2012-02-27 20:19:58
If you’re a high school junior, the next year of your life will be filled with a plethora of decisions. You’ll have to figure out which courses to take for the rest of your high school career, which colleges to apply to, and the small matter of what you want to do with your life. We’d like to help you make one decision easier: which test should you take for your college application? Time was, schools in certain parts of the country preferred the ACT and schools elsewhere preferred the SAT, but those days are gone. Now, for the most part, you have complete freedom in choosing which test to take. Here’s what you need to know to make that decision:
1. What are the differences in the tests?
The SAT and ACT test the same content: high-school level Math and English. However, there are a few minor differences:
The SAT has ten sections: 3 Math, 3 Writing, and 3 Reading, plus an extra section that is not scored. Sections are 10 – 25 minutes long.
The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science plus an optional Essay section. The English section is 45 minutes, the Math 60 minutes, Reading and Science 35 minutes each, and the essay 30 minutes.
In terms of content, SAT math is a little more reasoning based than it is content-based, and the test gives you a cheat sheet of formulas, so you have fewer math rules to memorize. The ACT tests the exact same content areas without giving you a formula sheet and also adds questions about trigonometry, which is not on the SAT.
The Reading sections differ in that the SAT has short passages, while the ACT only has four long passages. Additionally, the SAT has vocabulary questions, meaning you will need to study vocabulary.
The English/Writing sections are not that different in content, though punctuation and rhetoric come up on the ACT English section. Also, the SAT has a mandatory essay, whereas the ACT’s is optional (though we would heavily encourage you to take it).
Finally, don’t fear the Science section on the ACT. The vast majority of questions ask you simply to read passages and data charts, analyze them, and interpret them. The SAT tests these same skills on the Reading sections and also on the Math sections (albeit in smaller numbers).
What this means for you is this: if you are more comfortable memorizing math concepts than vocabulary words, take the ACT. If not, then look at the SAT. And if you don’t care, move on to the next question.
2. What test does my school need?
Find out. Most schools do not care which test you take, so long as you take one. But find out from admissions websites or from admissions representatives. If your dream school prefers one test, make sure to take that test.
3. Do you prefer shorter sections or longer sections?
The ACT, as we mentioned in question 1, has longer sections than does the SAT. Both tests are almost the same in total length (the SAT is a bit longer), but how that time is allotted varies. If you prefer shorter sections and moving from topic-to-topic more frequently, the SAT might be better for you. If you prefer looking at one type of question in one subject for a long time, the ACT is probably better for you.
4. Which test is better for my schedule?
Find out! Look at what you have coming up in school, and plan accordingly. If the ACT is offered the same week as final exams at your school, maybe plan on taking the SAT instead (or vice-versa). Our only real advice here is to make sure you have enough time to take the test twice before your college applications are due next fall.
5. Which test will I do better on?
This is really the most paramount question. Take a practice ACT and a practice SAT exam. If you score significantly better on one than on the other, focus on that one. If not, just ask yourself which format was more comfortable for you.
Play to your strengths, and remember to study for and practice whichever test you decide to take.
Glossary
These Key SAT Words are Expertly Identified by Sentia Tutors
Plethora: many
Paramount: chief in importance