<p>Some parents have asked me which is better for their kid to study for. Generally, for students who can take advantage of coaching, it's SAT because the SAT is more COACHABLE. The ACT is more USER-friendly (no guessing penalty, score choice, less convoluted reading comp, shorter) but that doesn't mean it's better. I generally prescribe studying for and taking two SATs, if neither score is close to what you want to present to colleges, then add on ACT study.</p>
<p>Here are the differences in the current tests -- </p>
<p>ACT and the New SAT: seven major differences</p>
<p>ACT includes trigonometry, SAT does not</p>
<p>ACT includes science reasoning, which is logical reasoning based on data and scientific terms, but not based on classroom science.</p>
<p>SAT deducts points for wrong answers. However with a little coaching, students can actually use this to their ADVANTAGE.</p>
<p>SAT Math demands scrutinizing the ENGLISH aspect of math questions. ACT is more straightforward, making it a more COMFORTABLE test, but not necessarily easier.</p>
<p>SAT directly tests high level vocabulary. This rewards students who are big readers or are good vocabulary absorbers.</p>
<p>SAT Reading is generally less interesting and the answers rely more on nuance.</p>
<p>SAT Writing includes a written 25 minute essay. The ACT essay (30 min.) is optional now.</p>
<p>Mark Greenstein</p>