Which Test is Right for Me?

So this past Saturday, I took the ACT test. I took it once already, as an 8th grader, as part of a program for accelerated youth. I scored pretty well, so I knew it wouldn’t be a problem for me to take it as a junior in high school after I had taken so many more courses.

For whatever reason, I score higher on the ACT than the SAT. I’m not sure why; maybe I have a complex about the SAT deducting points for wrong answers, I don’t know. But I thought the test went pretty well and I am confident in all the subjects except maybe a little wary of the science, although I have taken Chemistry and AP Bio, so we’ll see.

What’s the difference between these two tests, you ask? Well, the SAT tests reasoning and verbal abilities while the ACT measures what a student has learned in school. The SAT has 3 components: critical reasoning, mathematics, and a required writing test while the ACT has 5 components: English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional writing test.

Also, the ACT score is based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for guessing, while the SAT has a correction for guessing. The ACT also provides an interest inventory for students to evaluate their interests in various career options.

But I would suggest taking both and seeing which one you are more comfortable with. I have also heard that for whatever reason, girls score higher on the ACT than the SAT. I don’t know why that is, either, but it would be interesting to find out!

Both tests are accepted by colleges and universities nationwide, as well, so it really comes down to personal preference. For me, I’ve taken a lot of science classes so it’s good to have that portion of the test.

Whichever test you decide to take, make sure you sign up (if you haven’t already) with enough lead time to have your scores in hand when applying for colleges. Although you can turn in your scores after your application, you might as well have everything ready as once so you don’t risk getting your application put aside as “incomplete”.

And as always, check out the test websites – there are always practice tests, tips, and booklets to help you be as successful as possible. I printed out the sample ACT test from their website as well as sample essays and it helped prepare me for my test last Saturday.

Fingers crossed for us all – and if you’re not happy with your first set of scores, keep trying! 