Not sure what to do

Hey guys. I’m not sure if I want to take the SAT again to improve my score. I’m just not sure what to do. Should I try the ACT? SAT prep classes didn’t help much and I get lost in the books.

I also tried khan academy but it only helped a little. My weakest area on my application is test scores and there’s only so much time before I have to start applying to colleges.

What did you get on it (if you don’t mind sharing)? And what colleges do you want to apply to? If you got a super low score on the SAT, chances are you’ll probably bomb the ACT as well (some people claim it’s easier but the SAT’s gotten very similar to the ACT compared to a few years ago). If you got an average score, it may be worth trying the ACT or retaking the SAT. I’d take an ACT practice test and see if the format fits you at all.

But since you’ve already prepped for and taken the SAT already, you might score better on an SAT retake than a brand new ACT.

I got a 990 on the SAT (so close to 1000!) I’m thinking about applying to a state school in my area but they require around a 1100-1200. Would be a good idea to take the SAT in October? The deadline is tomorrow and I haven’t really prepared. I think the best choice would be to take the November SAT. I’ll also take a practice test of the ACT to see what I score. Thanks! @koalasium

If you can afford a SAT tutor then a few sessions might be very helpful. One advantage of a SAT tutor is that they will focus on what you need to focus on, and can give explanations that are helpful to you.

You could try the ACT, but I would definitely take a practice ACT test (or at least parts of it) if I were you. The concepts are similar in both tests, but you might find the ACT easier or more comfortable. If the ACT test feels awkward or just as difficult as the SAT, I would go for the SAT since you already have experience with it.

SAT may be easier than ACT due to the fact there is no science reading. But ACT math may be easy. Take both sample tests and see. But if u practice well you can easily improve score.

The Science portion of the ACT is very basic. It is essentially reasoning not content, The ACT is much easier than the SAT in overall content. The Math is very easy and the reading is more straightforward. The the one element of the ACT that makes it more difficult for some is the speed of the test. The SAT gives the test taker more time. Personally the SAT is a better test: more challenging material with enough time to process rather than race through it. The ACT seems to be the favored test of those requesting extra time --once you have more time the test is much easier to do well on.