Find Out Everything You Need to Know About SAT and ACT Prep Courses
Taking tests is a normal part of the high school experience. So it’s no surprise that one of the obstacles between high school students and picking colleges is two standardized tests: the SAT and the ACT.
Both tests are synonymous with college prep and are recognized at institutions nationwide.
While some universities are going test-optional during the college admissions process, each exam still has a prominent place in most applications.
In recent years, tutoring centers have reported a 50% increase in high school students taking ACT/SAT prep classes.
This means that if you want entrance into your dream school, you’ll need to do everything it takes to earn higher scores on the SAT and ACT exams.
However, test-takers may need clarification on whether or not they need to take both tests. Both have unique challenges and require a registration fee, but they come with different scoring practices and purposes.
Many students wonder if test preparation is the same for both tests. And since your study plan is crucial for your success, it’s vital that you understand the differences between test taking-strategies for the ACT and SAT.
Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of each test, how they are different, and some test-taking tips you can use before test day to get the outcome you want from each exam.
What Is The ACT Test?
ACT stands for American College Testing. It’s a standardized test measuring students’ comprehension and critical skills to gauge how they will fare in college-level courses.
It’s currently administered on paper, but students in school districts that offer digital testing or students abroad can access an online version at their testing centers.
The ACT is created and administered by a non-profit organization of the same name. This test has undergone several revisions since it was created in 1959.
The ACT test costs $46 without the writing section or $62.50 with the writing section. In addition, you may face additional fees if you register later or if they must send your test scores to more than four colleges.
What Is the SAT Test?
The Scholastic Assessment Test, now simply known as the SAT, is a standardized test meant to evaluate how well students will handle college-level courses by measuring test-takers comprehension and computation skills.
The test is currently given on paper. However, digital components have been created and will be fully available starting spring of 2024.
Created in 1926, it’s gone through multiple revisions to keep up with educational standards, rigor, and technological advances.
Owned and administered by a non-profit organization, The College Board, the SAT costs $40 for the non-essay version and $64 for the test that includes the essay. High school students can also take the practice version, called the PSAT, for $18.
What Is The Difference Between The ACT And The SAT?
The ACT and SAT tests have a lot in common. For starters, they cover the same basic subjects, such as writing, reading comprehension, problem-solving, and math.
Both tests award points for correct answers and do not deduct points from your overall score for omitted or incorrect answers. This means students will only earn points for questions they answer correctly and will not lose points for skipped or wrong question answers.
Additionally, there isn’t much difference in the question complexity between the two tests. Test takers can expect to find standardized question types that test their ability to access college-level course materials and determine how well they will do in college.
However, critical differences between the ACT and SAT create a divide and call for specific adjustments to your study techniques for each test.
Let’s look at the key differences between the two tests and what it means for test-takers.
Testing Times
The testing times between the two tests are similar at just under four hours.
However, the SAT clocks in at three hours and fifty minutes, while the ACT runs for three hours and thirty-five minutes.
Upon further inspection, the SAT allows more times per test question on each section than the ACT. Again, this is because the ACT has more test questions than the SAT.
Range Of Test Scores
The most notable difference between these two tests is how they are scored. The ACT uses a range of 1-36 to average scores for all four sections.
The SAT scores range from 400-1600. They do not average all sections but instead add the points awarded in each area.
Each college or university has a preferred test. While you can usually submit either score, they may convert one test score to another to see how you would perform on that test.
You can use a score conversion calculator, like this one from The Princeton Review, to see how you would do on the test you still need to take.
Evidence-Based Questions
Another significant difference between the two standardized tests is how their command of evidence questions are structured.
The SAT uses a category within the subsection that asks questions about a piece of English text. These questions appear in chronological order as you read the passage.
The ACT does not have this same subsection and lists its questions randomly with reference to which paragraph test takers may find the answer in.
Math And Science Sections
The ACT features a dedicated science section and one math section, while the SAT provides two math sections. There is no science section on the SAT.
The SAT math section focuses primarily on algebra, with a few questions branching out to different math content areas. The ACT uses an abundance of geometry and trigonometry.
Additionally, the ACT allows calculator use on all math questions, while the SAT has a math section that does not allow calculators.
The Optional Essay
Finally, the optional English essay section for each test offers a unique approach that sets it apart from the other exam.
The SAT writing prompt requires students to dissect a question without giving their personal opinion. However, the ACT essay prompt asks the test-takers to provide their personal opinions on the topic.
The differences between the two tests are enough to require two separate study plans to prepare for test day. In addition, you’ll need the right practice tests and prep programs to earn your highest possible score.
Let’s examine how you can choose what SAT or ACT prep course you should take to score big on test day.
How Do I Pick The Right Test Prep For Me?
With so much to do before senior year, high school students can feel overwhelmed by the challenges of test preparation.
From free practice exams to private tutoring, there are a lot of prep options students can take advantage of to earn their highest possible score. However, only some ACT and SAT prep options are right for some students.
Additionally, ACT test prep is rather different from an SAT prep course, so you’ll need to choose the option that will best prepare you for your chosen test.
Here’s what you need to consider when formulating your study plan for either exam and what to look for to determine the best ACT or SAT prep course for your learning style.
Cost
It’s no secret that cost is a massive factor in students’ test prep options. Fortunately, there are high-quality test prep programs for all price points.
The College Board offers free official SAT prep through Khan Academy, with video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests. You can also find an abundance of online classes and prep courses from Magoosh and Prepscholar that will fit any budget.
ACT, the maker of the ACT test, offers free prep for their courses. In addition, you can find ACT prep programs through The Princeton Review to fit every budget.
Learning style and course structure
Next, consider your unique learning style. For example, are you self-motivated to stick to a set study schedule, or do you need accountability to keep you on track?
Choose a self-paced course if you can be disciplined with your study program. Then, you’ll be able to go at your own pace and use the materials to guide your studies.
Live classes or real-time online classes may be better for students who lose focus easily or are apprehensive about their study plans. These are usually run by expert instructors who know the ins and outs of scoring big on the ACT and SAT tests.
Course Content And Materials
Whether you do online SAT and ACT online prep or in-person, take a look at the materials provided by the course.
Look for flashcards, quizzes, tutorials, and full-length practice tests that show a score breakdown highlighting areas of need you should focus on.
Some online courses offer prep books with practice questions and answer explanations. You can also buy these books on Amazon or at your local bookstore to help enrich your study plan.
Next, check out the course content. Some prep courses offer specialized instruction on specific SAT and ACT test sections.
Look for a money-back or score improvement guarantee. This shows that the provider is confident in its offerings.
Test dates
Your test date is a significant factor in your prep course decision. If your test day is more than three months away, you’ll have time for a self-paced course or full-length prep classes.
However, if you have less than three months to prepare, you’ll need accelerated studying to earn a high score. Look for programs with unlimited prep materials access or a bootcamp-style structure that allows you to participate in target review sessions to prepare you for the ACT or SAT.
Expert instructors
The hallmark of any solid test prep program is its instructors. Whether they are available through email or instructing in live classes, check out their credentials.
Opt for an SAT or ACT course facilitated by a prep expert with ample experience getting students ready to take these standardized tests.
Now that you know how to find the best way to prepare for your upcoming test, let’s look at test-taking strategies to improve your score and increase your chances of gaining access to your dream school.
Test-Taking Strategies For Score Improvement On Any Test
With all the proper prep resources, you are ready to tackle all the questions on the ACT or SAT.
However, content isn’t all you need when taking a standardized test. You need to be ready with test-taking strategies you can use on testing day to calm your nerves and attack the test from a logical standpoint.
Let’s look at some strategies you can use on the SAT or ACT test day to earn your highest possible score.
- Be prepared: Review any test day information provided by your testing location. Bring all required materials and scope the area ahead of time so you know where to go on the big day. Get a good night’s rest and avoid cramming – you’ve already put in the work during your prep course, so there’s no need to stress!
- Mark up your test booklet: Since the ACT and SAT are both currently administered on paper, you can write in your test booklet. Mark challenging questions and use active reading to identify answers to questions within the passages in the reading sections.
- Use your calculator strategically: While the SAT has one math section that prohibits calculator use, you still have access when taking the other part and unlimited usage for the ACT. Learn how to use your calculator to solve more challenging math questions and save time on complex calculations. However, it’s not always the best tool- sometimes, your brain will work faster.
- Remember the scoring practices: Don’t forget that both challenging and straightforward questions are calculated equally. You aren’t penalized for wrong or unanswered questions. Go through the test section, answering any questions right away. Then, do a second pass and work on the challenging ones. This will ensure you get maxim credit for the easier questions while giving you time to work through more difficult ones.
- Recognize question types: While neither the SAT nor the ACT repeats exact questions, they reuse them. This is what makes them qualify for standardized tests. Therefore, during your test prep efforts, pay attention to the structure of each question and learn to identify the types. This will help you break down the most challenging questions and learn how to attack them.
- Work backward on the math sections: Try the backward approach if you struggle to answer a math question. Use each answer choice to work backward and determine the correct answer. This may take more time, so it’s best only to use this approach to answer questions you otherwise may miss.
Test-taking strategies are meant to put you in control of a standardized test. They offer approaches you can use to help maximize time and your test scores.
Use these test strategies to target your test prep efforts and give you the confidence you need to get the highest possible score on each test.
Should I Take The ACT Or SAT?
Colleges accept both SAT and ACT scores with your application. So you should take the test that matches your student’s strengths.
For instance, if math isn’t your strong suit, the ACT allows you to use a calculator on all math questions and incorporates a science section as well.
On the other hand, the SAT doesn’t have a science section, which means you only need to study for reading, writing, and math.
You can take both tests if time allows, but don’t feel pressured to do both. A split test prep approach can ultimately hurt your overall scores, so take the path that is best for you.
If you decide to take both, give yourself at least a month between each test day to allow yourself time to regroup and switch to a test prep plan targeted for that specific exam. Remember, multi-tasking can cause you to miss critical details that will boost your score, so never try to prep for both tests simultaneously.
Craft A Solid Study Plan With The Right ACT Or SAT Prep Course
With colleges accepting both ACT and SAT scores, you can choose which test you focus your efforts on. Even for test-optional college applications, having a high SAT or ACT score will put you in the running for scholarships and make you stand out in the applicant pool.
Now that you know the differences between the two tests and how to find the best prep course for your learning style, you can hit the ground running with a solid study plan.
With lots of time and the right prep courses, you’ll be able to score big on the SAT or ACT, making your college application more competitive and admission to your dream school a reality.
References
ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart (2022). The Princeton Review. https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/act-to-sat-conversion
Currier, C. (2022, February 1). Enrollment in SAT prep courses increasing, despite most universities waiving the test amid the pandemic. Kold News 13. https://www.kold.com/2022/02/01/enrollment-sat-prep-courses-increasing-despite-most-universities-waiving-test-amid-pandemic/
FAQs
How do I pick the best college essay topics?
Choose an anecdote and subject close to your heart that gives more information on you as a person when choosing college essay topics.
How long should a college essay be?
Most college essays should be between 250 to 600 words.
Is the ACT or SAT harder?
Neither test is more rigorous than the other. The complexity depends on your academic strengths.
