<p>Is it the same as the SAT or do they give you bigger breaks becuase it is still new and they dont really know how to grade it?</p>
<p>O and is it a seperate score or does it tie into your english score?</p>
<p>This is from the Kaplan website: </p>
<p>ACT:
Last thing you do (optional); 30 minutes</p>
<pre><code>* Not included in composite score
* Topic of importance to high school students
* Address counterarguments
</code></pre>
<p>SAT:
First thing you do; 25 minutes</p>
<pre><code>* Factored into overall score
* More abstract topic (vs. the ACT)
* Pick a side and stick to it
</code></pre>
<p>To clarify on the score for ACT essay, they give you a composite score (average of M, R, E, S), then they give you a separate Combined English-Writing score from this chart ACT</a> Writing Test : How to Calculate Your Combined English/Writing Score, but that combined score is separate, not part of the composite.</p>
<p>Actually, following up on wewet234's post, I found that on the ACT you HAVE to address the other side of the argument or otherwise the most you could get on the essay is an 8 (4's by both graders); this is what a counselor at my school told me. Also, for the SAT, you MUST show signs of revision as this is a requirement, otherwise, you cannot get a score above 10.</p>