ACT Vs SAT
In high school, juniors and seniors need to start thinking about what colleges they want to attend. However, in order to get admitted and obtain financial aid, high school students will need to eventually take the SAT and or the ACT. These are two tests schools will administer to students after the students pay a fee and enroll to take them. Each test covers similar subjects, but students find that they have slightly different aspects to them.
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a nearly four hour long test that contains math, reading, and an optional essay section (which is recommended) with each section scored between 200 and 800 points. The perfect score on the SAT is a 1600, though the national average is projected to be approximately 1000, according to this source. You are permitted to take the test multiple times, but it is not recommended that your student take it more than three times, and the best score is taken from these separate tests.
What is the ACT?
The ACT is a test that takes about three hours, depending on whether or not you choose to take the essay (which is recommended). Scoring is much different on the ACT than the SAT since each of the sections are scored from a 1 to 36. This test has a math, reading, science, and writing section. Like the SAT, you can take the test many times and the best score is used. The ACT has random difficulty questions while the SAT has questions that increase in difficulty as the section progresses. Both of these tests allow students to skip questions that they do not know the answers to.
Which Should My Student Take?
Click here for a more in-depth comparison between the two tests. Both tests are similar with the exception of the ACT's science section, but both scores are typically accepted by all colleges in the United States. People suggest that the SAT is more for students who are better in English and the ACT is better for math students, but there are always exceptions to the rule. It is recommended that your student take both test and then you can determine which test worked better for them.
How Do I Sign Up My Student for Either Test?
To sign up for the SAT, click the link here. For registration for the ACT, click here. Both sites should tell you what your student will need to bring to the test. Be sure to mark the date on your calendar! Invest in an ACT prep class to help your student to prepare.
