Tips To Know If Choosing The ACT Over The SAT Exam

More students in the last graduating class than ever before took the SAT exam –more than 2.2 million.  Still, many others (nearly 1.8 million) chose the ACT as an alternative exam for college admission.  

It’s important for students to realize that all colleges accept either SAT or ACT scores on college applications, and no college requires both.  So it’s best for students to choose one test, and then carefully prepare.  

Just like the SAT, the ACT has one Reading section and one English section (although it’s called “Writing and Language” on the SAT).  The main difference is that the SAT has two Math sections, while the ACT has one Math and one Science section.  Both tests offer an optional essay.

One downside to the ACT is that it’s an extremely fast-paced test.  In comparison to the SAT, the ACT has 40% more questions with five minutes less time. So a very important strategy is to keep moving!

It’s vital on the ACT, as on all tests, to be sure to carefully read each question and follow directions. Many students overlook words like not or least and incorrectly answer questions that they would otherwise have found quite easy.

Students should take care not to overestimate, or underestimate, the difficulty of any question.  Since the ACT, like the SAT, is a test that does not penalize points for incorrect answers, students should always choose an answer for each question – even it it’s just a guess.

With the exception of the Math section, questions on the ACT do not get harder as the test progresses. Students should avoid getting stuck on any one particular question, as easy questions count just as much as hard ones. 

Since the ACT does not include a box of formulas at the beginning of the Math section, like the SAT does, it’s important for students to memorize the common formulas learned in Geometry and Algebra II.

The ACT, like the SAT, ends with an optional essay. Even though it’s not a required section, it’s a good idea for students to write the essay. Many of the more competitive colleges accept the ACT (and the SAT) only if the essay is included, so it’s wise for students to not limit their options.

Upcoming SAT exams will take place on March 14th, May 2nd and June 6th, while upcoming ACT exams are scheduled for February 8th, April 4th and June 13th.

Susan Alaimo is the founder of SAT Smart. For the past 25 years, SAT Smart’s Ivy League educated tutors have prepared students for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP courses, and all high school subjects. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362.