Historically, the SAT was the dominant test college entrance test on the East and West coasts, and the ACT was the more common choice in the Midwest. But these traditions have been changing, and today, most schools will accept either test. While both the ACT and SAT share some characteristics-both allow the use of calculators, it is important to understand the special features and structures of the test to determine which would be your best choice.

• The act math includes some trigonometry, the SAT does not.

• The act includes a science reasoning test, the SAT does not.

• The SAT questions, within a particular set, appear in order of difficulty - not true on the act.

• The SAT tests vocabulary much more than the act.

• The act tests English grammar, the SAT does not.

• The SAT is not all multiple choice.

• The SAT has a wrong answer penalty; the act does not.

• The act is more of a content-based test; the SAT test critical thinking and problem solving.

Fee Waivers...for standardized tests and the MCPS Prep course are available for students meeting eligibility guidelines. The College Board and The ACT both offer waivers for students for whom the payment of fees for the tests presents a serious barrier to college entrance. Eligibility is determined primarily by membership in a family whose annual income falls within predetermined guidelines or for whose family receives public assistance / lives in subsidized housing. Students/Parents are encouraged see Mr. Douglass for the Waiver Eligibility Form and registration instructions. Students using a fee waiver can register for the SAT online AFTER they get the waiver.

SAT | act

Fee Waiver Information

Testing Fee Waivers for the SAT & act tests are designed to assist students for whom payment of the basic fee could be a barrier to college entrance. Fee waivers are available to juniors and seniors only, and can be used either in the Senior or Junior year, but not both years.  If you meet the eligibility income guidelines below please do not hesitate to inquire about a waiver.  However, because of the limited number of waivers they are available only on a first come, first served basis. Students who have a special financial need but do not meet the required dealines below may be eligible for another program. See Ms. Williams in the Career Center for instructions.

College Application Fee Waivers:  Only students who receive waivers for the SAT and plan to enter college by Fall 2005 are eligible to receive a total of four (4) Request for Waiver of Application forms.  Note:  Not all institutions participate in this program.

SAT ~Fee Waiver Income Guidelines (last year's – listed as a guide only. If you are close, ask!!!)
  # in Family  2002 - 2003 Total Income Before Taxes
       1                                          $  23,320
       2                                              27,380
       3                                              30,900
       4                                              33,280
       5                                              35,570

act ~ Fee Waiver Income Guidelines (last year's – listed as a guide only. If you are close, ask!!!)
 # in Family  2002-2003- Total Income Before Taxes
      1                                              $   10,000
      2                                                 16,400
      3                                                 22,500
      4                                                 27,800
      5                                                 32,800
      6                                                 38,400
  over 6                         $38,400 plus $3,000 for each add’l person in family.

Above information taken from http://career.mbhs.edu/newsletters/testinginfo.html and other sources.