SAT vs ACT: Which Should I Take?

 

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If you want a competitive college application, you need test scores. If you want high test scores, you need to take the right test. Before we dive in, know this first:

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Colleges use something called “the concordance table” to compare SAT and ACT scores. They don’t prefer one test to the other: they just like you to have the highest COMPARATIVE score possible. A 1600 on the SAT is a 36 on the ACT – getting either score will give you the exact same quality application, and once you get one great score, you’re finished – there’s no point in getting two good scores! Your only job is to pick ONE test that’ll give you the best comparative score. It’s your job to pick the test that’ll give you the best score, focus all of your energy on it, and knock it out of the park.

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With that in mind, the big question is: which one will get you the best comparative score?

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The Really Simple Way to Decide

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If you take the following steps, you’ll be able to make the right decision and begin focusing on the correct test. This will only take an afternoon, and it’s the best possible investment you can make in your future test success:

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1. Grab a copy of both tests. You can either buy the Official College Board Manual and the The Official ACT Prep Guide , or you can find a free copies of the New SAT and a free copy of the ACT online.

2. Spend an hour looking at each test (including its rules for each section, its format, and its problems) and see which one you like best. I’ve never had a student that was neutral on this issue. Most students love the SAT and hate the ACT or vice versa.

3. Start prepping and focus on the test you like the most.

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Did you expect it to be more complicated? Fortunately, it’s not! These tests are remarkably similar – so if you think you’ll have an edge on the ACT and you like the way it looks, take the ACT. If you think the ACT’s time restraints are insanely challenging, or you really don’t like the look of the science section, take the New SAT.

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One last thing: Start Early

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Once you’ve picked your test, you already know what to expect. So start studying as soon as you can! You’ll get a much higher score and the entire process will be way easier. As a bonus, you won’t need to derail any of your other activities – even if you’re in the debate club, on varsity soccer, and dealing with a challenging course load, you can easily find the time to study for 15 minutes in the morning and another 15 minutes in the afternoon. Why wouldn’t you?

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The above tips are based on The Green Test Prep System. Guaranteed to help you get into your dream college, by dramatically increasing your ACT and SAT scores. 

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Source: 

Green Test Prep

Anthony-James Green

https://greentestprep.com/resources/sat-prep/new-sat-vs-act/