The SAT and ACT are entrance exams used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decision. The SAT and ACT exams are a multiple choice, pencil-and-paper test created and administered by the College Board and ACT, Inc. The purpose of the SAT and ACT are to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicant. College admission officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admission interviews, and personal essays. How important SAT or ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. The PSAT 10 and PSAT8/9 are not considered for entry.

For more information regarding the PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship Program, please contact the MWHS Counseling Office.

There are several differences between the SAT and the ACT. One of the key differences between the two exams are their structure. The SAT features the following sections: reading, writing and language, and math, while the ACT features English, math, reading, science reasoning, an optional essay. 

• The SAT costs $68.
• The ACT with the essay costs $88 while the ACT without the essay costs $63.
• The PSAT costs $18.

Exams are subject to additional charges such as late registration fees.

• ACT
• SAT
• SAT Fee Waiver Information