The chart (see below) will show the differences between the new SAT (effective January 2024) which is now 2 hours and 14 minutes in length (down from 3 hours) and the ACT exam (2 hours and 55 minutes in length). Students should consider taking both the PSAT or a practice SAT and a practice ACT either during their sophomore or early junior year.
You can find free online practice exams at https://www.suzannelagemann.com/helpful-links.
Some Key concepts to keep in mind while taking practice exams:
ACT is an achievement test and SAT is an aptitude test.
ACT has more Geometry and SAT has more Algebra.
You have less time per question on the ACT than on the SAT.
ACT has a Science section (4 sections total) SAT only has two sections (Reading/Writing and Math).
The SAT is taken on a digital device and is adaptive. ACT is hand-written on paper.
You can use a calculator on all math sections of both exams.
This will help you do the following:
By taking the practice exam for both, you will be able to get ‘a feel’ for each. They are different (see chart). Use these practice exams for the sole purpose of assessing which you’d prefer to pursue taking.
By doing this, you will not be concerned with you score (as much as you may think you need to) and can focus on which test you’d want to take.
After you receive both scores, decide which is the best test for you. Then do the following:
Timeline: Research test dates on either the College Board www.collegeboard.org for the SAT or the www.act.org for the ACT exam. Discuss with your parents which upcoming date would work best with your schedule. Outline your school year: when are you more busy? Do you play a fall sport? Perform in a winter musical?
After you identify a test date, I recommend that you prepare for the exam. There are a number of ways to prep for the test. Take the exam during your Junior year of high school.
Here are some ideas:
Online Test Prep: Princeton Review, Applerouth Tutoring Services, Khan Academy just to name a few.
In-person 1-on-1 or group tutoring: There are a number of private and group tutoring businesses to choose from, depending on your location. Reach out to me for referrals.
Online/Textbook test practice: This would be for a student who feels they just need to practice.
Testing Accommodations: For students who are eligible for testing accommodations, please review the process at these sites:
https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities/eligibility
http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act-educator/accommodations.html
Practice: Regardless of what type of tutoring route you choose, practicing and practicing for a few weeks/months leading up to the test date is needed for every type of student. Practicing the test taking strategies taught by a tutor/class is the KEY to eliminating getting tricked.
And remember:
Stick with one test.
And take the test no more than 3 times over a span of time. 2 is typical and ideal.
Using solid and positive test prep strategies will work! You’ve got this!
