What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?

• Both are college admissions exams
• Check to see which assessment your college requires.  Historically, most mid-west schools examine the ACT and schools on the east/west and ivy league schools look more at the SAT.
• ACT is an achievement test that measures what the student has learned through high school.  It covers English, Math, Reading, and Science.
• SAT is more of an aptitude test, measuring reasoning and verbal abilities; it measure English, Math, and Critical Reading.

Should I take the writing section of the ACT?

• Check to see if the University you plan to attend requires it.
• Most schools do not require it; however, there are a few that do.
• It is not figured into your composite score; it is an additional score.
  
• When students take the state-wide ACT as juniors, they will take the ACT Plus Writing test, so all students will have at least one test with that result.
  

Do I have to register for the state-wide ACT test?

• PHHS will register and pay for all current juniors for the state-wide ACT test date in April.
  

Since I have to take the state-wide ACT test as a junior, should I register for another test my junior year or have the state-wide test be my first test?

• It is our recommendation that all juniors take at least one national ACT test before they take the state-wide test in April of their junior year.
• Many students will take the December, February or April test during their junior year before they take the state-wide test in April.