SAT & ACT
Both SAT and ACT scores are used for college admissions decisions. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other, but you must check the specific policy for the colleges you are interested in attending. Currently, the University of California (UC) system requires all applicants to submit either SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing scores. The California State University (CSU) system does not require admission tests for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, impacted campuses frequently include SAT or ACT scores as part of their supplemental admission criteria. In other words, all students pursuing admission to a four-year university or college should take the SAT and/or the ACT admission tests.
Both tests take about four hours to complete (including the writing section) and cover English language arts and math skills. The ACT also includes science topics. SAT scores range from 400-1600, while ACT scores range from 1-36. Fee waivers are available in the College Center.