How to Choose Between SAT and ACT Tests

Chrisdavy
Chrisdavy, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Dec 23, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
The test you choose can mean the difference between your student's acceptance or rejection from a college or university. It's that simple. I will explain simply the differences between the two standardized tests to give you a better understanding of which test is better for your student.
  1. Step 1
    • KNOW YOUR TESTS. Bottom line: The ACT is more for straightforward, left brain thinkers. Math questions will be straight out of an Algebra II book, and the Science section is all about interpreting graphs. You don't even have to write an English essay if you don't want to. The SAT is meant for more creative, right brain thinkers. The math questions require more application rather than just rote memorization; there is no Science section, and the essay is required. Choose the ACT if you did better in Math and Science. Choose the SAT if you did better in English. Choose the SAT if you did equally well in both.
    • Step 2

      KNOW YOUR REGIONS. The ACT is more accepted in Southern and Southeastern colleges. Put it like this: If your student is going to play college football for an NCAA Division I team, choose the ACT. (Alabama, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Duke) The SAT is more accepted in the Northeast (Ivy League land, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown), out West (California - Stanford), and in the Midwest.

    • Step 3

      KNOW YOUR LOOPHOLES. You do not have to report both scores, so you can take both tests. If you have no reason to prefer one over the other, take them both! I have put a score conversion chart at the bottom of this article so you will know which test your student did better on. Assuming your college accepts both scores, simply turn in the better one and forget the other.

Published by Chrisdavy

AC's licentious, guilty pleasure. What can I say? I write about sex and money. You know, the important stuff. Giggle. (But I do it so well!) Fashion, too. LOL  View profile

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