A student working through a SAT test book.

Preparing for the ACT or SAT – What You Need to Know

ByElin Enrooth

It’s that time of year again when high school juniors and seniors start to think about the ACT and SAT. These tests are essential and can often determine a student’s pathway to college.

It’s a best practice to test by the fall of your senior year. This way, you can retake the test and submit a higher score by the time college applications are due. If your high schooler is getting ready to take the ACT or SAT, it’s important that they’re prepared. Both tests can be challenging, so make sure your student knows what to expect and how to prepare.

What is the ACT?

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test that measures a student’s academic skills. The test consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. It also offers an optional writing section.

Most colleges and universities in the United States accept the ACT.

What is the SAT?

Besides the ACT, students can also take the SAT. The SAT is another college admissions test used by colleges and universities. The test has three parts: reading, writing and language, and mathematics.

Most colleges and universities in the United States accept the SAT.

How do the ACT and SAT compare?

For high school students, taking the ACT or SAT is an essential step on the path to college. But, how do these exams differ? And, how do you decide which one to take?

While the ACT and SAT are both used for college admissions, they differ in format and content. For example, the ACT has a science section while the SAT covers more advanced math topics. The ACT is more content-based, while the SAT is more skills-based. The ACT tests what you know, while the SAT tests your ability to reason and problem-solve.

The ACT is longer than the SAT, but both exams are multiple-choice. The ACT has 215 questions and the SAT has 154 questions. The SAT includes a 65-minute reading test, 35-minute writing and language test and 80-minute math test.The ACT includes a 35-minute reading test, 45-minute English test, 60-minute math test and 35-minute science test

Do schools still require an ACT or SAT score?

Some schools require ACT or SAT scores as part of the admission process, but an increasing number are making it optional.

Many schools are dropping the requirement because research shows that standardized test scores don’t correlate with college success. Having a high score on the ACT or SAT doesn’t mean you’re going to do well in college.

If you’re applying to college, check to see if the school requires ACT or SAT scores. If they don’t, there’s no need to spend money and time taking the test.

Preparing for the test

Besides getting a good night’s sleep and eating a healthy breakfast, what else can you do to prepare for the test? Here are a few ideas:

  1. Take some time to relax and clear your mind. Practice yoga or go for a walk. Do something to help you relax and destress.
  2. Set a study schedule leading up to the test, so you don’t feel scrambled at the last minute. This will help your retention of information as well.
  3. Talk to someone who has already taken the test or is taking it with you. This can help lessen your anxiety or stress.
  4. Get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the test. This will help your brain function at its best.
  5. Take some deep breaths and remind yourself that you have prepared well and can do this. Trust in your abilities.
 
The ACT and SAT are important milestones in your academic career. Preparing well will help you feel confident on test day and perform your best. Have you started preparing yet? If not, there’s still time! Let us know if we can help.

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