ACT & SAT WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Jan 17, 2016
ACT & SAT
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Approximately 90% of schools in the U.S. use either the ACT or
SAT in making admissions decisions.
Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, “Preparation for College Admissions Exams”, 2009
It is important for students to understand which test, SAT or
ACT, is best suited for their strengths.
SAT VS ACTKEY DIFFERENCES
1) ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.2) The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.3) The ACT has a science section; the SAT does not.
http://www.princetonreview.com/sat-act.aspx
SAT VS ACTKEY DIFFERENCES
4) The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.5) The ACT Writing Test is optional.6) The SAT is broken up into more sections.7) The ACT is more of a “big picture” exam.
SAT vs. ACT Comparison
http://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-vs-sat/
SAT
ACT
SAT
ACT
SAT
ACT
SAT• Students with strong vocabulary skills often do well on the SAT
because vocabulary is emphasized.• Math questions on the SAT are meant to be tricky and are not
straight forward. Formulas are given, but you must know how to apply them.
• No science questions are asked.• Reading tends to be less relevant to high school students.• The SAT is 20 minutes longer, and the required essay section is
given first.• Colleges care about how you do on each section of the SAT in
addition to your overall score.
ACT• The ACT has some higher level math, including some
trigonometry, but questions are straight forward. Formulas are not given, knowledge of basic formulas is required.
• The ACT has science questions, but they only involve ability to read charts, tables, and graphs.
• Reading tends to be more relevant to high school age students. Vocabulary is not emphasized.
• The essay portion is given last and is not always required.• The ACT is a “big picture” exam, and schools tend to focus on
your composite score rather than any one section.
COMMON MYTHS• Competitive schools only accept the SAT. (most schools
take either test)• Since you take the PSAT, you should take the SAT. (take
what’s best for you)• The ACT is easy. (both tests are tough)• Math on the ACT is more difficult. (SAT tends to be more
challenging because of wording)• I’m not good at science, so I should not take the ACT. (ACT
science questions only test your ability to reason given a set of facts, no upper level knowledge is necessary)
THE TRUTH• How you do on each test depends on your
individual strengths and weaknesses.• Do some investigating and take the test that will
make you shine the brightest.• Your guidance counselor can help you decide which
test is best for you. The PSAT is also a good indicator. Above 150 on the PSAT SAT. Below 150 on the PSAT ACT.
• Most students should wait until 2nd semester of their Junior year to take either test.
SAT REDESIGN SPRING 2016
• Writing section optional• 1600 point scoring scale• No penalty for wrong answers• Math concepts more narrowly focused; some
without a calculator• More common vocabulary• Fewer sections
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/06/education/major-changes-in-sat-announced-by-college-board.html?_r=0http://www.kaptest.com/sat/kaplan-sat-prep/sat-test-change
PREPARING• Both www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org offer full length
practice tests online. • More information on each test can be found at
www.princetonreview.com.
• Khan Academy offers for SAT prep:• https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat (current SAT)
• https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/new-sat (new SAT beginning in March)