Should I Focus on the SAT or ACT?

Test Preparation
1

Hi all,
I took both ACT and SAT turbo tests today online on Kaplan Test Prep and here were my results
SAT:
1100 composite
580 Reading
520 Math

ACT:
21 English
25 Math
31 Reading
24 Science
Composite: 25

I’ve taken the PSAT previously and scored,
Soph:
520 Reading
560 Math
1080 Composite
Junior
560 Reading
580 Math
1140 Composite

Which test should I focus on or it seemed I did better on? I think the ACT as I scored 25 and that was my first time ever. I also found the ACT easier but overall, which test did I perform better on? It would really be helpful to get advice and test prep program suggestions.

Thanks!

2

25 ACT = 1130 - 1170 SAT

It’s obviously close. If you feel like you like the ACT better go with that

3

I would focus on both to force you to develop metacognition and to practice lesser used skills more often because those tends to be the ones missed. If you are forced to choose, it depends, what Math are you taking currently? If it is Geometry or Algebra 2, then you might actually be better suited for the SAT.

Take a statistics course. If you can read as well as you do, you can learn scientific terminology.

Just submit your best superscore of either one.

4

Hi,
I’m in Accelerated Integrated Math 3 which is common core Math in California. It is a year and a half of math in one. Half a year of Algebra 2 and full year of PreCalc. Math isn’t my strongest suit in school but I tend to do okay on the math portion on the tests. I just struggle in my English skills.

5

I highly do NOT recommend studying for both tests. Focus on one.

6

My kid prep for SAT but took ACT and did well. IMO, her Math is decent, hence I think the transition was not difficult for her. I suggest you to try a few timed ACT and see how it goes. Where are you in Algebra 2? Have you completed it already?

7

My son is prepping for the February ACT and then will switch prep to SAT. He’s not co-mingling his prep.

8

Hi, we finished the Alg 2 portion. We are in the PreCal portion of the class. Just finished functions, graphs, etc & now doing exponential functions & logs and after trig.

9

When you did the ACT practice, were you pressed for time or did you cruise through with time to spare? The ACT is a tightly timed test, and kids who think fast do better on it. The SAT is full of trick questions, and kids who take their time do better on it.