top of page

The Two College Entrance Exams

Normally, most colleges require scores from one test: either the ACT or the SAT. However, for 2020 most colleges are test optional. If you have good scores then submitting them can help your application, but not submitting scores for any reason won't hurt you.

Most students do better on one test over the other, but it depends on personal preference. If you can, try both (before your senior year) and then focus on the one you're best at! Most colleges "superscore" tests, meaning that they look at your highest score in subsections across all the tests you took. That means it's best to take the tests multiple times!

Screenshot 2018-10-30 at 1.23.42 PM.png
Screenshot 2018-10-30 at 1.23.57 PM.png

​

  • Scored out of 36 points

  • You take a free ACT at school in late February of your junior year

  • 5 sections

    • English: 75 questions (45 mins)​

    • Math: 60 questions (60 mins)

    • Reading: 40 questions (35 mins)

    • Science: 40 questions (35 mins)

    • Writing: 1 essay  (40 mins)

  • More reading-heavy overall

  • Less time per question

  • UNC schools require a 17 for admissions (except 2020)

​

  • Scored out of 1600 points

  • 4 sections

    • Reading: 52 questions (65 mins)​

    • Language: 44 questions (35 mins)

    • Math: 58 questions (80 mins)

    • Writing: 1 essay  (50 mins)

  • More math-heavy overall

  • More time per question

  • UNC schools require an 880 for admission (except 2020

bottom of page