SAT vs the ACT

We’re deep into college entrance exam testing season here in the 2011-2012 school year, and for many high school Seniors and Juniors, many questions arise: How will I survive these tests? Why do I even have to take the SAT or ACT? And, very importantly which test should I take??

You’ve heard of them both:  the SAT and the ACT.  The SAT has been around longer, has shown up in a few more movies and TV shows, and is widely considered dread-worthy.  On the other hand, the ACT (1959 vs 1926) is a little younger, a little different, and maybe a little more…mysterious.

So what’s the story?  Should you take the SAT?  The ACT?  BOTH?!  What the heck is the difference, anyway?

There are many differences between the SAT and the ACT, but many similarities as well.

First off, let’s talk about what is the SAME:

Both are nationally-administered college entrance exams.  That means that kids in Oklahoma and kids in Oakland are taking the same sort of test of each type

Both are pretty long and have lots of questions.  Each test clocks in at more than 3 hrs.  The ACT is slightly shorter, but there’s a reason!  We’ll get there…

Both test academic ability.  In each, you’ll be tested in material you would have learned in High School.

Colleges recognize both.  Most colleges will accept either test, but they’ll look at them slightly differently.

Now, let’s take a look at what’s DIFFERENT:

SECTIONS:  The SAT tests Critical Reading, Math, and Writing, while the ACTtests English, Math, Reading, and Science.  On the ACT, there’s an optional Written section.

That Science section on the ACT is a pretty big difference.  Students are given example studies and asked to answer questions based on conclusions drawn from the research described.  So it’s sort of a Reading test too!

MATH SKILLS:  The ACT includes Trigonometry, and the SAT does not!

PENALTIES:  In the SAT, you get points off for incorrect answers, but not on the ACT!

SCORING:  The SAT gives you an score that is the sum of scores on the three sections; the ACT is a “composite” score that averages the test’s sections.  So, the SAT allows schools to see how you did with individual subjects, while theACT is more about performance on the whole test.

SO!  Which should you take??

There’s no hard-and-fast answer to that question, but we can offer a little food for thought.

The SAT is like running a series of sprints, while the ACT is like a running a marathon.  Translation: if you’re the kind of student who gets brain-fatigue quickly, the ACT is not for you. No promises you’d enjoy either one, but if mental endurance is not your strong suit, the SAT might be a better choice.

The SAT is a test of confusion, while the ACT tests academic development.  If you’re a good student, a good test-taker, and feel you’ve mastered what you learned in high school, then you might really succeed with the ACT.  Though the SAT tests similar material, it also tests how well you take the SAT.  See, even THAT is confusion.  BUT if you feel you’ve got the hang of the SAT’s quirks, you might be able to get a lot of points through simple test-taking tactics.

With the SAT, you HAVE to write, and on the ACT, it’s optional (but check with the schools you are applying to, some require writing).  Students who are less confident in their writing ability might be averse to the essay required by theSAT.  For these students, the ACT might be the alternative.  However, even for those students who are strong writers, the ACT might provide an opportunity to send along a little ‘extra’ bit of achievement to colleges.

Our best advice:  TAKE PRACTICE TESTS!  The scores you earn and your feelings about the test-taking experience will tell you more than any website can.  So give them a shot!

Trust your instincts, accept that it might suck, and you will be FINE!

And of course, if you’re looking for one-on-one help, Tutor Delphia is here.
For more information on the tests:  SAT & ACT

For more on this debate, check the Princeton Review’s page and InLikeMe’s handy comparison chart.