ACT v SAT

[LisaB]

So we're just starting this college search process, I guess I shouldn't say 'just starting' because it feels like we've been thinking about it and talking about how 'it will be here before we know it!' for many years.  But we're finally getting serious.  My son has some vague ideas about where he wants to go to school but nothing concrete yet.  I have received some advice from parents with older kids that it's pricey and very time consuming to take Prep Classes for both the ACT and SAT and we should try to figure out what tests are required for the schools to which he will actually be applying.  As we do not have any real ideas yet as to where he will be applying, any advice on which test to focus on?  

[Lura]

Good question!  I never did figure that out. 

[Jody]

Hi,

The best bet for which standardized test to take if your child is not certain about which college to apply -to (which is very hard to be certain-of far ahead of time), is to take both the ACT and SAT. 

Here is some specific information and suggestions for each test:

ACT:

1.  The ACT is offered through all Colorado public high schools in April of each year.  Only 11th graders are allowed to take it then, but your student can take it before this time, and after that simply by signing-up on ACT's website - I am pretty sure their minimum age is very young (perhaps 10 or 11 years old?).

2.  the ACT has become the standardized test used for progress measurement by the Colorado Dept. of Education, much as the CSAP (now TCAP) test is used for this purpose for grades 3 - 10.

3.  Because the ACT is part of the education system, now, it does not cost money to take.  Any additional times your student takes it, outside of school, will of course cost money.

4.  Students often retake tests to see if they can improve their scores, so expect and plan for this.  An ideal testing schedule is to take the ACT and SAT in the spring of junior year, then allow time to re-take in either June, or September (these tests are not offered by their respective companies over the summer).

5.  The ACT is compiled and published by Princeton Review.

6.  Taking practice sessions is always a good idea - the worst that can happen is that students will not change their ultimate score, but they WILL go into the test prepared and knowing what it is like (the classes should include a practice test), which can reduce test anxiety which can really reduce a student's test scores.

7. Your student will be safest is s/he takes the ACT - WITH WRITING.  This is not the version offered through schools (the school's version is the regular version which does not have the writing supplement).  But, some college will require the writing portion, and finding this out in late fall of senior year when they are trying to complete applications, essays, get letters of recommendation, work, school, volunteer hours, etc., - is very stressful.  Plus, if your student decides to apply early to any colleges, those tests must be already completed.

SAT:

1.  SAT is not offered through schools, so you will need to search online for College Board (or search for SAT test), and it is very easy to sign-up for.  

2.  Neither test is better, and most colleges allow either test to be submitted for admission consideration.  

3.  The tests draw-out slightly different skills in students, so it is common for the same student to do better on one than the other - ACT vs. SAT.

4.  It is good to experience both tests.  The GRE tests that I took were exactly like the SATs.

I hope this helps.  In summary, I suggest taking both tests, and taking the ACT twice - the first time in school, and the second time elsewhere, with the writing supplement.  Then, it might be wise to take the SAT twice if the scores are not great.

Jody Wickers

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On Saturday, November 3, 2012 7:56:39 AM UTC-6, LisaB wrote:

[Lura]

Wow, thanks Jody!

On Saturday, November 3, 2012 7:56:39 AM UTC-6, LisaB wrote: