<p>I am a transfer student and did not take standardized tests the first time around. I am looking primarily at Northeastern colleges, which I understand prefer the SAT, but I really just want to take whichever test will be better and show my skills more. I am only required to submit scores for three of the colleges to which I am applying, but I may submit them everywhere just to boost my applications.</p>
<p>Would you recommend one over the other for a first-time taker? Which one shows college-level skills more? My understanding is that they're both ridiculously easy for current college students, so I think I'd prefer the one that's more challenging. Thoughts?</p>
<p>You would be better off finding a practice test online for the ACT and one for the SAT. What ever test you did better on (you can find a conversion table online), stick to that one. They will look at both, and there is no bias. They say that one usually does better on one then the other, but i guess it depends. Once you know what test you want to take then just start studying for that one (you know that these tests can be studied, and you score can improve drastically if you do it right?).</p>
<p>Some advice as to which one to choose: The ACT tests math, english, social sciences, and science VS. The SAT which tests math and english (verbal and reading comprehension). Since the SAT has less sections you might be better off studying for that, as opposed to possibly relearning the other two sections in the ACT.</p>
<p>You might want to check out the SAT/ACT prep section.</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat RoughWinds. I kind of like the fact that there is no penalty for guessing on the ACT so you may get a few extra right just because you guessed.</p>