| SAT | ACT | ASSET | ASVAB |
Type | Aptitude Test--attempts to predict future success in college | Achievement Test--measures knowledge obtained through education | Achievement Test--measures academic ability | Vocational Aptitude--measures vocational skills the student has |
Purpose | Gives colleges and universities a "measuring stick" to compare prospective students | Gives colleges and universities an idea of how well the student has mastered secondary curriculum | Gives technical schools an idea of the student's mastery of basic skills | Gives the military (or individual) an idea about the types of careers for which a person is naturally suited |
Format | Three sections: Math, Critical Reading(formerly Verbal) and Writing. Math is three sections of multiple choice questions lasting 70 minutes testing skills through Algebra II. Critical Reading is three sections of multiple choice questions lasting 70 minutes testing reading comprehension. Writing is one 35 minute section of multiple choice and one 25 minute essay. | Exam is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading and Scientific Reasoning. Math evaluates through trigonometry. Reading sections consist of four passages: prose fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science. English emphasizes grammar. | Exam consists of three sections: writing skills, numerical skills and reading skills. | There are eight sections: Verbal Skills, Math Skills, Science and Technical Skills, General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathmatics Knowledge, Electronic Informations, Auto and Shop Information and Mechanical Comprehension |
Scoring | Each section receives a score of 200-800. Students are penalized for wrong answers. | Each section receives a score of 1-36. The sections are averaged for a composite score. A 36 is the highest possible score. There is no penalty for wrong answers. | Each section is scored by institution administering the exam. Scores are used to determine eligibility to technical school programs. | The student receives eleven percentile scores 1-100. Together, these scores provide a snapshot of current knowledge and skills. |
Cost and location | Standard registration fee is $43.00. Additional services are available for additional fees. Test is given at a variety of locations around metro Atlanta and west Georgia. | Standard registration with writing is $44.50. Additional services are available for additional fees. Test is given at a variety of locations around metro Atlanta and west Georgia. | Test is free. It is given twice per year at Alexander during the school day. It is administered by reservation almost daily at local technical schools. | Test is free. It is given once per year (November) at Alexander during the school day. It is administered by reservation almost daily at local Military Evaluation Stations. |
Who should take this test? | A student who plans to enter a four year college or university who possesses a strong vocabulary and also excels in mathematics. No student should attempt this test prior to completing Algebra II. Students who have failed an English EOCT should not take the SAT. | A student who plans to enter a four year college or university. This test is similar to the kinds of tests students take every day. If a student is not well-read or math is not a strength, this test is recommended. Furthermore, students who enjoy science and social studies also have an opportunity to use those skills on this test. | A student who plans to enter a technical school should take this test. It is best to take it at AHS or at the school the student plans to attend. | A student who plans to enter the military must take this test. It is also a good test for students who are unsure about their career options. A student may take the test without plans to enter the military. |
