I know this may sound a bit weird, but I have already purchased many books for SAT prep and originally received a 2030 on my first test… I just took the SAT today and don’t feel so confident about my scores this time so I would like to register for the ACT now.
I was wondering if it were possible to study concepts using SAT prep books, but take the ACT? I know the math is different (precalc/basic trig level) and I can handle it.
Additionally, when taking tests (I’ll shorten the time, because ACT is apparently knowing for being a fast-paced exam)
Thoughts on this; I have heard stories of peoples scoring 32+ without studying ACT… thanks so much
No. The content is infinitely different. The Science section is unique to the ACT. The English section contains material which isn’t tested on the SAT. The Math questions are presented differently.
Whether you have to study or not is up to you. However, using SAT prep books to study for the ACT is not advisable.
@DarkEclipse just ordered the Red ACT book… this should be good enough (practice tests) right?
@medicsz From what I’ve heard, they’re easier. Although, I can’t actually say, because I’ve never bought one.
There are plenty of official practice tests/actual administered tests scattered throughout the Internet. You might want to search for them.
I’m gonna be honest, these tests might as well be on different planets. I wouldn’t say ones “easier” than the other one, but just very very different. For example, on the PSAT I only got a 170 so assuming I took the SAT I’m sure I’d only get around a 1700… but on the ACT I got a 29 and I just made a stupid mistake on the reading section and I know for sure I can pull it above a 30 with ease. Would I say the ACTs easier? Yeah, for me, but maybe not for everyone else. I loved the straight forwardness of the ACT versus the SAT, I always felt like the SAT was trying to trick me, but the ACT’s time constraints could burn some people.
Definitely get the red book and do every practice test in there. It’ll help you, but I’d also advise getting the Princeton Review ACT book if you can. The PR one is soooo much better for reviewing topics you need help on… the red book has the most practice tests, but it doesn’t really give much topic review which is nice to have just to refer back to an old concept you may have forgotten (there’s a lot of that on the math section).
Good luck on the ACT! I’m sure your SAT score was great though. 
The best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests. There are 5 tests in the Red ACT Book, 3rd Edition. ACT released several tests in booklet form.
Time each practice session to simulate the real test.
English 75 questions in 45 min.
Math 60 questions in 60 min.
Reading 40 questions in 35 min.
Science 40 questions in 35 min
Score your test, and then review only what you got wrong after each practice session.
I suggest the following schedule:
Take 1 section each school night/with review for 4 nights/week.
Twice per month on a Saturday or Sunday take a full ACT test/with review.
Awww thanks guys for the great help/advice I will take it to heart