2017-18 SAT Dates
Deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S. To see international SAT test dates, visit International Registration.
| SAT Date | SAT Subject Tests Available | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Deadline for Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 2017 | See SAT Subject Tests available on this date | July 28, 2017 | August 8, 2017 (for mailed registrations)August 15, 2017 (for registrations made online or by phone) | August 15, 2017 |
| October 7, 2017 | See SAT Subject Tests available on this date | September 8, 2017 | September 19, 2017 (for mailed registrations)September 27, 2017 (for registrations made online or by phone) | September 27, 2017 |
| November 4, 2017 | See SAT Subject Tests available on this date | October 5, 2017 | October 17, 2017 (for mailed registrations)October 25, 2017 (for registrations made online or by phone) | October 25, 2017 |
| December 2, 2017 Register | See SAT Subject Tests available on this date | November 2, 2017 | November 14, 2017 (for mailed registrations)November 21, 2017 (for registrations made online or by phone) | November 21, 2017 |
| March 10, 2018 Register | SAT Subject Tests not offered on this date | February 9, 2018 | February 20, 2018 (for mailed registrations)February 28, 2018 (for registrations made online or by phone) | February 28, 2018 |
| May 5, 2018 Register | See SAT Subject Tests available on this date | April 6, 2018 | April 17, 2018 (for mailed registrations)April 25, 2018 (for registrations made online or by phone) | April 25, 2018 |
| June 2, 2018 Register | See SAT Subject Tests available on this date | May 3, 2018 | May 15, 2018 (for mailed registrations)May 23, 2018 (for registrations made online or by phone) | May 23, 2018 |
SAT With Essay $60.00 SAT Without Essay $46.00
there are fee waivers available for low-income students. Please talk to Mrs. Bertelsen if cost is a barrier for you.
ACT® vs SAT®: Which Test Should You Take?
Side-by-Side Comparison of Format, Scoring, and Content
Both the ACT and the SAT are nationally administered standardized tests that help colleges evaluate candidates. All schools accept either test interchangeably. So as you begin to think about college and creating the best application package possible, your admissions plan should begin with the question, "Which test should I take?" Here’s how to compare them.
Compare the tests so you can decide which you should take
| Test Structure and Format | ACT | New SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3 hours, 35 min (with optional Writing Test) | 3 hours, 50 minutes (with optional Essay) |
| Structure | 4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus an Optional Essay (or Writing Test) | 4 sections (Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, Math without a calculator, Math with a calculator) plus an Optional Essay |
| Scoring | ACT | New SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Score | Composite of 1-36 based on average scores from the 4 test sections 4 scores of 1-36 for each test Optional Writing Test score of 1-36 (not included in the overall) | Score is out of 1600: 800 for Math, 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Optional Essay receives a separate score Subscores and insight scores available |
| Wrong Answer Penalty | No penalty for wrong answers | No penalty for wrong answers |
| Sending Score History | You decide which score is sent | Not yet known |
SAT vs. ACT: Understanding the Differences
There is no significant content difference between the ACT and the SAT, though the ACT’s math section is slightly more rigorous in testing complex math comprehension. If you are a student who does well in math, you might want to consider the ACT.
If you are a student who needs more time when taking an exam, then you might consider the SAT, since it clocks in at 3 hours and 50 minutes, while the ACT is allotted 3 hours and 35 minutes for testing.
The best way to determine which test best fits your test-taking style, test the tests themselves! See which exam fits you, take a practice test.
Or, take the quick diagnostic test to the right and see which exam is right for you.
In addition to comparing test structure and content, it’s also important to think about your college admissions timeline when making your exam decision.
Last Modified on March 30, 2017