Deciding whether to take the ACT or the SAT as his or her college entrance exam is one of the most important decisions a high school student must make. Although the tests are similar in many ways, there are key differences to consider before choosing one and beginning your prep.
Below is a primer of what you must know about the exams before you start studying.
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1. Exam scoring and structure: Both exams are predominantly multiple-choice with questions divided into sections. The ACT includes four multiple-choice sections: English, mathematics, reading and science.
The current SAT has three portions — reading, math and writing — while the 2016 revision will feature only evidence-based reading and writing along with math.
The ACT essay is optional and the SAT essay is required through 2016, when it will then become optional. The redesigned SAT will also eliminate the penalty for incorrect answers, which the ACT does not use.
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, where the final result is an average of the four multiple-choice sections. The SAT is scored out of 2400, with 800 points each for reading, math, and writing, and the essay is marked on a scale from 2-12. In 2016, SAT scores will be out of 1600.
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2. Subject areas: For the most part, the subject areas on the two tests are similar. The SAT emphasizes math and reading, though the new evidence-based reading and writing section will weave in science and social studies topics.
The ACT differs from the SAT in two important ways. First, unlike the SAT, it has a multiple-choice section entirely dedicated to scientific skills. Second, the ACT math section includes questions on trigonometry in addition to the algebra, arithmetic, geometry, probability and statistics topics covered on the SAT.
3. Skills tested: The ACT and SAT both attempt to test your reasoning and problem-solving skills, and this applies to all portions. In addition to reflecting on whether you excel in the subject areas described above, think about what subsets of English and grammar you understand best.
If you are a vocabulary enthusiast, you may wish to look toward the SAT, as it focused more heavily on vocabulary. In addition, the 2016 revision will replace seemingly arcane terminology with more useful, context-specific words. If you are highly comfortable with sentence structure and mechanics, it is important to note that the ACT’s grammar section places more emphasis on punctuation than the SAT does.
4. Necessary preparation: The question of how much to study for each test has no easy answer, as both the amount and type of studying will inevitably be different for each student. In terms of how that studying should be structured , however, the tests do have some differences.
As the ACT is more knowledge-based than the SAT, some people argue there is less use in learning the tricks to answer questions that might typically be better utilized on the SAT. It is crucial to learn the material for the ACT and be able to apply it quickly, as questions tend to be less convoluted, but the test is less forgiving if you take too much time to answer them.
If you are strong in the material but weak in test-taking skills, you will probably need more time to prep for the SAT, whereas if you have the reverse skill set, preparing for the ACT may require more prep sessions.
The most important thing you can do when studying for either exam is to diagnose your weaknesses early and focus your studying on those areas. Also, do not forget to take numerous practice tests!
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5. Registration: The easiest way to register for both tests is online, though both the ACT and SAT also offer the option of registering by mail. There are multiple deadlines for each exam, but it is best to register early.
Registration fees differ, however the standard cost for the SAT is $52.50, while the standard cost for the ACT is $38 or $54.50 if you opt to take the ACT Plus Writing.
6. Support resources: The ACT and SAT offer robust support systems with sample questions and full-length practice exams that you can complete for free. The SAT, with a computerized sample test, holds a slight edge. Both exams offer various paid options as well, including official study guides.
This information above is meant to serve as a starting point when deciding whether to take the ACT or the SAT. Although the two tests are not as dissimilar as you may believe, there are still several differences — in content, as well as in approach — that are important to note. Whichever you ultimately choose, remember to prepare for the exam in a way that is well thought out and appropriate for you, personally, as a learner.
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What to Know Before Starting SAT, ACT Prep originally appeared on usnews.com
