Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the SAT & ACT

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests used in the college application process. These tests are administered by the College Board and American College Testing, respectively.

 Watch: IHS Counselors' video on SAT versus ACT

 

What is the SAT Exam? 
The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a college entrance exam administered by The College Board. This test focuses more on reasoning than content, and includes sections in Mathematics, Evidence-Based Reading, Writing & Language.  

The College Board offers the SAT several times a year, which may be taken more than once.  Colleges will super score SATs (e.g. take the best Math score and the best Reading score from different SAT dates).  It's the student's responsibility to register in advance, keeping in mind each college's application due date.  There are limited spots at each location, so early registration helps.  Most students take the SAT during late Sophomore through Junior year.  Register for SAT HERE with the College Board.  Starting in 2022, IHS has offered the official SAT during the school day in March for juniors only.  Watch the IHS Weekly Bulletin in January.  The cutoff date will be early February.

What is the ACT Exam?
The ACT Exam or American College Test is a college entrance exam administered by ACT.org. This test focuses more on content than reasoning.  The ACT includes sections in Mathematics, Science, Reading, English, and an Essay.

ACT.org offers the ACT several times a year, which may be taken more than once.  It's the student's responsibility to register in advance.  There are limited spots at each location, so early registration helps.  Most students take the ACT for the first time during Junior year, and a second time in the fall of Senior year. Updates, read ACT News/Blog.  Register for ACT HERE with ACT.org.   Currently, IHS does not plan to hold the ACT at the school.

What is the PSAT Exam?
PSAT or Preliminary SAT (also known as  National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test - PSAT/NMSQT) is a n exam offered each fall to provide firsthand practice for the actual SAT, while acting as qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship competition.  The PSAT is not the PTSA-sponsored, practice SAT exam.

PSAT mirrors the SAT format, focusing more on reasoning than content, including sections in Mathematics, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing & Language. 

The PSAT is given to all IHS Sophomores and Juniors during the school day, but only Juniors may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition, co-sponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Which College Entrance Exam should I take – the ACT or the SAT?
The ACT and SAT are designed to showcase different academic strengths.  So, the answer lies in each student's preferred testing style and what colleges and universities accept.

However, some students elect to take both tests, in hopes of increasing application options, and possibly performing better on one test over the other. Today, most colleges allow students to submit the best score, for either test.  As a result, taking both tests could be a smart strategy.  

What are the basic differences between the ACT and the SAT?
The Princeton Review provided this ACT/SAT exam differences discussion, defining the differences between both exams.
 
Practice Tests at Issaquah High School
IH PTSA offers students the opportunity to take practice SAT or ACT tests, multiple times, in fall and spring.

Questions: contact ihptsaCCP@gmail.com.