which improvement seems more possible?

Test Preparation
1

<p>My D took the PSAT earlier this school year, and a practice timed ACT last week. Both were "cold" runs, with little to no prep or review.
We found a tutor with a good reputation, and are trying to determine if she should focus on SAT or ACT for June.</p>

<p>I know these scores look sad compared to most that post on this forum, but here goes...</p>

<p>To meet her SAT goals, on a 1600 scale for CR and M, she needs around a 1344. Her scores were all over the place with a 700 CR and a 500 M. So, for example, with the help of a weekly tutor, she would need to raise her CR 44 points and her M 100 points in about 8 weeks time. She would mostly need to focus on math (obviously) and vocab, with just a bit of reading to keep her tuned up. Since the school in question does not "look at" the Writing section, I think that means she wouldn't have to do too much with grammar. </p>

<p>To meet her ACT goals, she needs a composite 30. Again her scores were all over the place on her "cold" test, and she averaged a 25.
(Eng 25, Math 19, Reading 33, and Science 24) The science threw her for a loop, mostly b/c she was not familiar with that sort of test format, and even though she is a very fast reader it seemed like there was not enough time. So, she would need to raise, on average, three of the sections by 1 point, and one section by 2 points. I looked at what she missed and I don't know if she could raise the Reading...very few were wrong, and honestly both my husband and I would swear her answer was the best answer on the ones marked wrong!</p>

<p>Does either one of those scenarios sound more possible?? I don't know how many more she would need to get right to acheive those two goals.
She feels like there are pros and cons to both tests, with both having some appealing and not so appealing characteristics. Even though she did worse on the Math, and the Science surprised her, she felt like the ACT was easier and she tends to be a more concrete/linear thinker. </p>

<p>Thanks for any insight...</p>

2

<p>For your D to base her test preparation strategy to meet the requirements of one particular college is risky. To the extent that the college is selective, your D may not get accepted into that particular college regardless of her scores. You need a more holistic strategy, and that strategy will likely include focusing on writing as well as reading and math.</p>

<p>Since your D has not taken either an actual SAT or ACT test she may want to consider taking both before deciding on what to do for a likely retake in the fall. Your D will then have a summer to prepare for the retake.</p>

3

<p>Agree with fogcity. Have her take both for a baseline. I thought my daughter would get a 24/25 on the ACT. Surprised me with a 27 with no studying. She now actually wants to study and get her math\science up. She does well in both subjects in school, but the timed ACT is a real pain for her. It’s possible she will surprise you both! Good luck!!</p>