I’m a rising junior, and I’m starting to question what my plan should be for taking these standardized tests. With this new SAT coming out, would it be better just to take the ACT and forego the SAT? I also have to take the PSAT in a few months, is there any good prep material out there that would help me with that? Thanks for the help.
Take the SAT and the ACT, both with some preparation but don’t exhaust yourself preparing. Compare your results and your experiences with both the tests, and then retake the one you prefer/did better on.
Have you taken a diagnostic for both tests?
Which were your scores?
I would say if you are getting the current SAT score you need for the schools that you will apply, then take it. For the PSAT, look for PSAT administered test. The PSAT changed.
Another similar situation-- I want to stay away from the new SAT, for sure. But I’m stuck between taking the current SAT, and the ACT (I’m also a rising junior).
I took the old SAT two years ago for CTY purposes, and scored very well (above 2000). I’m sure that, with lots of preparation this summer, alongside the previous experience I’ve had with the test, I can do well. I’ve also taken a practice ACT, and share the same sentiments but find it much, much simpler. Would I be better off taking both? Should I take the SAT in November/December, perhaps, and the ACT a few months later and compare?
What was your ACT practice score?
A 2000 is really good but depends for which schools. For an IVY is low. With a preparation you can get a 2250+.
There’s a bunch of prep material for the new SAT for FREE on Khan Academy. In fact, it’s the same stuff in the new blue book. Pretty great, huh? I don’t know why nobody want to take the new SAT, I did a practice test for it and it seems great for me. It’s like the Collegeboard decided to create a standardized test that would be perfect for me. It’s like the ACT, but without the science section, which I hated. So don’t discount the new SAT without trying it. Mostly since you are gonna be preparing for the new PSAT anyways.
@Jr12317 Just took an SAT practice test, and got around 2200, lacking in critical reading with a 690 (I graded my writing assuming a 10 for the essay). My ACT practice score is 35 composite, with nothing less than a 34 on any section (don’t remember the exact scores for the sections at the top of my head).
I hope you took the ACT on real conditions as the real one. I would say to try the ACT because you did a lot better. If you get a 34 or so, You are done with standarized tests. Good luck!