SAT/ACT Writing Test Frequently Asked Questions
Does UW–Madison require the SAT or the ACT Writing Test?
Yes. Students who graduated from high school in the spring of 2006 or later are required to submit results from either the ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT (critical reading, math, and writing).
Why?
Our Faculty Senate and university community have always recognized and valued the importance of writing throughout a student’s education. Furthermore, we know that writing is one of the essential skills for college readiness and success. The new writing assessment tools will allow students to demonstrate how well they can organize and express their ideas.
Who exactly needs to take the new writing tests?
Students applying for freshman admission for the fall 2006 term and after must submit results from either the SAT or the ACT Assessment Plus Writing. That includes both U.S. citizens and international students.
How will results from the writing assessments be used in making admission decisions?
The new writing tests give us one more indicator to consider when making our admission decisions. Because both the writing section of the SAT and the ACT Assessment Plus Writing are relatively new, we will continue to evaluate our use of the tests in the admission process. As results and data from the new tests are accumulated, we will have a better understanding of how the results will factor into our admission decisions. At this time we do not plan to use writing test results to make course placement decisions.
How will the standardized writing tests be administered?
ACT: Beginning in February 2005, the ACT added a 30-minute Writing Test as an optional component to the ACT Assessment. Students must register for the add-on Writing Test when they register to take the ACT. It is not possible to register for just the ACT Writing Test; it must be taken in addition to and at the same time as the ACT multiple-choice test.
SAT: Beginning in March 2005, the new SAT contains a writing section, including a 25-minute written essay, which will be mandatory for all test-takers. This brings the number of SAT sections up to three (adding to critical reading and math) and will increase the total possible score from 1600 to 2400.
How much do the tests cost?
The basic fee for the ACT Assessment Plus Writing is $43. The fee for the SAT is $41.50.
Are fee waivers available for the tests?
Yes, fee waivers are available for both the ACT and the SAT. The SAT provides up to four fee waivers (two for the SAT and two for Subject Tests). ACT offers a single fee waiver. High school counselors have complete details, including financial eligibility guidelines, and will file all fee-waiver requests.
Do students need to take both the ACT and the SAT?
No, as in the past, we will accept results from either the ACT (with the addition of the ACT Writing Test) or the SAT.
If a student has already taken either the old SAT (prior to March 2005) or the ACT without the Writing Test (prior to February 2005), will those results be considered?
We will receive and review those test results, but they will not fulfill our requirement for the new writing assessment. To be eligible for admission, freshman applicants must take either the ACT Assessment Plus Writing or the SAT. So to be clear, if a student took the SAT or the ACT before the writing section was offered (any and all test dates before February 2005) he or she must take at least one of the exams again in order to provide a writing score and be eligible for admission.
If a student takes both tests, or the same test more than once, which score will be considered?
We consider each and every test score during the application review process. Ultimately, the highest combined score will be noted as such. For the SAT, with the total possible score now at 2400, we will take the result closest to that mark. On the ACT, we will take the highest ACT Assessment score (out of a possible 36) and the highest ACT Writing Test result, whether or not they were achieved during the same sitting.
If a student takes the SAT II Writing Test, does that cover the writing assessment requirement?
No. If a student submits an SAT II writing score, he or she is still required to provide results from the new SAT or the ACT Assessment Plus Writing. In addition, because the new SAT introduced in March 2005 includes a writing section, the SAT II Writing Test is no longer offered.
Is it possible to prepare for the writing assessment tests?
Yes. The ACT Web site includes several sample essay questions to help students prepare for the writing test. Go to www.act.org/aap/writing/sample. Similarly, the College Board has an SAT online preparation center that includes several practice questions related to the writing section. Go to www.collegeboard.com.
How can I register for the tests?
To register for the ACT, go to www.act.org/aap. To register for the SAT, go to www.collegeboard.com.
Will UW–Madison receive test results automatically?
No. Students must request that their official scores be sent directly to UW–Madison. Our ACT code is 4656 and our SAT code is 1846.