I’ve taken two SAT’s (one quite recently) and I’m not happy with my scores… at all. First time, I got a 2070, and the second time, I’m expecting a 2150. If I were to take it a third time, I don’t feel like I’d do MUCH better- the CR always trips me up. Therefore, I’m considering trying the ACT June test. The sad thing is that I’ve studied for the SAT rigorously for over a year, yet I still can’t get over 2200. I feel stupid.
I’ve heard that ACT is quite a bit different than SAT- would my SAT studying be totally irrelevant? Also, the science section seems really hard, would practicing help with this? Moreover, if I’m not great at Trig/precal, could I still get a good math score?
Sorry for these questions, I just want 34+ ACT to make up for my SAT futility.
If you have released real ACT tests, I would definitely accept any!
- I don’t think the studying you have done for the SAT will be irrelevant. Since colleges treat them equally, I think it’s safe to say they’re fairly similar overall. However, I’ve heard that the ACT leans more towards critical thinking and problem solving while the SAT leans slightly more towards memorization.
- The ACT science section is weird. One of the questions will be that they will present you with some hypothetical scientific procedure, then ask you questions about it, the results, changes to the procedure, etc. This procedure could be about cells and recombinant DNA for example. However, you don’t have to have any previous knowledge about recombinant DNA to be able to answer the questions, because the questions will be based upon how well you understood the information they presented you. I suggest you now look at a sample science section, and what I just said will make more sense.
- Yes, you can get a great math score without being good at Trig, as actstudent.org says trig comprises 5%-10% of the math section. I’m not sure about pre-calc, it doesn’t use the term pre-calc on the site and I don’t know exactly what content falls under pre-calc.
@chunkers44 thanks for the general advice!
Has anyone been through the same route that I have? If so, any tips/encouragement would help because as of right now, I’m still unsure whether I should keep studying for the June SAT or June ACT.
I’ve had students try both tests. Those who were frustrated with the SAT vocab especially were ready for a change. The ACT science can be managed. Here’s a great method that requires some serious work:
1.Find the free practice tests online- google powerscore practice ACT
2. Complete one science section by dutifully reading the intro, taking notes on trends in the charts, then answering the questions. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TIME. This is a getting-to-know you phase.
3. As you answer the questions, underline “lead words” or clues, like “table 1”, “volume”. Then circle the part of the question that specifically asks for something, like “would have the greatest density?”. Read through the answers, again, underlining clues.
4. Find the answer. This will either be in the data, reading, or outside knowledge(that’s only 10% of the time.)
5. After each question, note which type it was. “D” for data. “D +pgh” for data and reading, etc…
On the other three practice tests on that site, try a new strategy: skip the reading intro and table notes. Go right to the questions. You’ll be so used to the format after having put in that work on the first test. Now you can start timing yourself.
Best of luck!
PS: this works on the non-fiction passages of the reading section too. Follow the same directions, except there will be no need to mark “D” for data, obviously.
On the other hand, if you’d like some SAT CR tips, just let me know!
@RidgewoodTutor Thanks a bunch! I’ll definitely take the practice test to see where I’m at. I’m hoping to start off at. As for SAT CR, I think I’ll take a break from that for the time being. However, I might take both SAT and ACT in June.
You’re welcome! Good luck!
Hey how’d it end up going for you?