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
