New SAT vs. ACT
Summary: The new SAT launches in March 2016. The new SAT eliminates vocabulary as a tested skill, requires students to complete a math section without a calculator, and includes a challenging essay task. The ACT has featured gradual changes over the past four years, but it has not undergone the full fledged overhaul that the SAT has. Students must now decide: SAT or ACT.
While the tests share many similarities (no guessing penalty, passage based reading, algebra based questions), students should still try to pick which test most closely matches their skill set.
When making this decision, keep in mind these practical top 5 pros and cons of each test.
SAT
| Pros | Cons |
| No science section | 1 math section with no calculator |
| Less time constrained than the ACT-easier to finish each section | Heavy emphasis on charts and graphical analysis |
| Superscoring available | Difficult essay task |
| Aligned with PSAT/NMSQT test | Reading passages are complex and some are from primary sources |
| Easier grammar questions | Math questions are multi step |
ACT
| Pros | Cons |
| Reading passages are more straightforward | Wider variety of math topics-matrices, trigonometry, graphing |
| Calculator allowed for all math questions | Separate Science section |
| Fewer reading passages (4 reading sets instead of ) | More time pressurized |
| Math questions are more predictable | More test questions-215 versus about 150 on new SAT |
| More practice tests available | Not widely superscored |
Take-aways: Students who like more predictable, straight forward assessments should take the ACT. The SAT contains higher level reasoning and analysis. Students cannot rely on memorization to excel on either test, but students who take the SAT must be able to see an unfamiliar problem in a new context and solve efficiently. The SAT is an ideal test for students who can use what they know and apply it to new problems. Additionally, the SAT is also ideal for students who will prepare the the PSAT/NMSQT test administered at the beginning of 11th grade.
For more information on standardized testing and how you can help your child to best prepare, contact Tutoring Solutions Group
www.tutoringsolutionsgroupc.om
201.816.0248
Sarah Weltman, Founder- s@tutoringsolutionsgroup.com
* SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board, which does not endorse the opinions expressed herein or the products and services provided by Tutoring Solutions Group. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc.
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Tutoring Solutions Group
Sarah Weltman, Founder & President
Phone: 201.816.0248
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Email: s@tutoringsolutionsgroup.com
www.tutoringsolutionsgroup.com