Sat Vs. Act.......what's The Difference?

If you graduated from high school before the mid 1990's in the Southeast, you likely took the SAT as your college admissions test. In fact, you thought the ACT was some "other" college admissions test used for kids heading to technical school or some unheard of college. The reality is that the ACT and SAT prior to the mid 1990's were used more regionally as the primary vehicle for assessing college entrance. Students on the east and west coasts took the SAT while the mid-section of the US took the ACT.

Today, both tests are universally accepted at all universities in the US. Both are given to high school students in all areas of the country. But don't confuse this more wide spread acceptance as an indication that the tests are the same. The two use different methodologies, subject matter, and scoring protocols. While some students will do well on either, most will find that their strengths are better served by one or the other. Helping your child determine the best test for their particular skill set can make the difference in admission to the school of his/her choice!

The SAT covers three areas - math, critical reading, and writing. Each section has a total possible score of 800, making a perfect score 2400. Most students focus their efforts on the math and critical reading portions of the test, which are the two required by all universities. Students who are stronger in language arts tend to score better on the SAT, which focuses on vocabulary and discernment of concepts when reading. There is no science on the SAT and math runs through Algebra II.

On the ACT, students with a stronger math and science achievement will match up well. Math will include high level algebra and trigonometry. The English and Writing sections focus more on grammar, punctuation, and spelling rather than vocabulary. Each section of the ACT is shorter than sections on the SAT, so students with a shorter attention span may also perform better on this test.

In any case, there is no better predictor - or enhancement to results - than practice. For sophomores and juniors, practicing on both the SAT and ACT is the best way to determine which test will produce the best result. Taking both tests in a practice environment that simulates the actual test taking - early Saturday morning, correct timing for each section, actual scoring methodologies - students and their parents can compare the results and make a more informed decision on which test to spend time and resources preparing for.

By: Denita McGuinn

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

College Nannies & Tutors Lawrenceville Learning & Placement Center has been Building Stronger Families™ in Lawrenceville, Grayson, Dacula, Suwanee, Buford and surrounding communities since 2009. Whether your family needs the quality care that comes from one of our Role Model Nannies or the one-on-one attention from one of our College Tutors, we are committed to helping you build a stronger family. We are l