SAT & ACT | ISEE | HSPT | EXAM DATES
SAT VS ACT
The SAT and ACT are college entrance exams that are equally accepted by ALL colleges and universities in the USA. Students only have to take one of these exams, and we highly recommend that you only prep for one. We can help you decide which exam would be a better fit for you. Schedule a free assessment today!
Some key differences between the two exams:
- The ACT includes a science section.
- SAT is scored out of 1600 points. 800 points for Reading and Writing and 800 points for Math. On the ACT, each section is worth 36 points, and the composite score is the average of all four scores.
- The SAT requires DEPTH of knowledge while the ACT covers more concepts.
- The ACT is a speed test, which means that you have to be quick and strategic.
- The SAT has a math no calculator section.
When should you take these exams?
The SAT is very Algebra centric, so we recommend preparing the SAT after taking Algebra 2. The ACT covers more concepts, so prepping after Algebra 2 or Precalculus is ideal.
What is a good score?
Top 10%: 1340-1600 on the SAT and 29-36 on the ACT
Top 25%: 1220-1600 on the SAT and 25-36 on the ACT
Top 50%: 1080-1600 on the SAT and 20-36 on the ACT
About the ISEE
ISEE Levels
- Lower Level- applicants to grades 5-6
- Middle Level- applicants to grades 7-8
- Upper Level- applicants to grades 9-12
Exam Sections and Length
- Verbal Reasoning – 20 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning – 35 minutes
- Reading Comprehension – 35 minutes
- Mathematics Achievement – 40 minutes
- Essay – 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Why is the exam so difficult?
Because the exam is intended for students in different grade levels, the exam makers have to include material that may be out of your child’s scope. The ISEE can be taken once every testing period. Testing periods fall in August- November, December- March, and April-July.
How is the ISEE graded?
Students receive a scaled score that ranges from 760-940. They will also receive a statine score of 1-9 based on their percentile ranking. The ranking is based on ISEE norms, which a compilation of scores for the last three years.
About the HSPT
The HSPT is a high school entrance exam administered by private Catholic high schools. You must take the exam at the school at which you are applying. Many schools will forward your scores, but please inquire.
Exam Sections and Length
- Verbal Skills – 16 minutes
- Quantitative Skills- 30 minutes
- Reading – 25 minutes
- Mathematics – 45 minutes
- Language – 25 minutes
How is the HSPT graded?
Each section receives a percentage calculated by number of questions answered correctly over the total of number of questions in that section. The exam also receives an overall percentage score.
SAT Dates
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Saturday, June 6, 2020
ACT Dates
September 14, 2019
October 26, 2019
December 14, 2019
February 8, 2020
April 4, 2020
June 13, 2020
July 18, 2020*
*No test centers are scheduled in California for the July test date.
HSPT Dates
December 14, 2019 at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
January 18, 2020 at La Salle High School
January 25, 2020 at La Salle High School
January 25, 2020 at St. Francis High School