Personal Chocie Blog - Compare and Contrast

        

SAT vs. ACT?

        Everyone who intends to go to a four year institution knows that the SAT is a key component of an application. However, many are not familiar with the ACT, another standardized test very similar to the SAT. Colleges accept either test, but each test has some stark differences. Certain qualities about the SAT and ACT may be favorable to one student, but detrimental to another.
        One of the main differences is in the scoring. The ACT is scored out of 36, while the SAT is out of 2400. In terms of the subjects within the tests, both include math, reading, and writing, but the ACT also has a science section. Is previous knowledge required to do well on this section? The answer is no; most of the questions involve analyzing a graph or the results of a scientific experiment. The SAT and ACT also differ in the structural breakdown of the sections. On the SAT, there are 3 math sections, 3 reading, and 3 writing, plus an essay, that are numbered in a random order with most sections lasting 25 minutes. In the ACT however, there is one section for each subject; therefore, each section ranges from 35 to 60 minutes.      
        Before taking both the SAT and the ACT, the proctor goes through instructions that last for roughly 30 minutes. This includes, "no phones, no writing after time is called, or else..." Both are extremely strict; students cannot even reenter the room after a bathroom break without showing their admission ticket and ID. It seems a bit over the top, but in the past their have been numerous cheating scandals in which older students (college level) have been paid by high schoolers to take the SAT for them. This can be attributed to the very high stress level that the SAT and ACT imposes on students. Both tests are a crucial part of the college application process, and can often times make or break a student's acceptance into a college. 

         After finishing this five hour test, some students feel relieved and confident, while others find themselves with an even lower self esteem and more stress.

Let's face it, both of these tests are difficult; but a lot of studying and practice tests can result in high test scores and eliminate some of the stress.  It's a drag, but it just might be worth it when you get an acceptance letter from a great university.

Just don't write in pen...