Choosing a Standardized Test

Because standardized tests are such an important factor in college admissions, creating a plan for taking the test begins as early as freshman year. We can help you identify what stage your student should be at based on their grade level. For freshmen, an emphasis on a strong GPA and taking courses that promote strong skills in math, reading, and grammar will be important. During sophomore year, students should take diagnostic exams between March and May, as well as keep their grades and class rigor strong. As juniors, students should be wrapping up the SAT/ACT process and focusing on keeping their GPA strong.

At Octant, we ask students to take a diagnostic test for each exam, and then we use the resulting scores to provide a free analysis that determines which test is better suited for them. Students would receive this analysis before the initial consultation call to discuss test prep services.

WHICH TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE?

Choosing between the SAT or ACT is based on many factors, but we can help you choose. While both tests cover many of the same topics and require critical thinking skills, some students are better suited toward one versus the other.

You may want to consider the following in choosing a test based on your test-taking abilities:

Time Per Question: The SAT offers more time per question than the ACT in every section. If time management is an issue for you on tests, or feeling rushed leads to stress or inaccuracy, the SAT will likely be a better choice.

Math Concepts: Of the two tests, the SAT math section places the largest emphasis on algebra, with a smaller number of geometry and trigonometry questions. The ACT, alternatively, focuses more heavily on geometry principles and incorporates trig function graphs and logarithms. Your strengths in algebra vs. geometry and trigonometry may help you decide which test is best. Also of note, the SAT provides you with a formula guide, whereas the ACT does not.

Math Scoring: Math on the ACT only accounts for a quarter of your total score, whereas math on the SAT accounts for half of your total score. If you are not particularly strong in math, the ACT may be favorable, because your overall score would not be as heavily impacted by the math section as it would be on the SAT.

ACT Science Section: The ACT includes a science section that tests your ability to analyze data, interpret charts and graphs, and form hypotheses. You do not necessarily need a strong science background to do well on this section. What is important is an understanding of how to read and interpret the information presented. Students will often struggle with this section because of the way it is written.

Reading Structure: The SAT reading comprehension questions follow the passages chronologically, whereas the ACT reading questions are asked in random order. Additionally, the ACT Reading section is extremely fast-paced (allowing for less than one minute per question), but students who can quickly organize information often find the questions to be easier. Alternatively, the SAT reading section is more methodical and slower-paced (allowing for more than one minute per question), but the questions require deeper analysis and understanding. Such pronounced differences often lead to students performing better on one test than the other. The diagnostic tests we assign help give more insight into which test is better suited for the student.

Essay Section: In January 2021, The College Board removed the essay section from all future SAT exams. The ACT test still has an essay section, and the test-writing organization has not yet indicated whether or not they will be dropping it. We believe that these recent changes will make the essay section of the ACT less relevant since colleges will no longer be able to compare the essays from both tests. We will update this section once the ACT has provided more information as to what they plan to do with the essay section moving forward.

Overall, the best way to determine which test is most appropriate for a given student is by having them take diagnostic exams. Doing so will not only give the student a base score for each test, but it will also provide an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. Trends in test-taking may also indicate greater success on one test versus the other.

STUDY TIP OF THE WEEK

Take practice tests under real test conditions — with time constraints, without notes, technology free, etc. Doing so will make test day more comfortable!