ACT Myths, Facts and FAQs

Hearsay can be dangerous when thinking about and planning for standardized tests. There are a lot of unsubstantiated, subjective rumors and advice out there that can lead to poor decisions regarding your test-taking plans. Just because your one friend says the ACT is “easy” doesn’t mean it will be for you. Below, we dispel some of the myths and answer some of the frequently asked questions regarding the ACT.

How Long Should I Prep for the ACT?
Remember that, although the tests are standardized, students are not: everyone learns differently, finds different study methods helpful, and succeeds via their own unique learning experience. That being said, how long you should prepare for the ACT may vary from student to student. While different tutoring outfits may recommend a general timeframe—six or eight or ten weeks, for instance—the truest measure is for the student to take a diagnostic test and consider scores on practice tests like the PSAT, PLAN, or ACT Aspire. Additionally, it is a good idea to take into consideration school grades, areas of strength and weakness, and academic likes and dislikes. If, for example, you are a student who loves to read but struggles with math, this can inform how much prep to do and which areas of the test to focus on. Also, you can and should always reach out to experts in the field for solid advice on how much and how long to prepare for this test. A starting point is to take advantage of the ACT’s resources and practice material to get a sense of where you are right now. You can find online tools here: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html

Isn’t the ACT the Same as the SAT?
No: there are vast differences between the two tests. As stated above, it is important to take practice and diagnostic tests in order to gauge which is best for you. While some students may end up taking both the SAT and ACT, others will find they are more comfortable focusing on just one of the tests. If, for instance, you typically work at a slower pace, you might want to think about the SAT, whereas if you like to work at a fast pace, the ACT might be a better fit. For an easy-to-read chart mapping out the general differences, click here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ats-files/documents/sat-act/thumbnail.png

Remember, though, that this is only a brief overview of the differences between the two tests, and that inspecting the two tests more carefully is vital in making an informed choice.

Don’t Some Colleges Not Accept the ACT?
This is officially a myth of the past. There was a time when the ACT was accepted more in the Midwest and West Coast, while the SAT was more of an East Coast test, however nowadays, the ACT is accepted by as many schools as is the SAT. According to the New York Times, “the ACT has pulled ahead for the first time: 1,666,017 students took the ACT [in 2013]; 1,664,479 took the SAT.”* This trend has continued over the past few years, especially with the SAT changing format drastically; many students have moved to the ACT because its format has not changed, so it is presently the more “predictable” test, perhaps making it easier to prepare for.  The point to remember that either test is acceptable, so you don’t have to worry that you’re prepping for a test that your number one college choice won’t look at.

The ACT is Easier, Right?
While this is something you may hear from classmates and peers, the truth is that this is totally objective. There are benefits and downsides to each test, but these depend on the person taking them. While the amount of Geometry on the ACT may be a plus for one student, it may be a negative for another. It is important not to believe everything you hear: the pluses and minuses of each test are unique to each student, so like Shakespeare said, “let every eye judge for itself and trust no agent.” Making your own informed decision and reaching out for help and advice is the best way to ensure success.

On the ACT I Don’t Have to Write the Essay if I don’t Feel Like it, Right?
Don’t shoot the messenger, but this is another myth. While, indeed, the essay score does not impact the ACT composite (or average) score, it is still something that you should give colleges. While it is technically “optional,” you should definitely sign up for the ACT “with writing” just in case a school you are applying to deems your application incomplete without it. Essentially, it’s there— so you might as well do it. Here are some sample essay prompts and responses: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/writing-sample-essays.html?page=0&chapter=0

*http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/education/edlife/more-students-are-taking-both-the-act-and-sat.html

Written by Phil Lane

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