Question: This spring, my son, a junior in high school, is going to take one of the two college admission tests. His big quandary is: Which test to take? He can take either the ACT or SAT. Does it matter which one he chooses when it comes to applying to college? He is leaning toward taking the ACT -- thinking he might do better on it. How can he find the test that is right for him? -- ACT or SAT
Answer: There is actually a book published by The Princeton Review called "ACT or SAT?" Your son may want to read it, as it clearly spells out the differences between the two tests. The book includes a diagnostic test, called the PRA, that lets students try out both tests and see which one might be a better choice. It also explains the answers to the questions, which is quite helpful.
The one thing that your son needs to do before making a decision on which test is best for him is to take a practice test for both the ACT and SAT exams, whether they are in The Princeton Review book or obtained from the testing companies. He needs to get a feel for what both tests are like. There are differences in their formats. For example, the SAT math test is broken down into three separate sections, while the ACT has all the math questions in one section. The ACT generally can be described as testing your academic achievement, while the SAT is designed to test your skills more than your knowledge. There are also differences in how the tests are scored. The SAT scores in an unusual way. You gain one raw point for every correct answer, but you lose quarter of a point for every wrong answer and gain no points for not answering a question.
Strangely, the majority of students find that their results are likely to be the same on both tests after taking practice tests. Some, of course, have results that show they may do better on one rather than the other.
It truly doesn't matter which test your son takes. All major schools throughout the country will accept either test. There are even some schools that will accept the ACT in the place of both the SAT and the SAT II Subject Tests.