<p>In general, which is better? A high ACT or SAT score? (like 32-36 and 2200+, respectively?)
My parents don't want me to take the ACT because I've already been investing my time in SAT, but I want to take it just to see how it is. If a person has a high enough SAT score, is having a high ACT score not important?</p>
<p>For people who have taken both tests, which seemed easier? Thanks =)</p>
<p>Take them both and see, some do better on one or the other. My son scored over 100 points higher (converting the tests) on the ACT than the SAT.</p>
<p>I studied a lot for the SAT and got a 2280; studied a bit for the ACT and got a 32. Overall the ACT felt easier to me in every section except for the Science section, which I was thoroughly unprepared for, so that was my fault for not studying enough.</p>
<p>Even though I scored (comparatively) a tad lower on the ACT, it did feel easier to me especially because I really liked the format of the English section (here's an example: ACT</a> Sample Questions : English Set 1). Also, I really hated the SAT essay because we only had 25 minutes and their questions were so vague. For example, the SAT might have prompted something like, "Which is better, na</p>
<p>I guess it depends on where you plan on applying. I live in Michigan, and we are required to take the ACT through school, but barley anyone takes the SAT. I applied to both U of M and Yale and I only took the ACT. Sometimes I think that if I had taken the SAT I'd have a better chance, but I got a 33 on my ACT so I figure that if schools stand behind their "we look at the SAT and ACT equally" ideology, then I will be ok. I don't know about the SAT, but all you really need to know to score well on the ACT is how to take the test. I took a 4 month prep course, and on my first practice test I got a 27 and ended up getting a 33 on my final test, so in that sense, I would say the ACT may be a bit eaiser which might influence your decision.</p>
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I don't know about the SAT, but all you really need to know to score well on the ACT is how to take the test.
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<p>It's the same for the SAT — know how to take the test well, and you'll score infinitely better.</p>
<p>thanks for answering, everyone</p>
<p>People will tell you the ACT is equally as hard as the SAT, but I think the SAT seems like it's harder. The SAT is both more popular then the ACT and gets less perfect scores then the ACT. So, 2400>36 IMO.</p>
<p>From my experience, the ACT is generally taken by people that are unsatisfied with their SAT scores. That wouldn't make it better or worse, though.</p>
<p>Neither test is more "favored" than the other by admissions committees. In the past, more students took the SAT, but the ACT continues to gain ground and the number of students taking each test is roughly equal. Your best bet is to prepare for and take both to determine which test works better for you. The SAT has a reputation for "trick" questions whereas the ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. There is more time pressure on the ACT, however, it tests some subjects (e.g., math) at a higher level than the SAT does, and it tests some material (e.g., science reasoning) that the SAT doesn't test at all. Suffice it to say that very few examinees score a 2400 SAT or a 36 ACT.</p>
<p>What S didn't like about the SAT is that it punishes you for guessing. He attends a school that it encourages taking academic risk and so this and the essay -- which clearly doesn't demonstrate quality of writing ability - are bogus. The Midwest is much bigger on the ACT. I don't know why. I never took it. But my sister, a horrible tester, took both and did much much better on the ACT even back in the day before all kids seemed to be perfect. :)</p>
<p>If in doubt, take them both. You've got nothing to lose except a Saturday morning (and for all you know, it could be raining or snowing anyway). However, understand that you'll be doing it to assert yourself, not for any particular need of the colleges you wish to attend (if you score very well, your parents will be very happy too).</p>
<p>I studied lots on the SAT and only managed a 2100 (I consistently scored 2300+ on practice SATs...), but I got a 36 on ACT and took it cold. I find it easier. The SAT used to be favored more in competitive colleges, but they have been trying to erase that piece of history and put both tests on equal ground. However, some people still hold onto to the belief that the SAT is better for competitive schools. If that's the truth, then I'm screwed, but until then, I am going to say that they are the same. Dont waste your time on the SAT unless you think you can score better than a 33 equivalency on the SAT</p>