Chance me and Match as a student from NJ [3.7 UW, 1420 SAT, biology or neuroscience]

[Kingo]

I can afford both, but my dad told me just to choose one (i think this is the more sane option)

[MMRose]

The act is a week later than the sat which gives you more time to study.

So that’s a consideration.

Look, money is tight for you and higher scores can unlock more merit. If you were my kid in this situation and were able to take both, that’s what I’d advise you to do. But definitely choose at least one and prep wisely (I can give you some tips) and I’m hoping this will open some additional doors for you.

I am hoping for merit for you because your family will have 3 kids in college your last two years of college and I want to make sure you can afford to finish.

[Kingo]

Honestly, the act reading section does look easier, but its math has more geometry and stats (geometry wasn’t my strongest back then but I’m decent at it now). The science looks tricky but i think you said that colleges dont consider it? Honestly I can’t choose, could you give me a suggestion

[MMRose]

what was your score breakfown for your current SAT?

[Kingo]

Most recent one was a 1390

Reading and Writing: 680 Math: 710

[MMRose]

The perceived difficulty of SAT Reading versus ACT Reading varies by individual strengths, but many students find the ACT Reading section easier due to its more straightforward questions and less complex vocabulary.

Key Differences Between SAT and ACT Reading

1. Timing and Pacing:

• SAT Reading: 52 questions in 65 minutes, allowing about 75 seconds per question.

• ACT Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes, which gives only 52 seconds per question. This faster pace can be challenging for some students.

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2. Question Types:

• The ACT Reading section is often considered to have more straightforward questions, with fewer “trick” questions compared to the SAT. Students can sometimes answer questions without needing to refer back to the passage.

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• The SAT Reading section includes questions that require deeper analysis and understanding of the text, often focusing on evidence-based reasoning.

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3. Passage Complexity:

• SAT passages may include older texts and more complex vocabulary, which can be challenging for some students. The SAT also includes a passage from a historical document, which may contain difficult language.

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• The ACT passages are generally more contemporary and may be easier to understand, making it more accessible for students who struggle with older texts.

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4. Structure and Format:

• The SAT combines reading and writing into one section, while the ACT has a separate reading section followed by a science section. This structure can affect how students approach their preparation.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, whether SAT Reading or ACT Reading is easier depends on the individual student’s reading skills, test-taking strategies, and comfort with the types of passages presented. Students are encouraged to take practice tests for both to determine which format aligns better with their strengths and preferences. Many find that the ACT’s straightforward questions and contemporary passages suit their skills better, while others may excel in the SAT’s analytical approach.

[MMRose]

Do you have a superscore – taking the best Math from all your attempts and best English from all your attempts? Many colleges superscore

[Kingo]

Yep its 1420, 680 R&W and 740 Math

[MMRose]

So it sounds like you are somewhat stronger in Math than in English. Here’s the info on the Math comparison.

The perceived difficulty of the math sections on the ACT and SAT varies by individual, but generally, the ACT math section is considered more straightforward, while the SAT math section may require deeper problem-solving skills.

Key Differences Between ACT and SAT Math

1. Question Format:

• The ACT math section consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, which can sometimes make it easier to guess or eliminate options. The questions are typically more direct and straightforward.

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• The SAT math section includes both multiple-choice and “grid-in” questions, where students must produce their own answers. This can add a layer of complexity, as students need to be precise in their calculations.

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2. Content Coverage:

• The ACT covers a broader range of topics, including pre-algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. However, this does not necessarily make it harder; it depends on the student’s familiarity with these topics.

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• The SAT focuses more heavily on algebra and data interpretation, often integrating these topics into complex problem-solving scenarios. Some students find the SAT’s word problems more challenging due to their complexity.

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3. Time Management:

• The SAT generally provides more time per question, which can be beneficial for students who prefer to take their time to ensure accuracy.

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• The ACT is known for its faster pace, which can be challenging for students who struggle with time management.

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[Kingo]

@MMRose this is my breakdown

[MMRose]

These look great. You are clearly a strong test-taker – and it would be awesome if you can boost it even more which may unlock additional options for you.

Would you benefit from the extra week to prepare for the ACT? Would you have time to use that week? If so, I’d suggest the ACT. Otherwise, perhaps stick with what you are already familiar with.

[Kingo]

Honestly I don’t think so, I’m going to have a lot of schoolwork and tests that week, so I would have to sacrifice one or the another.

Ty for the compliment, but my school avg is a 1305 so i’m barely ahead

[MMRose]

Then perhaps go with the SAT.

What prep material did you use for the previous tests? Did you use Khan academy to prep before, or official released tests?

[Kingo]

I used their official released tests, but not khan academy. I also had a math book.

I did self study the SAT

[Kingo]

Honestly I might take the gamble with the SAT i’m not sure

@MMRose any thoughts?

[MMRose]

If you feel more comfortable with the SAT and have the time to prep for it, then that’s probably a good choice for you.

Check out Khan Academy – it’s free and meant specifically for test prep.

[Kingo]

Alright thanks, I’m going to take the risk. Why not, its my last chance anyway

[MMRose]

Sounds good. Good luck!

[tsbna44]

Stop overthinking. If you scored consistently on the SAT, then try something else.

You’re not going to go from 1390 to 1500 if you’ve been in that 1300-1400 range each time.

So try something new.

But if you take the SAT (I read further posts), that’s fine too.

Make a decision and stick with it.

The sun will still rise tomorrow no matter what you choose.

[Kingo]

chose the sat, sorry to disappoint. I just didn’t feel comfortable with the ACT math or science.

“The sun will still rise tomorrow no matter what you choose.”