Deciding between the two… any advice which path I should go? i do not want to take both because that is too much money for me, I am a senior so this will be my last time taking these tests (I have taken SAT before, but not ACT)
SAT in October:
pros:
- lots more time to prepare
- more familiar with the test
cons:
- senior year so it will be super hectic at that time with college applications and classes
ACT in September:
pros:
- less hectic schedule around that time
cons:
- less time to study
- less familiar with the test
You’ll need to take a practice ACT to compare.
The biggest differences are:
ACT composite is 25% math, SAT is 50%. Strong math students may prefer SAT. Engineering schools will look specifically at your math section score for either test, though.
ACT reading and science can be hard to finish for some. Slower readers have a better chance of finishing SAT.
Different essay format.
agree with the above… you should take a practice test to decide which one you prefer…
don’t assume you have more time to practice in October…depends on you workload, you may not have the time you think you have…it does not take you too much time to be familiar with the test…in particular, it is now summer break.
I’m also a senior in the same position as you.
About the money part - do you qualify for SAT/ACT fee waivers? If you do, you can try asking your guidance counselor for one because it would cover the full cost of one test.
I’m also more familiar with the SAT and need to decide between taking the ACT or the SAT again. I’m personally planning to take a practice ACT and see if I do better on the SAT or the ACT and make my decision based on that. Also, if you plan to take the essay portion, you might prefer the SAT to the ACT if you prefer to analyze how the author builds his argument over developing your own argument (and vice versa).