SAT vs. ACT

<p>Today we just had a practice ACT at my school for all Juniors. Yeah..... I thought it was very hard. It seemed as if it was harder than the ones I have taken in the past. I had difficulties with timing for the reading and science sections (part of the reason was because I didn't have a watch). I took the PSAT this past month and I felt like I had enough time to at least get through all of the questions. However, I do not receive my scores for the PSAT until December and I have an ACT class that starts in a few weeks. I just want to know which one is better for me. Please help!</p>

<p>From the sounds of it, I’d say SAT. You can always take an online test of each and compare your scores.</p>

<p>Only you can know, and the best way to know is to experiment. There are some themes unique to each. The ACT is much more quickly paced than the SAT. The SAT splits up each category into three sections whereas the ACT administers all of the reading in an hour, all of the english in an hour, all of the math in an hour, and all of the science in an hour. The ACT lends itself who think in black and white and think quickly; the SAT allows a tiny bit more time to think analytically and critically. These are the major differences between the two, but there are many more.</p>

<p>Sounds as if SAT may be better for you. The ACT corresponds to h.s. curricula, but it is very fast paced. You have to keep moving. Whichever one you want to focus on, you have to put in the time & effort to practice. Best of luck.</p>

<p>Over the years, I’ve had several students who have been in a very similar situation – sworn up and down that the SAT was the test for them – and then changed their minds when they learn that their ACT scores were much higher than their SAT scores.</p>

<p>I’d recommend that you keep an open mind about things until you find out your practice ACT scores.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Buy the red ACT book and the blue SAT book and sit and take timed full-lenght practice tests. Ideally, take two from each book, but that will consume 14 hours of your time. You will then know which test is a better fit for you. </p>

<p>A lot of students will study for and take both tests, but that strikes me as a waste of time, as you only need to score well in one. Choose the one that is best for you and then focus on that one exclusively. Good luck!</p>