December is that time of year...no, not just Holiday time but when high school juniors receive their October PSAT scores. Many students are unhappy with their results, and their dream of getting into their top college is crushed! Not true!! Students need to remember that the PSATs are for practice (it’s in the name). No college will ask for PSAT results. However, the reported scores help identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses to better prepare for the SATs.
Standardized test scores are one part of the college admissions process. Students can choose to take either SAT or ACT, and with more colleges going test-optional, students can choose not to submit scores.
What should you do? Now that you have a PSAT baseline score, you can decide which standardized test to take and what type of standardized test preparation you need. Below is a comparison of the SAT and ACT.
The SAT
Length- 3 hours and 50 minutes (includes breaks)
2 sections
Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing consists of 2 subsections - a 65-minute Reading section and a 35-minute Writing and Language section.
Math consists of 2 subsections that covers Algebra, Problem Solving/Data Analysis and Advanced Math. There is a 25- minute no calculator section and a 55-minute calculator section.
Each section scored from 200-400. The total score is the sum of the 2 sections, 400-1600.
Essay- Optional 50 minutes
The ACT
Length- 3 hours and 25 minutes (includes breaks)
4 sections
Reading- 35 minutes
English- 45 minutes
Math- 60 minutes with a calculator and covers Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry and Trigonometry.
Science- 35 minutes covers Data Representation, Research Summaries and Conflicting Viewpoints.
Each section scored from 1-36. The total score is the average of the 4 sections.
Essay- Optional 40 minutes.
There is no easy answer as to which test is better to take. Some students who perform poorly on the SAT do very well on the ACT and vice versa. However, there are a few differences that may push a student to take one over the other. The SAT focuses on critical thinking and is better suited for strong readers with a strong vocabulary and allows more time per question. Math accounts for one half of the SAT total score and students are provided with 12 geometry formulas and three laws. The ACT is more knowledge-based and has a dedicated science section, which counts for one-fourth of the total score, so the ACT may be a better fit if you are strong in science. The ACT has a larger percent of geometry and trigonometry questions and allows a calculator on all math sections but provides no formulas. The best way to determine which test is better for you is to take both an SAT and ACT practice test and compare scores.
Whichever test you choose to take, it is best to give yourself at least eight weeks to prepare for the examination and take the test at least two times. Test preparation can range in cost from free online test prep (Khan Academy), self-guided study guides (inexpensive), online programs (moderate expense), and online and private one-on-one tutors (expensive). Whatever you choose, take it seriously and it will pay off on test day!