<p>I've already taken then SAT, got a 760 on the writing (missed one MC, got an 8 in the essay [I despised the photography prompt, didn't finish ]), and now I'm taking the ACT on Saturday...Are the prompts/format generally pretty similar or are they pretty different?</p>
<p>I was looking at the sample essays for the SAT and the ACT, and it seems to me like there weren't any specific historical or literary examples in the ACT essays. Do you have to make specific references in the ACT essay? That's what messed me up for the SAT essay.</p>
<p>They’re pretty much the same format, though the ACT prompts tend to be more applicable to you/education than SAT (ex. SAT asks a broad question about the value of music in society, while ACT asks you to argue for or against requiring music courses in school).</p>
<p>You SHOULD come up with good examples, but I believe the SAT values them more than the ACT. I got a near perfect ACT essay score and used nothing but pure logic to support my point. I guess you could say I used hypothetical examples, but wasn’t like the SAT where I was referencing Thomas Jefferson and whatnot. Still it’s good practice to come up with examples- the prompt does request “specific” examples.</p>
<p>One thing about the ACT: Their prompt comes with like an introductory paragraph. In the paragraph, it will list a few brief stances that are FOR and AGAINST the idea presented. Whatever side you choose in the argument, even if you pick a view they don’t present or pick some medium (rarely makes a strong argument, FYI), it is VERY beneficial to address the opposing opinion mentioned- whether you refute it with some interesting point or concede and admit that the side has a good point, you need to reference it. This may me obvious to you, but to some it’s not. Very important element of the argument. Will instantly increase your score, even if it’s just a few sentences.</p>
<p>See:
<a href=“http://www.actstudent.org/writing/sample/index.html[/url]”>http://www.actstudent.org/writing/sample/index.html</a></p>
<p>So you’re saying I should write a concession paragraph or something like that? This will help me get a higher score?</p>
<p>I’m just glad that the prompts are more applicable to the average high school students, the SAT prompts stress me out, especially because they can be about something you have no clue about like photography and reality TV. -_- And I’m also glad that I don’t have to make any references to historical events or books in this ACT essay! That’s what kills me. Grr.</p>