The ACT and SAT are different tests that measure similar but distinct constructs. The ACT is a
longer, fast-paced exam, measuring achievement related to high school curricula while the SAT
is shorter, allowing more time per question and measures general verbal and quantitative
reasoning. Many students score well on both exams, but some find greater success with one or
the other. Students taking mock exams have a great opportunity to discover their own
preferences. More information about each exam can be found below, along with links to each
official website.

ACT:

The ACT is a paper and pencil exam, consisting of four multiple-choice tests in English,
Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The four multiple-choice sections contain 215
questions and take 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete. After the Mathematics test,
students are allowed a 15-minute break. There is an optional writing test which requires 40
additional minutes to complete. Students who choose this option receive an additional 5-
minute break before the writing portion begins. Each section of the ACT varies in length
and number of questions. The sections are designed to measure skills that are most
important for success in postsecondary education and that are acquired in secondary
education.

SAT:

The SAT is administered digitally and composed of two sections: Reading and Writing and
Math. Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to
complete the Math section for a total of 2 hours and 14 minutes. Each section of the SAT is
divided into 2 equal length modules, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and
Writing section and the Math section. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of
easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how students perform on the first module, the
second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.

Official SAT website: register for SAT tests, view scores, practice tests
Official ACT website: register, test preparation, college planning info

PSAT/NMSQT:
On Monday, October 28 th at 8:00 am, MIHS will administer the Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) to all 11th-grade students.

More information can be found HERE

Test Preparation

There are many test preparation opportunities available to students to assist them in maximizing their standardized test scores for post-secondary admissions.

• The MIHS PTSA offers mock SAT and ACT tests as an option for students to try out and practice these assessments in an environment where scores don't matter for college entry.  They are administered by The Princeton Review.  A follow-up review session is offered after each test to go over students' results.  Visit our mock SAT/ACT page for more info.
• Khan Academy and the College Board have partnered in offering free SAT Test Prep.  Details may be found here.
• The ACT offers a variety of test prep information on its website, including a free guide. View for more information.

Should students take the SAT or ACT?

Many colleges and universities are now "test optional".  You should consult your specific college/university's website for more information to determine if the school has moved to test optional admissions.  Another helpful resource is the Fair Test website.  Whether you should take the SAT or ACT is dependent on your schools' admission requirements.  Please also note that some scholarship opportunities may require a test score.

If you need/plan to take a standardized test, it is recommended that students have these test take by the end of their junior year. SAT math is based on Algebra 2. Students should register for the SAT/ACT (if needed) ASAP as test centers fill quickly in the greater Seattle area.

More Information

• CollegeBoard – register and get more information about the new digital format
• SAT Tips and Strategies
• ACT Tips and Tricks to reach your target score