Sat & ACT
SAT VS. ACT
I have been tutoring both the SAT and ACT for more than 10 years. Over the course of the last decade, I’ve frequently been asked which test is ‘better’ than the other. My answer: it depends.
However! The ACT’s popularity has exploded in recent years, largely due to the fact that the ACT has changed very little over the last decade. This lies in stark contrast to the SAT, where both the test and scoring system have changed multiple times. When I graduated high school in 2005, I hardly knew anyone who took the ACT. Now, in 2020, I think it’s fair to say that the ACT’s popularity has skyrocketed.
Please keep in mind, neither test is more important than the other. Almost all colleges accept both on equal standards. Some schools don’t care for either.
What seems to scare students away from the ACT is the science section. But fret not. That pesky section is not as terrifying as it appears. In fact, I’ve tutored plenty of students who crushed it, not because of their incredible science background, but because of their ability to interpret data and graphs. It’s not as bad as you might think! There are many tips and tricks I can offer students to give them confidence here.
Furthermore, the ACT essay (which is optional) asks students to critique a social issue or topic, to share their personal perspective on the matter. The student is not graded on their perspective, but on how they present and argue it in a clear and concise manner. The SAT essay (which is also optional) falls flat, in my opinion. The SAT essay asks the student to read a passage and then discuss the author’s argument. It does not ask for a student's opinion or whether or not the student agrees with the argument. I can't imagine any college course asking a student for a summary on course work. The ACT essay however, gives the student a true ‘test’ on a college-level ability, and important life skills such as formulating an opinion and being critical (and perhaps providing constructive criticism) of the matter at hand.
The SAT has two math sections: one with a calculator, the other without. Many students fall into the trap of thinking that since they have a calculator, this section must be easier. Hate to break it to you., but the calculator portion has higher standards. And NONE of the math questions on the SAT is straightforward. Though both sections on the SAT provide mathematical formulas, the formulas do not provide much help. The 25-minute non-calculator section consists of 20 questions. Students have to move, and fast. The 55 minute calculator section consists of 38 questions. Again, students have to move quickly.
The ACT math section is a little gentler. The progression of difficulty is at a manageable pace, as the section is 60 minutes in length and consists of 60 questions. As mentioned above, the ACT math section is far more straightforward. The bulk of this section is Algebra. It also consists of Geometry and a sprinkle of Trigonometry.
The reading sections on both tests are basically the same. The student is asked to read a passage and then complete the questions that follow. The SAT has ‘evidence-support’ questions that tend to throw students off. Meaning, the student answers one fact-based question which is then followed by a question asking the student to pinpoint the evidence that supports the answer to the previous question. This question structure can truly be tough: if the first question is incorrect, the question that follows is most likely incorrect as well.
Which test is best? It all depends on a student's strengths. Whichever test a student takes, there are no points lost for incorrect answers on both tests. So, I always tell the student to fill in everything.
The Game Plan
Over the course of six tightly packed sessions, I’ll cover the entirety of either the ACT or the SAT test, whichever exam the student is preparing for. These sessions will cover all of the MANDATORY sections of each test: English, Math, Reading, Science (ACT only). Should you wish for the student to prepare for the optional essay portion that each test contains, I can accommodate this in one additional session.
In addition to being prepared for all sections of both tests, the student will learn how to self-score, which is valuable for continuing preparation at home. Homework assignments will be completed weekly by the student. Students will be asked to grade their work on their own time and will report to me with any questions so as not to waste time in sessions simply grading homework.
Results:
Students will become familiar with the tests and learn test taking strategies. As a tutor, I want my students to become self-reliant. I have worked with multiple students over the years who have IEPs and 504s. My teaching methods are catered to and personalized for each individual student so that every student feels heard and capable.
The goal of course, is to improve scores and achieve academic success. However, I am also here to guide students toward discovering and challenging their own stories of self, of any limiting beliefs they may have.
I want to bring the joy back into education. Yes, it is possible. My students are able to become excited about their futures while enjoying their present journey.
A 36 is the highest score a student can achieve on the ACT. A 12 is the highest score a student can achieve on the optional ACT essay.
A 1600 is the highest score a student can achieve on the SAT. The SAT essay is broken and graded into three parts: reading, analysis, and writing - each with the highest score of a 4.