Colleges use ACT scores to make decisions about admissions, course placement and academic advisement. Sometimes scholarship and loan agents will refer to ACT scores to identify potential candidates. The ACT is an achievement test that measures what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, focusing on reasoning, comprehension and verbal skills.

    You should check with every school where you plan to apply to determine which tests they require. Check with your school counselor at the beginning of your junior year for preparation programs and tests for both the ACT and the SAT.

2008 - 2009 ACT test dates


Test date                             Registration deadline

September 13, 2008         August 12, 2008

October 25, 2008             September 19, 2008

December 13, 2008        November 7, 2008
   
February 7, 2009            January 6, 2009

April 4, 2009                    February 27, 2009

June 13, 2009                 May 8, 2009


2008 - 2009 SAT test dates


Test date                         Registration deadline

October 4, 2008             September 9, 2008

November 1, 2008        September 26, 2008

December 6, 2008        November 5, 2008

January 24, 2009          December 26, 2008

March 14, 2009              February 10, 2009

May 2, 2009                    March 31, 2009

June 6, 2009                   May 5, 2009