The SAT, or SAT Reasoning Test, developed by the College Board, is used by colleges to determine if an applicant is eligible for admission. The test evaluates a student's comprehension of conventional high school lessons such as reading, writing and math, three skills that are imperative for academic achievement in college.
The ACT, or American College Test, is based on a high school's curriculum. ACT evaluates a student's knowledge of high school subjects through multiple choice questions about, English, science and math. There is also an optional writing test that assesses how well a student can develop and write a short essay.
At Georgia Perimeter College, submitting official SAT or ACT test scores upon admission is mandatory for high school students enrolling in the dual enrollment program and homeschooled students. On the other hand, submitting standardized test scores is not required for all applicants, but it is recommended. SAT and ACT scores are beneficial to the college in deciding if an applicant should be exempt from sections of the placement test, learning-support classes and regents' testing.
According to Georgia Perimeter College's placement testing guidelines, the acceptable SAT test scores for exemption of placement testing in the math section are: SAT mathematics, 440 and above; English and reading sections, SAT verbal, 480 and above. The acceptable ACT test scores are: mathematics, 18 and above; English and reading, 20 and above. Also, a student cannot have any college preparatory curriculum deficiencies in math and English for either standardized tests.