Should I take the SAT or ACT-
Answer these questions:
Are you good at reasoning and inference?
Can you think on your feet even when a question looks unfamiliar?
Can you memorize vocab words?
Is it easier for you to concentrate in short bursts rather than all at once?
Do you think you have a better aptitude than what your grades show?
Do you have regular time (no extra time)?
If you answered yes to at least 3 of these questions, the SAT is probably the best test for you.
The SAT is still more of a test of reasoning and inference than the ACT. It is ideal for students who are not thrown by unfamiliar questions. The makers of the SAT are ingenious and always think of new and creative ways to test if a student REALLY understands a math or reading concept. To excel on the current SAT, students must be able to memorize 500+ vocab words and many math formulas as well. Even with this knowledge base, it is the application of this knowledge to new test questions that will determine a students score.
Tutoring can help any student to gain familiarity with the test and to acquire the baseline knowledge needed for a solid score.
If you have trouble applying your knowledge to new questions, the ACT can be an easier and more straightforward test. The ACT does not require memorization of vocab words. The test has 4 sections and requires students to work on math for an entire hour. The pace is faster-60 questions in 60 minutes on math! Students must be able to maintain a stellar level of focus and not burn out after the first two sections. The grammar/English on the SAT and ACT are similar. The ACT includes a full science section, which may be unfamiliar to many students. Additionally, the ACT covers many more math topics than the SAT (unit circle, sin/cos graphs, basic matrices, etc…). Students must have some exposure to these topics to excel.
While the SAT and ACT are graded on different scales, all students receive a percentile in addition to raw score. Most of our Ivy league level students score in the top 1% or top 2%.
Contact Tutoring Solutions Group based in Englewood Cliffs, NJ to learn how we can help your family navigate through the SAT/ACT process. We provide private tutoring and small group classes for the SAT and ACT.
Tutoring Solutions Group
201-816-0248
