In the competitive world of college entrance exams, where students are enrolling in SAT prep classes, hiring tutors to help them attain better scores, and taking the tests multiple times in order to get a top-rate score that will impress colleges, there still lies an unanswered question. Should I take the SAT or the ACT, or both?
Though the question seems straightforward and simple, the answer relies on several factors to consider. First, the tests are different. Second, depending on the student’s academic abilities and/or emotional stamina, one might be a better option than the other. Finally, a student’s test-taking skills could be the deciding factor between the two types of tests.
The SAT is a reasoning skills test that measures critical thinking skills. The test is comprised of 10 sections that cover critical reading, mathematics, and writing, each focusing on vocabulary, reading comprehension, general reasoning and problem-solving skills. In addition, despite the fact that many colleges do not consider it as part of their admissions criteria, there is a required writing section. Each reading passage has questions pertaining to comprehension and sentence completion, focusing on grammar, punctuation and syntax. The math section covers arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and algebra II. Each section of the test is scored on a scale of 200 – 800. Unlike the ACT, the SAT DOES penalize for wrong answers by deducting ¼ point for each wrong answer. The length of the test is 3 hours and 45 minutes, with brief breaks between subtests.
The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test with four sections: reading, math, English, and science. Unlike the SAT, it offers an optional writing section. The Reading section has 4 passages with 10 questions per passage. The math section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 – 36, which is the average of the four main sections, and DOES NOT penalize for wrong answers. The length of the test is 3 hours and 25 minutes, including the 30-minute optional writing section.
Knowing the composition of each type of test helps somewhat in deciding which one to take. However, if the student has a learning disability, ADHD, psychiatric problems, or medical conditions, there are additional considerations. Some of these include processing speed, comprehension skills, ability to concentrate on printed material for periods of 30 minutes or more, ability to track across a page of dense words, anxiety levels under stress, and familiarity with multiple-choice tests, among others. Many students with impairments that impact their learning are eligible for accommodations with current and full documentation, but the student still needs to consider his learning style, academic needs, and test-taking abilities.
I often suggest trying out both tests to find a good fit. Most students are required by their school to take the PSAT in their sophomore year, as a practice. Students could also take the PLAN, which is ACT’s version of a practice test. Though few schools offer this, I would recommend asking about it at your child’s school. If this is not an option, the student can sign up online for the ACT Online Prep, which includes a diagnostic test. If this is not an option due to focus problems or inability to work independently, the student may want to take the ACT in the junior year. After taking both the PSAT, and the PLAN or ACT as practice, the student should weigh the pros and cons of each, then decide to take one or the other, as his college entrance exam. The student should not take both tests multiple times, as this can become overwhelming and frustrating, and only intrudes on study time for daily schoolwork. Most colleges accept either test, so the student should choose the test that fits his strengths.
Most students are offered a test prep course in the junior year, that teaches test-taking skills and provides practice tests within the course curriculum. If the student has a learning problem, I usually suggest individual tutoring, with a tutor that understands various learning disabilities and can provide strategies specific to the student’s individual needs. Sitting in a course that teaches to the average student without disabilities, will not be as effective as one-on-one help with a tutor who understands various learning problems.
I have found over the years, that many of my students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and psychiatric impairments such as anxiety or depression, will feel more comfortable with the ACT. Generally, this is because the test has a familiar looking format, uses curriculum-based topics, and does not penalize for wrong answers. But each student is different, and must decide for himself, which test suits him. If you are working with an independent college consultant, like myself, she can help the student decide by asking a series of pertinent questions. Check me out on my website, www.ruthbrodskyconsulting.com, and call with any questions.
