SAT and ACT Info

Sep 14, 2026

This document provides information about the SAT and ACT exams, including their acceptance by colleges, scoring, timing, and number of questions. It also presents a comparative table of average scores for freshmen at various schools, showing GPA, SAT scores, and ACT scores. The document highlights that nearly all schools accept either the SAT or ACT, with 89% using these scores for admissions decisions, according to a 2009 study. Detailed breakdowns of the SAT sections (Reading, Writing, Math, Essay) and their respective question counts and time allocations are provided in table format. The comparison also touches upon ACT timing and question counts, although the specific details for ACT are not fully enumerated in the provided text. The average scores presented indicate a range of performance across different institutions, from UMD with a 1320 SAT and 32 ACT to JHU with a 1510 SAT and 33 ACT, alongside their respective weighted GPAs. This information is crucial for students preparing to take these standardized tests for college admissions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages40

Reading Time1 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

SAT and ACT

Facts about Colleges and the SAT/ACT

Scoring for the SAT and ACT

ACT Timing and # of Questions

SAT Timing and # of Questions

SAT VS ACT

Average Scores For Last Year’s Freshmen

FAQs

Which standardized tests do colleges accept for admissions?

Nearly all colleges accept the SAT or ACT. A significant majority, 89%, use these test scores as part of their admissions decisions.

What are the scoring criteria for the SAT and ACT?

For the ACT, correct answers are worth +1 point, while omitted or incorrect answers receive 0 points. Further details on SAT scoring are not fully provided but implied to be different.

What is the structure of the SAT exam in terms of sections, questions, and time?

The SAT includes Reading (52 multiple-choice questions in 65 minutes), Writing (44 multiple-choice questions in 35 minutes), Math (No Calculator: 15 multiple choice and 5 grid-in questions in 25 minutes; Calculator: 30 multiple choice and 8 grid-in questions in 55 minutes), and an Essay (1 evidence-based essay in 50 minutes).

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Maya Linwood