SATs vs. ACTs?

[Loves Disney]

I am debating whether to take the SATs again, or take the ACTs instead. What are your thoughts on the ACTs? Is it worth taking INSTEAD of the SATs, or is it best I just take the horrid SATs again? My scores on the SATs are enough to get me into the college I want...but they could have been better so I'm definately taking another test again.

I have heard minimal information on the ACTs and that is why I'm asking. This is also my senior year, so it wouldn't be too wise to take any test in the Spring. I will need to have sent my scores in already.

I would greatly appreciaite ANY comments.

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

I am debating whether to take the SATs again, or take the ACTs instead. What are your thoughts on the ACTs? Is it worth taking INSTEAD of the SATs, or is it best I just take the horrid SATs again? My scores on the SATs are enough to get me into the college I want...but they could have been better so I'm definately taking another test again.

I have heard minimal information on the ACTs and that is why I'm asking. This is also my senior year, so it wouldn't be too wise to take any test in the Spring. I will need to have sent my scores in already.

I would greatly appreciaite ANY comments.

I'd say take which ever you feel strongest in since colleges will take the best scores for each section not just within the same test. For example, if you do better in math on the ACTs but did better in writing on the SATs they will be taken together, but you probably already know that. The ACTs have more sections than SATs do. Personally, I would take the SATs again since you already are familiar with the set up, questions, etc. so studying will be easier for that I would think. If you took the ACTs, you woud have new sections so more studying with a slightly more unfamiliar format. Just my opinion. Best of luck.

 

[tiff13]

I agree that already knowing the format for the SAT's would be beneficial. You may want to ask the college if they prefer the SAT versus the ACT.But I'm guessing since your SAT score was high enough thats what they prefer?

I don't know much about the SATs so I'll tell you about the ACTs.

I'm retaking the ACT in October. Personally I think my biggest advantage will be knowing the format and what type of questions expect. When I took it in June I did run out of time (or very close) on all the sections. The ACT is broken down into an english, math, science, reading, and an optional writing section. The writing section is the main reason that I'm retaking it because I opted out of it the first time and now a school I want to apply to requires it. I didn't study when I took it before. But I ended up with a higher score than I expected. Now I'm studying for the October test date, and I'm finding the Princeton Review- " Cracking the ACT" really helpful.

So if you decide to take the ACT definitely check out that book. It will give you a pretty good of an idea of what to expect.

If you have any questions about the ACT, I'll do my best to answer them!

And good luck to all the seniors with applying to colleges!

 

[TheGirlin14G]

I'm taking the SATs for a second time in October.. my scores are high enough for most of my schools, except for my top choice I have to go up 60 to be considered for this one scholarship.

My guidance councilor suggested to take the ACTs in addition, but I don't think I'm going to take them.. on all my college visits they only talked about SAT scores - so I'm just focusing on that.

I know my sister took the ACTs fall of her senior year.. I'll ask her if they helped her or not and get back to you.

 

[Daisymae26]

I'm going to take both tests probably in the spring, but I've taken the "pre" versions of them. I personally did better on the ACT than the SAT (with the writing section), but that's not the same for everyone. I would say take the SAT again, because you're familiar with the format, timing, and types of questions. Sorry if this wasn't much help! Good luck Cat!

 

[Loves Disney]

Thanks everyone for your comments!

I'm not worried about adjusting to the formate, I have taken three different test with different formates. The State Test, an AP test and the SATs. My main concern is the acceptance by colleges...I'm getting to the point now where I want to make sure everything is okay for college...classes, grades, services, and test scores. The thought of not getting into my first choice college scares me to death lol. I'm just now trying to find which test is more beneficial...in the sense of how colleges look at it and how they decided with the two test scores. Like, will they look at one more over the other? I don't want to dig myself a grave by taking the wrong test and I'm not taking both...I just couldn't handle it. I'm not big into tests and the SATs were a complete nightmare for me.

 

[jaycat]

Most Colleges look more highly upon the SAT, because of the math. ACT doesn’t have algebra 2 on it, SAT does. I would take the SAT if I were you, unless you’re going to like an Art school, and be sure to take any extra writing test on anything you do. I'm going to take both the SAT and ACT.

 

[TheGirlin14G]

My sister said she took the ACT's mostly because her SAT scores were "below average" at some of the schools she applied to. She said she doesn't think they factored in to the decision too much, because so many people do take either one or the other.

I'm scheduling time with my guidance councilor to go over everything for this year.. teacher reccomendations, transcripts, GPA, grades, test scores, scholarships - and I'm discussing it with several of the teachers I'm close to and have fields in what I'm going to college for(my art and music teachers).

I want to get all of my applications done by the end of October.. it is so much to think about... and I don't even have 4-5 concrete schools that I'm applying to.. I currently decided on 2 - and both are very selective.. aah!

Good luck deciding.. and taking the test.. and with everything this year!

 

[Loves Disney]

My sister said she took the ACT's mostly because her SAT scores were "below average" at some of the schools she applied to. She said she doesn't think they factored in to the decision too much, because so many people do take either one or the other.

I'm scheduling time with my guidance councilor to go over everything for this year.. teacher reccomendations, transcripts, GPA, grades, test scores, scholarships - and I'm discussing it with several of the teachers I'm close to and have fields in what I'm going to college for(my art and music teachers).

I want to get all of my applications done by the end of October.. it is so much to think about... and I don't even have 4-5 concrete schools that I'm applying to.. I currently decided on 2 - and both are very selective.. aah!

Good luck deciding.. and taking the test.. and with everything this year!

I won't find 4-5 schools. Period. I've so far found only one school. I'm scared sick that I won't find another school I'm interested in. I'm also nervous with scholorships. Ugh so much to think about, lol. I can't possibly find time to think about my classes!!