How to Decide Which Test to Take: The ACT or SAT?

With most colleges and universities accepting either score from the SAT or the ACT when determining your acceptance into higher education, you should choose wisely when figuring out which exam you should place your focus on. Of course, you could always take both and send in your highest score to your college of choice. But on the other hand, you could always focus on just one of the tests and try to achieve the best score you possibly can.

The Science Component

The SAT does not have a Science section on their test. If Science is not your strong point, then leaning towards the SAT would make perfect sense. The ACT does have a Science portion, but it focuses more on critical thinking skills instead of your actual science knowledge. Basically, if you are strong in Science and it is one of your favorite subjects, the ACT could be for you. If your Science class in high school is your least favorite subject, the SAT could be more your speed.

The Math Component

There is a difference between the Math sections of the ACT and SAT. The Math portion of the SAT covers arithmetic, Algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis. The ACT covers all of these areas in Math as well except for the data analysis. Not a major difference, of course, but it could just influence one or two students that struggle with analyzing data. Plus, the ACT allows you to use a calculator. With the SAT, it depends on the question whether you can use your calculator or not.

Take a Practice Test Online

Just by doing a quick online search, you will find practice tests for both of these exams. Take these practice tests and analyze your final score on both. However, don’t just do this once. There are enough practice tests online that you can do this a few times and not come across the same questions. Take these tests a few times and average out your final score for both the ACT and the SAT. Of course, if you receive a perfect score on the ACT this means that you will be getting a score of 36. A perfect score on the SAT is 1600. But still you should quickly be able to determine which one you are doing the best on and then you can focus your attention mainly on this exam.

But Don’t Stop There

Now that you know which exam you are going to apply all of your time studying for, it is time to get serious. Find a tutor that can help bring your score up to the next level and specializes in preparing for these exams. Even if the tutor is able to work with you and improve your score by an additional ten percent, it will all be worth it. Luckily for you, iAchieve has plenty of such tutors that focus on helping you achieve the best ACT or SAT score you can. With our help, you may just be able to get into that school you have always wanted to go to!

Written by: Ryan Crawley

Learn More

How ACT/SAT Test Prep Can Make a Huge Difference in Getting into the College of Your Choice

How Early Should I Start Preparing for the ACT or SAT?

What Are the Differences Between the ACT and SAT?