SATs vs. ACTs

I'm going to try to do this quickly. I took both, and when I converted my ACT score, it came out exactly equivalent to my SAT score, so it really didn't help me, but most of the time people will do significantly better on one or the other.

If you're unhappy with your SAT score, take the ACT. Actually, take the ACT no matter what, for several reasons: it looks good that you tried. You never know; you might just do better. They're very different exams; the ACT tests you on a MUCH broader range of subjects, and the scoring is different (an aspect that can really help or hurt you). Do your research on the ACT and see if it's a good option for you personally. If you do decide to take it, make sure you prepare. Like the SAT, a lot of it is more about knowing how to take the test than what kinds of information you actually know, though the ACT is more knowledge-based than the SAT. Also, check with the schools you're applying to; a lot of them are beginning to require the SAT II's, but a lot of times you can use your ACT score in place of SAT II scores. Best of luck!

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I'm more for the SATs.

But you CAN take both. I heard that the people who usually bomb the SAT get better grades on the SAT, or vice versa. They're the both extremes. Take both if you don't like your first grade.

Oh snap!

Thank you. I'm still tired.

As someone who worked in admissions at a well-respected university, I recommend taking both. I accepted students into accelerated honors programs and used the higher of the two tests to help qualify the student. From experience, a lot of students seemed to score higher on the ACT than SAT.

Additionally, I taught SAT and GRE for Princeton Review (fyi, it's a great job for anyone out there who is looking for supplemental income while in grad school or searching for a job). The key to doing well on standardized exams (which I absolutely loathe, by the way) is practice! Vocab also plays a major part as well. A lot of students thought they were practicing by taking one section and scoring it, etc. That's great, but it will really help to sit down and take a timed full-length exam about once a week. Then, you should go through them and learn from your mistakes.

Sorry to ramble... I hope this helps! Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

On the CD-ROM I have, they make everything look so easy - because they break everything down for you. Then when I take the test, I freak out and get all nervous about putting down answers. I end up staring at the test.

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I'm applying to colleges soon too. (*throw up noise*) too much stress!!

but the ACT measures a lot more of your all around ability rather than just making it math and verbal like the SAT.
A lot of people do better on the ACT.
I did a tad bit better on the ACT so I'll send that score to schools over the SAT.

good luck! :)

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