Math content

Covers arithmetic, algebra and geometry. Math accounts for 50% of total score.

Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Math accounts for 25% of total score.

Experimental sections

Experimental section masked to look like regular section

Experimental section clearly experimental; only appears on certain dates

Scoring

200-800 points for each section for a combined total possible score of 2400.

Score of 0-12 for essay

No score choice

1-36 points for each section, averaged for a total possible highest composite score of 36.

Score of 1-12 for optional essay.

Score choice

Test question difficulty

Increasingly more difficult.

Students describe test as tricky.

Difficulty of questions is mixed throughout test.

Students describe test as more straightforward.

Right, wrong answers

Penalty for wrong answers: ¼ point for each wrong answer on multiple choice but not on student’s own answers.

Useful to skip difficult questions.

No penalty for wrong answers.

No reason not to answer every question.

Test orientation

Emphasis is on critical thinking and problem solving skills; like an aptitude test.

Not all multiple choice; one math section asks for your answer. Good for students who are test savvy.

Emphasis on subject and content based; covers material learned in school.

All multiple choice. Good for students who are more content oriented. Feels more like a test you would have in high school.