SAT or ACT for college admission?

[wdwpluto]

Long story short, DH and I are moving to Florida next week because of my job. He wants to apply for the fall semester at UCF (the deadline is May 1). He has his GED and has never gone to college before.

What's the difference between the SAT and the ACT? It looks like UCF will accept either. I know when I was applying to colleges (back in 1993) the SAT was the test. I also remember hearing that it has changed since then (the test itself, I mean).

I'm assuming they're both equally difficult, are there any benefits to taking one over the other? DH will probably do some sort of engineering if that matters. He's stronger in math/science than he is in verbal stuff.

Thanks!
Lori

 

[vivilasvegas]

In Chicago, we took ACT's. I went to a Catholic high school, I don't know if that makes a difference.

I scored high.

 

[iggbees]

i took both, because i heard that the act was easier for women than men. i ended up doing really well on the act and not so well on the sat. the act i believe has science questions on it, which was great for me since that was my strong point. the verbal on the sat killed me.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Does the university he applying to require one or the other? I work for a university and anyone that has been out of school (high school or otherwise) doesn't take the ACT or the SAT. The adult takes the COMPASS test. It's a test of skills and placement to see if any remedial classes are needed before starting with the basics. Before spending the cash on the SAT or ACT do some research on the unviersities and see what their requirements are.

 

[wdwpluto]

Does the university he applying to require one or the other? I work for a university and anyone that has been out of school (high school or otherwise) doesn't take the ACT or the SAT. The adult takes the COMPASS test. It's a test of skills and placement to see if any remedial classes are needed before starting with the basics. Before spending the cash on the SAT or ACT do some research on the unviersities and see what their requirements are.

Hmmm... good to know. I didn't see anything on their site about the COMPASS. They'll take either SAT or ACT, at least that what it says for incoming freshman (nothing about adult students)

Upon futher research, it looks like he's going to have to wait to apply. You need to live in state for 1 year prior to your first class in order to qualify for resident tuition.

At least that gives him more time to research and figure things out.

Thanks for all your answers!

 

[KarenB]

Lori-just sent you a PM