<p>My son (a 12th grader) has JMU in his top 3 choices. He did not dazzle on his SAT scores, so his guidance counselor suggested him taking ACTs. I just got him registered for Oct. His counselor said there is quite a difference in the 2 tests and usually if you don't do well on one, you do better on other. Anyone find that true? And if so, what did you find was difference?</p>
<p>My experience with my two kids already in college is that they did the same on both tests. Supposedly, the ACT has more questions about science, but my kids didn’t really notice it that much. I have two more kids are still in high school and this time I will probably have them skip the ACT. </p>
<p>Guidance counselers in high school actually have a conversion chart to compare ACT scores to SAT scores and my kids fit that conversion formula perfectly.</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore at JMU, from NY. Did not take the ACT, but did do better on SAT’s the second time he took them, in OCT of senior year. Went up over 100 points.</p>
<p>I definitely am doing better on the ACT and my scores are so much better than my SAT scores! For me it is a lot easier and I think it is just the way some people think or process information!</p>
<p>If they are not doing well on the SAT, I would say they probably will do better on the ACT!</p>
<p>Hope that helps! :)</p>
<p>My daughter did alright on the SAT (1200/1820) but we tried the ACT and she got a 30 (SAT equivalent 1330) so I recommend your son take the ACT. Daughter said questions were much more straightforward and direct.</p>