Your Guide to College Entrance Exams

A college entrance exam is a standardized test that measures your college readiness through multiple-choice questions that focus on several areas—most often reading, writing, and math—in order to gauge your comprehension, critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving abilities.

The three primary college entrance exams you can take when you're getting ready to apply to college or university are the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), the American College Test (ACT), and the Classical Learning Test (CLT). You may be asked to submit your exam scores as part of your overall application package. Typically, most schools accept SAT or ACT scores, with little preference about which you submit. However, the CLT is considered an alternative college entrance exam, and not every school takes it.

While a growing number of institutions have stopped requiring standardized testing scores in an effort to promote greater equity among applicants, submitting your scores may strengthen your application or help you qualify for certain scholarships [1]. Explore more details about the SAT, ACT, and CLT, so you can determine which is the best college entrance exam to take if you choose to take one.

The SAT

High school students typically take the SAT during their junior year or early in their senior year, giving them enough time to receive their scores and possibly retake the test if they want. In 2023, 1.9 million students took the SAT [2]. You may be able to register for the SAT through your high school or find a testing center through the College Board's official website.

SAT format and content

SAT takers have three hours to complete 154 multiple-choice questions. You'll complete two key sections, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math, that are further broken down into the following sub-sections:

For the ERW section of the SAT, you'll read several passages from a range of texts (literature, history, science) and show your ability to comprehend and analyze the meaning of each one. You'll also be asked about vocabulary words and grammar.

In the math section, you'll need to answer questions drawing on algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry. One math section does not let you use a calculator, while the second math section does.

SAT scores

After you've completed the SAT, you'll earn separate scores (between 200 and 800) for each of the ERW and math sections. Your composite score can range from 400 to 1600.

You should receive your SAT scores approximately two to four weeks from your completion date [3]. You can also opt to have your scores sent directly to the colleges you plan on applying to. In that case, scores are sent to your chosen schools within ten days of receipt.

Learn more: What Is a Good SAT Score? Finding Your Goal Score 2024

The ACT

As with the SAT, high school students tend to take the ACT during their junior year to allow for retesting if necessary. In the US, the test is only offered seven months out of the year: February, April, June, July, September, October, and December.

If you’re interested in taking the ACT, many high schools offer onsite testing, so check with your guidance counselor to find out if your school serves as a testing location. You can also find testing centers through the ACT's official website.

What is the difference between a SAT and ACT?

The SAT and ACT are both widely accepted college admissions tests, but they have some key differences. The SAT combines reading, writing, and math into one score, while the ACT has separate scores for each subject and adds science. The SAT emphasizes vocabulary and reasoning, while the ACT leans towards science and real-world applications. There's no single "better" test, so choosing depends on your strengths and the colleges you're interested in.

ACT format and content

The ACT consists of 215 multiple-choice questions, and you have two hours and 55 minutes to complete the test, which is broken down into four sections:

With the reading section, you'll read, comprehend, and analyze passages; the English section tests your vocabulary and grammar knowledge; the math section draws on algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry; and the science section provides several science-based passages containing charts and graphs for you to use your logic skills to read, comprehend, and analyze them.

Like the SAT, the ACT doesn't penalize you for wrong answers, so it's a good idea to guess when you aren't sure. However, unlike the SAT, you're allowed to use a calculator on all math questions on the ACT. The ACT also has an optional writing section in which you'll complete an essay. Adding this to your ACT exam typically costs extra.

ACT scores

For each section, you'll receive a score from 1 to 36. Those numbers are then averaged to come up with your composite score. ACT composite scores also range from 1 to 36. Generally, you'll receive ACT scores two to eight weeks after testing.

Learn more: What Is a Good ACT Score in 2024? Find and Hit Your Goal Score

The CLT

The CLT is a newer alternative to the SAT and ACT and isn't as widely accepted. Over 200 colleges across the US accept the results of this test as part of your college application, so it's worth double-checking to ensure the schools you wish to apply to take CLT scores [4].

CLT format and content

The CLT takes two hours to complete a total of 120 questions, which are broken down into three sections:

The CLT emphasizes more of a classical education compared with the SAT and ACT. Unlike those exams, the CLT is administered in two ways:

1. You can take the test online with a remote proctor. This allows you to test from your home using your desktop or laptop computer.

2. You can take the test at a designated testing site, which an in-person proctor will supervise. To register for an online exam or find testing sites in your area, visit the CLT's official website.

CLT scores

This entrance exam features very straightforward scoring: one point for each correct answer for a possible score of 120. You should receive your CLT score one to two weeks after testing.

Not sure which college entrance exam is right for you? We've broken down the SAT and ACT into a comparative guide to help you think through that choice.

Preparing for a college entrance exam

Regardless of what type of college entrance exam you take, knowing how to prepare can make a world of difference regarding your score. Consider using these tips and strategies to help:

• Begin preparing three months before your exam, and plan to study for at least three hours per week.

• Purchase a test prep guide to learn about the type of test you're taking.

• Look into test-prep apps that offer simulated testing and practice often.

• Re-familiarize yourself with standard math concepts and formulas.

• Read challenging articles or books and look up unfamiliar words.

• Enroll in a test-prep class, work with a study group, or hire a test-prep tutor.

• Give yourself enough time to retake a college entrance exam if needed.

• Visit the College Board, ACT, or CLT website for specifics about testing sites, dates, and times.

Earn your degree through Coursera.

College entrance exams like the SAT, ACT, and CLT are standardized tests measuring college readiness through multiple-choice questions. While increasingly optional, these exams can strengthen your application and scholarship chances.

As you're contemplating your college plans, consider earning your bachelor's degree from one of the universities on Coursera—many of which don't require a college entrance exam.