ACT vs. NEW SAT. Which Test should I Take?

ACT_vs_NewSAT

Amidst the buzz of the NEW SAT, many counselors as well as critics of the New SAT are suggesting that students focus on taking the ACT. Yes, the current ACT test is a more established test and students know exactly what to expect, but the New SAT offers benefits to students who are having challenges getting the score they need on the ACT. Here are three reasons why you may want to focus on the NEW SAT instead of the ACT.

  1. Time: Some students cannot seem to read passages or compute math problems quickly enough in order to complete all of the questions on the ACT. On the Reading section of the ACT you have an average of only 49 seconds per question. On the Math section alone, you are expected to answer 60 Math questions in 60 minutes giving you only 60 seconds per question. The NEW SAT affords you an average of 1 minute and 10 seconds per question. The math section of the NEW SAT gives you 1 minute and 40 seconds to answer each question. This extra 40 seconds can be the time you need to help improve your math score
  1. Math formulas provided: Math formulas are provided on the New SAT for students to use. The ACT does not provide any formulas for students. For students having trouble memorizing the following information, you may benefit from this information given on the new SAT

  1. Free personalized practice: The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free practice and resources for students. to prepare for the NEW SAT. Before the NEW SAT is first administered, you can take free practice tests and get feedback based upon your results. The ACT has s program like this but, it is not free.

Even though there seems to be a push for students to take the more familiar ACT if you are junior you still have options. the NEW SAT will be be administered in March 2016; you can opt to take that as well. If you learn better in a classroom environment, you can register for one of our classes to help prepare for the NEW SAT. Visit SuccessPrep.com to register.

Remember, the key to success is preparation!