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)