ACT or SAT - which is better for the "math challenged"

Test Preparation
1

<p>I understand the ACT has some trig but other than that, for the math challenged, is the ACT more likely to lead to higher composite score? My older child did great on the SAT CR and writing and much (!) lower on the math. Now thinking about what's best for younger child - with similar strengths/weaknesses. </p>

<p>The ACT math would only count for 1/4 rather than 1/3 of the combined score, correct? so a lower math score would therefore not drag overall score down quite as much?</p>

<p>Any thoughts?</p>

2

<p>^^you got it…plus the ACT math is only one section…the pain is short (haha)…</p>

<p>the questions increase in difficulty as one moves through the section but are very straight forward/no tricks…</p>

<p>my daughter did considerably better on the ACT math alone, and, as a whole on the ACT composite…about the equivalent of 100-150 points total…</p>

<p>Her math still stunk up the room but, as you say, it didn’t really drag down the overall score by that much…</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your reply! I’ve also read (surprisingly to me) that it’s harder to raise your ACT score thru studying. Do you think that’s the case?</p>

4

<p>There are no universal rules. Perceptions of difficulty of the tests or the possibilities of raising one score vary among students. Because of the differences, the ONLY thing one can do is try each one. </p>

<p>I do not think that the ACT is more straightforward. Nor do I believe that the SAT is more “tricky.” Both require some knowledge of basic concepts, both require some reasoning, and both require to be able to find the correct answers with a degree of haste. With so many variables, there is simply not a “better” test for everyone. </p>

<p>Because of the abundance of released tests, I also think that it is much easier to prepare for the SAT, and that the SAT rewards an adequate preparation more than the ACT does. In general terms, it is relatively easier to increase a Math score than a verbal one. </p>

<p>The key is to realize that it requires to work at it!</p>

<p>Lastly, fewer questions of one type does not make a test easier. That is why it is relatively harder to earn a high PSAT score than a high SAT score. In a shorter test, mistakes count for more!</p>

5

<p>Well, it also depends on what math you’re in. SAT math only goes up to Algebra 2, but ACT math includes trigonometry/pre-calc.</p>