ACT vs SAT

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>I was hoping you all could give me some advice on whether I should take the SAT in addition to the ACT.</p>

<p>I'm currently a high school junior, and I received a 29 composite on the December 2013 ACT exam (with a 32 in English, a 24 in Mathematics, a 34 in Reading, and a 27 in Science). </p>

<p>When I took the PSAT, I only received a 186 (which is the equivalent of a 27 composite on the ACT). That's my only experience with the SAT so far - I haven't really looked into taking the actual test.</p>

<p>I'm in ACT prep courses and I'm hoping to boost my score a couple of points on the ACT, but I'm wondering if I should also take the time to do some SAT prep and take that test as well. My only issue is that I'm an IB student with a lot of extracurriculars, so I don't have a lot of time on my hands, and I can't really afford to take SAT prep courses in addition. If it's worthwhile, however, I would definitely set aside some time to do some studying.</p>

<p>My top choices for schools are Tulane, Michigan Ann-Arbor, Colorado College, among others. </p>

<p>Any advice? Thanks in advance! </p>

2

<p>Which subjects are you better at, science-math or english-linguistics?</p>

3

<p>Generally I’m better with english-linguistics, but I intend to major in Cell and Molecular Biology or Business Management in college.</p>

4

<p>I suggest that you stick with the ACT and give it once more…increase your Math and Science score to around 30…
Also, ACT Science doesn’t really test your ability in Science. and since you want to major in Molecular Biology, why don’t you try giving the SAT Subject Test in Biology-M.
What really matters is the score you attain, it doesn’t matter if its SAT, ACT or BOTH…since you have already given the ACT once, you now have a good idea of what to expect and chances are that you can raise your score with careful prep.</p>

5

<p>Will definitely look into taking the SAT Subject Test in Biology.</p>

<p>Thanks for your insight!</p>

6

<p>

Buy/borrow the Blue Book, take a practice test or two, and see how you do. Chances are you’ll like it better than the ACT due to the 2-1 prevalence of english-linguistics versus math on the SAT.</p>

<p>But yes, definitely take the SAT2 BioM if you can. And also AP Bio.</p>

7

<p>Thanks for the advice, it’s very helpful!</p>

8

<p>SAT is usually the more linguistics-oriented, but ACT strikes a good balance. </p>

9

<p>I agree. You are already more invested with the ACT at this point so give it a go with studying hard (ideally for three months non-stop) and see what happens. Best of luck. </p>