As we start shifting our focus to the upcoming school year, parents start asking me about when and how their kids should start college prepping. They want to know if AP classes are the right choice, when SAT prepping should start to happen, can they study for ISEE at the same time as PSAT,etc. So many acronyms create so much worry! I promise we will look at preparing for AP (Advanced Placement) and studying for the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) in my next couple of blogs.
For today, let’s breakdown PSAT, SAT, and ACT.
These are all standardized exams used for college admissions and designed to demonstrate college readiness. They are multiple choice and done with pencil and paper. The SAT and ACT are an important and necessary factor with most college admissions.
THE PSAT (short for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) https://www.collegeboard.org
IN short, the PSAT is a practice SAT. It is most often taken by high school Juniors. However, one can take the PSAT a total of three times in high school, but only once per year, so you can start as early as Freshman or Sophomore. PSAT is a little easier than the SAT and there is a little more time to answer the math questions, however the test itself is about 15 minutes shorter than the SAT. They have similar questions, but the scoring is different. The PSAT scores between 320 and 1520 while the SAT is between 400 and 1600. Of course the real question is, ‘Is it necessary?’
The PSAT helps predict SAT scores. It highlights what needs to be focused on when studying for the SAT. The other important thing to know; PSAT scores are used for awarding National Merit Scholarships. (https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=424).
PSAT’s are not required and will not have a negative impact on college admissions. Some colleges will use the PSAT scores as part of their recruitment, but for the most part PSAT’s are used as a great opportunity for growth and possible scholarship if a student qualifies (scores need to be at least 1420 to 1480 to qualify).
THE SAT (previously stood forScholastic Assessment Test)
https://www.collegeboard.org
College Board offers the SAT six times a year: October, November, December, January, May and June. There is a fee per exam but it’s best to check the College Board site for current prices and be sure to pre-register about a month ahead.
The SAT is 3 hours long. There are a 154 questions and a reading test that takes 65 minutes, a 35-minute writing and language test and an 80-minute math section The SAT does not include an independent science section but incorporates science questions throughout the exam.
* There is no longer SAT Essay or SAT Subject tests
THE ACT (American College Testing)
https://www.act.org
ACT is offered 4 times per year- Sept., Oct., Dec., and Feb. It is also necessary to pre-register and check the fee on the ACT site.
ACT lasts two hours and 55 minutes, plus the ACT continues to offer its optional 40-minute writing test that accompanies the exam. There are 215 questions and the ACT is comprised of a 35-minute reading test, 45-minute English test, 60-minute math section and 35-minute science test.
ONE IS NOT EASIER THAN THE OTHER! All US colleges and universities accept scores from either the ACT or SAT, and ONE IS NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE OTHER. (BE AWARE: Check your state. The necessity of SAT or ACT actually does change per/state.)
BUT there are some personal choice differences.
My top 5 FUNDAMENTAL PERSONAL CHOICE differences:
- On the reading section the SAT has evidence supports questions, meaning two part questions where one question supports another. If you don’t get the first one right you probably wont get the second one right. ACT does not have these. However ACT does NOT stick to questions in chronological order like the SAT-meaning it might be easier to find the answers in the SAT reading passage as the questions go in order of the reading.
- ACT is a little more focused on grammar, punctuation and structure as well as big picture questions. While the SAT is a little more vocabulary and writing style focused. However if the student’s strength lies in writing, the ACT optional essay allows the student to analyze a passage and give their own opinion on the topic discussed.
3. SAT has less of a time crunch, more time to answer each questions means less stress for each question. But the scoring and questions are more diffused so a student cannot move quickly go through a section they are more confident in.
4. If you are a Science person ACT’s science section is 1/4 of total score. SAT does not have a designated science section.
5. If you are a Math person, it accounts for 1/2 of the total SAT score but only 1/4 for ACT.
*THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE MATH DIFFERENCES
The SAT does have some math questions that are not multiple choice-the student will need to fill in their own answers.
With the multiple choice there are 5 answer choices on SAT vs. 4 on ACT. Meaning if you need to guess there is a higher chance of getting the answer on the SAT.
SAT does have diagram of math formulas, on ACT you have to remember them.
There is a larger emphasis on geometry and trig on the ACT. While SAT is more algebra and data analysis focused.
****There is a school of thought that believes most math based students prefer the SAT and the English Language Arts student prefer the ACT. Really the best way to help a student make a decision is take the full-length practice tests for each. Then put the time into studying the one that puts them into the highest percentile. Either way students test scores are going to be better with study and practice!
PRO TIP: Use your tutors who have experience helping students focus and prep specifically for their SAT or ACT exams. It is suggested to study 1-6 months before the test, and to put 10 hours minimum into studying. As this is on top of the normal school load those extra hours are something to think about. There are loads of tips and resources on line, I have included some sites below.
It may seem a bit overwhelming and nerve-racking but remember, though students should do their best, the SAT score is only one of many factors that school admission officers take into account. There is a place of higher learning for everyone!
MAIN RESOURCES & REGISTRATION:
College Board is where to Register for PSAT & SAT, there are free practice tests examples and tips
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org
ACT.org is where to register for ACT, also free practice tests and study tips
Sites with Tips and study guides
Khan Academy (links in with College Board) Free Tests and study guides.
Prep Scholar ( blogs have comprehensive breakdowns of the exams, study guides etc.)
STUDY TIPS:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/test-prep
FREE SAT & ACT PRACTICE TESTS
Top SAT Study Guide books with full length tests (Ranked and Reviewed)
Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus
SAT Prep Black Book Second Edition
Barron’s SAT Study Guide
Princeton Review Premium Prep
Top ACT Guide books with full length tests
Kaplan’s ACT Prep Plus
The Official ACT Prep Guide
ACT Prep Black Book
Barron’s ACT
Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep.
