Test Information
SAT/ACT
Both the SAT and ACT are offered multiple times during the academic year. For more information on these tests, visit http://sat.collegeboard.com or http://www.act.org.
SAT
The SAT and PSAT-related assessments use a multistage adaptive design. Each test section (Reading and Writing, and Math) is divided into two equal-length, separately timed parts called modules. The student will answer a set of questions in the first module before moving on to the next. The questions the student is given in the second module depend on how the student performed on the first module.
Not all questions are weighted equally; harder questions generally yield more points and easier questions fewer.
The SAT lasts two hours and twenty four minutes, including the one10 minute break between the reading and writing and math modules. There are four modules:
Two 32-minute reading and writing modules, each containing 27 questions.
Two 35-minute math modules, each containing 22 questions.
Two Reading and Writing Modules
The two reading and writing modules consist of questions that test vocabulary, critical reading skills, grammar and punctuation, logical transitions, and rhetorical synthesis.
All reading and writing questions are multiple choice.
This module contains short reading passages followed by a single multiple-choice question. Some passages are paired with other passages. Informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts, accompany some passages. No math is required.
Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
Questions on the reading and writing module represent one of four content domains—Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas.
two Math modules
The math modules contain multiple-choice and student-produced response questions. Approximately 75% of questions in the Math section use the 4-option multiple-choice format, while the remainder use the student-produced response (SPR) format.
The Math modules focus on the areas of math that play the biggest role in college and career success: Algebra(13-15 questions), Advanced Math(13-15 questions), Problem-Solving and Data Analysis(5-7 questions), Geometry and Trigonometry(5-7 questions).
Questions from all four categories appear in each test module.
Across each module, questions are arranged from easiest to hardest.
The math module contains an embedded Desmos calculator with two options—graphing or scientific.
ACT
The ACT last two hours and twenty minutes, including the 15 minute break. There is also an optional science section (40 minutes). The ACT is offered on paper or as a digital test.
Each of the four sections (including optional Science) is scored on a scale of 1-36.
The composite score is the average of the English, Reading, and Math scores.
There is a separate STEM score, which is the average of the student’s math and science section scores.
English Section
The English section tests English grammar and usage. All questions are multiple choice.
Math Section
The math section covers pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, trigonometry, statistics and probability, and precalculus. The math section contains an embedded Desmos calculator if the student is taking the digital test. All questions are multiple choice.
Reading Section
The reading section consists of four passages that test critical reading skills. Some passages are paired with other passages. All questions are multiple choice.
Science Section
The science section consists of seven passages. This section focuses primarily on graph and chart analysis, with a few questions that test scientific knowledge. All questions are multiple choice.
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is taken by high school sophomores and juniors in the month of October. Certain schools do also administer the PSAT in 8th grade and in freshman year of high school. The PSAT provides valuable practice for the SAT, since the same academic concepts are tested. The PSAT uses the exact same format and timing as the SAT. Note that the maximum score on the SAT is 1600, whereas the maximum score on the PSAT is 1520.
The PSAT selection index score determines who will qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. For more information, go to www.nationalmerit.org.
To learn more about the new digital PSAT, click here.
Contact us at 510-499-2283 or jetutorials@gmail.com with any questions about the tests.