What Do the SAT & ACT Really Test?

Spoiler: it's not just content.

1600/36?!

Chances are you already have some SAT/ACT-related baggage: what's a good score, what your friends scored, what your parents want you to score . . . !

But that silly score number reveals so little about what it actually takes to earn it. The best thing you can do for your prep is to get clear on what it represents.

So what are they actually testing you on?

The one you probably guessed.

  1. content

On the surface, college entrance exams are academic tests.

They test material you'd likely have encountered by the end of junior year:

1) Math

  • Pre-Algebra

  • Algebra 1 & 2

  • Geometry

  • Mathematical reasoning

If you're taking the ACT, there'll also be a sprinkle of pre-calculus.

2) Reading Comprehension

You'll be asked to read and answer questions about different texts:

  • Fiction (a piece of literature or narrative)

  • History/Social Studies Non-Fiction

  • Natural Science Non-Fiction

3) Writing and Language in English

You'll be asked to edit passages based on certain rules of English:

  • Grammar

  • Clarity of expression

What about science?

Yes, the ACT does have a "Science" section. However, they are not really testing you on prior science knowledge. Rather, think of the ACT's Science section more like Reading Comprehension, now with more numbers.

The ones you probably didn't guess.

2. Creative thinking

Dig a little deeper . . .

Because the SAT/ACT are standardized, they must get creative to make their questions sophisticated. To make a math question hard, they're not allowed to give you calculus! Instead, they take familiar concepts and present them in unfamiliar contexts: think word problems, confusing variables, and a deluge of seemingly-unrelated givens.

Can you put the puzzle pieces together?

Can you start a problem you're not sure you can finish?

Can you think creatively even with a ticking clock?

Creative thinking in a time crunch on a potentially future-defining test?!

3. Self-assessment & prioritization

But to get a good score, you don't need to get all questions right.

You only need 50-75% correct to get an above-average score. So the key to staying afloat is to prioritize certain questions and ditch others.

Can you prevent silly mistakes?

Can you think critically about where you've erred and adjust next time?

Can you take control of your process, even when the test is trying to throw you off balance?

And, inevitably . . .

4. resilience

No matter what your score goals, your progress will not be linear.

You're only human, and these tests are hard. They're designed to put you up against uncertainty and frustration. I believe that they have much more in common with live performances and sports games than they do with regular academic tests. And there's a reason you can take them as many times as you want.

Can you recover from setbacks?

Can you give yourself grace when circumstances get in the way?

Can you hold yourself to a high standard and also keep perspective on the important things?

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Happy studying!

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