Although the SAT is a graduation requirement for Metea, students have the opportunity to take both the SAT and ACT outside of school. The decision comes down to personal student preference and testing strengths.
“In today’s day and age of testing, there is no preference from colleges, students can take either the SAT or ACT,” college and career counselor Thomas Daugherty said.
According to the Princeton Review, the main difference between the SAT and ACT is content. The SAT tests students on reading comprehension, writing, and math, whereas the ACT tests not only these things, but also science reasoning. Both also offer an optional essay, which increases the length of the test. The SAT and ACT also use different scoring rubrics, with the SAT being on a 400-1600 scale, and the ACT being on a 1-36 scale.
“Don’t immediately put all your attention into the SAT just because the school requires it,” senior Ani Apresyan said. “Definitely try taking an ACT practice test, because for some people, the style of the ACT simply works better.”
Senior Mrigisha Shukla adds that now, people can choose whether or not to take both the tests, due to the fact that a lot of colleges are SAT/ACT optional.
“The focus is shifting from looking at standardized tests as a whole, as in a lot of colleges are becoming test-optional,” said Shukla. “I do think that taking the test can benefit you because it can elevate your portfolio for colleges.”
Student decisions for college majors also help in determining whether to choose taking the SAT or ACT.
“I’m going into a STEM major,” Shukla said. “It made more sense for me to take the ACT because it’s more STEM-based, and colleges would see the fact that I really want to do this. On the other hand, a business major or English literature arts major might find the SAT more productive, but there’s really no big advantage between taking one or the other.”
There are resources for both ACT and SAT preparation. The ACT club meets the first and third Monday of every month in H212. Students can also check out booklets and practice tests from the LMC.
“Khan Academy is a free resource that creates SAT test prep, based on a student’s previous PSAT score,” Daugherty said. “I also always recommend learning more about the tests or renting out some resources from your local library to do practice on your own. I would consider trying those things first, and then we do sometimes have some students that look elsewhere for some test prep as they would for tutoring like in any other subject.”
Apresyan met with a tutor for two months before her ACT. Although it was helpful, Apresyan also recommends that students check out the free options available, especially since both SAT and ACT testing require registration fees. The SAT charges $60 and the ACT charges $63, though applicable students can qualify for a fee waiver.
Students should take their time deciding on which test they would prefer. Some people can find the ACT easier, while others prefer the SAT. Most colleges take either test or are test-optional, so students have the freedom to choose.
“The testing landscape has changed a lot in the last several years in response to COVID,” Daugherty said. “Many schools these days are test optional for admission and for scholarships, and some schools aren’t. If students don’t know where they’re going to college, it’s still important to do your best on these tests because they may be used for admission or scholarship purposes.”
