SAT/ACT: Which test is right for you?

In a nutshell, if you are a really good math student in class, work fast, can memorize four pages of formulas, and hate being tricked - go for the ACT.  If, on the other hand, you are great at logic problems, like figuring out puzzles and hate the idea of studying and memorizing formulas, the SAT is probably better for you.

Here are the six key differences that Mark identified between the two tests:

What is being tested - The SAT is more of a logical reasoning test using numbers than a math test.   The ACT is a traditional test of High School math skills.

Level of content - SAT covers arithmetic, Algebra plus some Geometry and Algebra 2 concepts (lower level math).  The ACT covers content through pre-calculus (higher level math).

Use of Formulas - The SAT provides you with all the  formulas.  For the ACT, you will need to memorize approximately four pages of formulas. 

Trickery - The SAT is full of tricks (remember, it is more of a reasoning test than a math test).  The ACT is a more straightforward test.

Timing - The SAT allows for more time per question than the ACT.  1 minute, 20 seconds for each question on the SAT.  1 min/question for the ACT.

Penalty for Wrong Answers - The SAT takes off 1/4 point for each wrong answers, whereas there is no penalty for wrong answers on ACT.  However, it is still to your advantage to guess on the SAT. 

There are specific techniques to prepare for each of these tests and preparing for one test will not necessarily help you prep for the other.  Pick the test that plays to your strength and do the best that you can!

SAT II Math Levels I and II: Which test is right for you?

If you chose to take the SAT versus the ACT, you may be required to take additional SAT II subject tests for admission to specific colleges.  Mark discussed with us the differences between the Math Level I and II subject tests.   

Level II is recommended for students who are interested in pursuing quantitative studies in college (engineering, physics, math, etc.)  For admission to some specific programs, such as engineering, math, and physics, the Level II exam is required (check admission requirements for your particular school and program).  Students need to have completed a solid pre-calculus course in order to be prepared for the Level II exam. 

Level I is the math subject test for the rest of us.  Algebra and geometry skills make up nearly 70% of the test. 

Mark noted that there is a growing trend where all students are taking the Level II exam, regardless of their future academic interests.  We see that trend as well, and recommend that students take subject tests that are the appropriate level based on their achievement in high school math and their future goals.