These two tests are comparable tests that colleges value equally!
Not considering the changes coming to ACT, the advice is always to take a practice test and see which one suits you better. If you’re okay with the speed, ACT could be a good option! Otherwise, the pacing of SAT may work better for you!
One may be harder than the other, but the answer will depend on the specific student Every student is unique, so it’s best to find out which one works for you… and maybe you’d decide to take both!
The decision to try taking both is usually driven by the hope to give the student more opportunities or more tries. This is especially a good idea when students don’t have a lot of time – such as current seniors – and/or are good at both tests.
A good score on one test is all you need for admissions, however. You only need one!
Not necessarily, since CB still relies on high schools to administer these tests. What will more likely occur is a continued increase in school day testing.
So in that sense, that may lighten the burden and demand on high schools that offer the test on national testing days.
@Tony_PrincetonReview, how much improvement is realistic for students to expect? Do you have any success stories you want to share from students you worked with at The Princeton Review?
The answer really depends on the students. But we know this: The SAT/ACT is a test that tests you how well you take the SAT/ACT. It is a coachable exam. “A crack-able system,” so to speak!
You can check our website for score increase stories! With 40+ years of experience, we have helped generations of students get into their dream schools!
For our 1400+ course, we have a 150 point score money back guarantee. That is, we believe that students under 1250 could reasonably raise their score by 150 points, and students above 1250 could reasonably raise their score to 1400+.
As much as I wish to give you a concrete number, there are just too many factors here. Again, I’d check the Common Data Set, or use our college search tool to find the 50% for the school you’re interested in. Also consider the average high school SAT/ACT score, the testing policy at the college (and how it may have skewed the SAT range up!), and the unique situation of your application!
We are now at time so we’ll be wrapping up this session. THANK YOU @Tony_PrincetonReview for sharing such great information, we will reference this thread as a valuable resource when answering future test prep questions asked in the forums.
Every student is unique, so it’s best to find out which one works for you… and maybe you’d decide to take both!