Burned by the SAT? Try the ACT
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If you are unsatisfied with your SAT scores, you should try taking the ACT. There are some fundamental differences between the SAT and the ACT. The SAT tests aptitude, measuring a student’s verbal abilities and reasoning skills, whereas the ACT tests achievement, measuring what a student has acquired in school. The ACT’s content is broader than the SAT; it consists of 5 sections including English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. The SAT consists of only 3 sections: Critical Reasoning, Mathematics, and a mandatory Writing Test.
There is no penalty for guessing on the ACT. Also, the ACT’s Writing Test is optional, and you must take it if and only if the colleges you are applying to require it.
The ACT tends to be more user-friendly for students, given that their questions are often formatted in a more straightforward approach than the SAT. ACT questions are easily understandable on a first read, therefore students don’t waste time trying to discern what they’re being asked and can simply move on to solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay)*:
SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
The ACT is accepted by all 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. Following completion of the test, you can send your results to other colleges and scholarship agencies along with the ones you selected when you first signed up or tested. Colleges use ACT score reports for admissions decisions, course placement, academic advising, and scholarships and loans.
One of the most beneficial aspects of the ACT is that it is more of a comprehensive and cohesive exam. College admissions officers care more about your composite score on the ACT than your scores on individual sections. This is helpful for students whose scores in one subject are weaker than in others, as you can still finish strong with an overall high ACT score and thus maximize your potential with college admissions.
If you’re unsure about taking the ACT, try some free practice tests and questions and see how they feel. There are various resources readily available for you to use, such as practice test questions from the ACT website and Sparknotes test prep. Times and locations of practice tests can be found on Princeton Review.