<p>No penalty for wrong answers on the ACT. See "Answer Everything" in:</p>
<p>I see a few posts stating the ACT is shorter time-wise. But it's important to note that many colleges require the optional writing section. DS never took the SAT, but I remember thinking the ACT plus writing was a long day. 8 to 1, maybe? Is the SAT longer? Yikes! And, he scored MUCH higher on an ACT "benchmark" sitting (enough that he took that score and called it a day) than the PSAT predicted. I think it is because he's pretty quick, but second-guessed his answers when there was a penalty for being wrong.</p>
<p>ACT + writing is shorter than the new SAT.</p>
<p>NewHope- Thank you!</p>
<p>yep, ACT plus writing is an 8 to 1 test. </p>
<p>Karen: re above, My D made the mistake of not bubbling in the same letter choice as she rushed to finish the ACT the first time. That made her less likely to have bubbled the right choice. Odds of correct responses improve if your student bubbles say all the Bs and the Fs as they race to finish</p>
<p>A lot of kids like and do better on ACT than SAT. PSAT predicts nothing. They usually do not prepare for PSAT, while most prepare for ACT and/or SAT and it makes whole difference. I do not mean taking classes, but most people at least practice for ACT / SAT. It is worthwhile to practice for PSAT if the goal is to be National Finalist.</p>
<p>Ok- I know I could look this up-but this is easier!- the writing is a high =8 and low =1--? ??Thanks.
S did the same on two SAT as his first ACT and now we are waiting for the second ACT. If the second ACT is highest we will use that. Otherwise, we will send the two SAT and the higher ACT and let the college decide which to use. Now our problem is all this goes on the HS transcript (which I learned about on CC) so S has not had ACT sent to school yet as he wants to choose which ACT to have on his transcript. The school is trying to keep costs down by having it on the transcript but I think it takes away choices--such as listing the SAT's or the ACT's /and which ACT do you want on your transcript. Granted most kids ACT scores are probably not that different but what if they are? At least ACT allows a choice.</p>
<p>^^oregon:</p>
<p>You might suggest that the school save even MORE money by NOT putting test scores on any transcripts. As Homer would say: Doh!</p>
<p>But if that doesn't work, ask your GC about FERPA (federal privacy act) and check to see if Oregon has a similar law.</p>
<p>
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Now our problem is all this goes on the HS transcript
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That depends on HS. Our HS gives students to choose if they want to have their scores included. I am sure that it is your right to have them excluded. Another option to make sure the score is not on the transcript is not to put the school code on the test.</p>