SAT or ACT?
The SAT and ACT both tests evaluate student preparation for college, but students typically receive higher scores in one test or the other. A lot of this depends on a student's learning style:
The SAT is great for creative thinkers. In response to changing admissions standards, the College Board has radically overhauled the SAT, de-emphasizing vocabulary, and focusing on language skills that will prepare students for college and the math that matters most.
The ACT is great for analytical students. While there are still strategies you can apply across the test, the ACT rewards students who break the test down and attack it piece by piece. While the SAT remains more popular in the North East, across the nation as many students take the ACT as take the SAT. In fact, some states use the ACT as the standardized test for graduation.
Both tests have one reading and one grammar section which each counts for 25% of your total score. On the SAT, there are two math sections that count for 50% of your score; one of the sections does not permit the use of a calculator. On the ACT, there is one math section and one science section, each of which count for 25% of your score.
You may know which test you want to take, but for most students, it can be helpful to try a diagnostic test.
Diagnostics
Each test is about 45 minutes long. Though the full test is a lot longer, this will help you get a sense of the format and the questions. If you're not sure which test is better for you or your student, request a full diagnostic test and professional analysis today.