<p>I've been wondering which standardized test to take. So here's my situation: I live in the midwest, so the ACT is encouraged. In fact, I think my school requires us to take it at some point. But I have tried practice books for the ACT and the science part (especially if timed) seems ridiculously hard. Besides that, the ACT (I think) is a little bit more direct and possibly even easier than the SAT. Also, I might do this program to help me prepare for the ACT. That program doesn't really offer it for the SAT...I like how the SAT gives you more time. But if I chose the SAT, I will probably still have to send my high school required ACT to colleges even if it's bad. If I focus on ACT now, I could probably improve the science part and get a relatively high score. Anyways, do you think I should take the ACT (science just seems very hard, but I could boost it by practicing it a lot) or the SAT? By the way, My goal is to get a 34 or higher (35 would be AWESOME) on the ACT or whatever the conversion is on the SAT.</p>
<p>I’d say ACT. It may be one of the only standardized tests that I actually enjoyed taking. Just 5 long sections, little time so you won’t be bored. When its over its over. SAT has many more sections and is just boring since you end up with extra time after each section. Plus you have preparatory programs for the ACT (which aren’t necessary in the slightest), but whatever floats your boat. But, given your situation, I would say ACT.</p>
<p>I would for sure choose the ACT. In my experience, and what it’s been like for my friends too, the ACT is in some ways easier. It is more direct, as you said, whereas in the SAT, there’s more reasoning involved. Don’t sweat the science part; I was nervous for it too, and science is no where near my strongest subject, but it is much easier than you’d expect. I did way better than I thought I would.</p>
<p>Since everyone else is advocating the ACT, I’ll throw in my 2 cents.
It really just depends on how you test. I prepped and took almost every ACT/SAT between junior and senior year, and the SAT was nicer to me. I liked that the SAT was in a lot of sections because it’s much easier to manage time when there are only 10 minutes. There’s also more time per question on the SAT, which really helps. I also liked having a lot of breaks to recharge and constantly resharpen my pencil. Also, there was always a ‘no pressure’ feeling when I messed up one section, because the collegeboard always throws in a section that is just there to test out future SAT questions. So if I ever feel like I messed up, I can really put it behind me and focus on the other sections more seriously. I can’t do that with the ACT because every section counts. And the science section flat out hates me. If you’ve ever taken it, you realize that it isn’t at all a straightforward science test, it’s a weird combination of charts and graphs. The time is really, really insane for me in that section. The only thing that I liked about the ACT is that schools dont require subject tests with it. Other than that, I would go for the SAT. Talk to your school to see if they’d actually require you to send your ACT scores because I’ve never heard of schools having that much of a say in these kinds of things. The scores you choose to send should be completely at your discretion unless the college of your choice explicitly states that they require all of them.
Good luck with your future tests!!</p>
<p>Most colleges (that I have looked at) say that they need all of you test scores, and most say that they need subject tests in addition to the ACT, too! I will definitely take SAT subject tests, anyway. Also, I feel like I don’t exactly need all that extra time on the SAT (I’m pretty thorough when taking tests) but I guess it would be nice to check all my answers a few times…The main thing that makes me lean toward the ACT is that the program I was talking about has a very good reputation; many people get 34+ on the ACT after doing it. Also, I live in Illinois which really advocates the ACT. I think it might even seem a little strange to colleges if I took the SAT in such an ACT priority state. Anyways, I think I will go with the ACT and see what happens. I think I could really work up my science section. Thanks for all the advice!</p>
<p>I liked the SAT a lot better. It seemed to less cover what I learned than what I was capable of. I got a 2100 on the SAT, and a 30 on the ACT (both with no prep). The ACT reading section is laughably easy. The ACT only has 4 choices for some sections, while the SAT has 5 throughout.</p>
<p>If you are from Illinois, then you should have taken both the PLAN and PSAT. If you could share your scores, they would give you a better idea of which test you should focus on.</p>