It used to be that mostly students in the Mid West would take the ACT and on the coasts students would submit SAT scores to the colleges of their choice. But, as admissions have become narrower and more competitive and students applying more numerous, many students all over the United States are considering taking the ACT over the SAT.
The ACT is subject-based unlike the SAT that is geared towards general knowledge and application. Although SAT’s are more “mainstream” if a student cannot afford to take the expensive and rigorous SAT prep courses, the ACT can be a good alternative or addition to the SAT score. A good indication is if a student does very well in school subjects but has a hard time with hypotheticals such as those given on the SAT. Also, the ACT is shorter in length and duration than the SAT. If endurance is a problem, the ACT could be a great benefit. The ACT is almost 3 hours and the SAT is almost 4 hours.
If a student is more detail oriented and diligent in school, the ACT may be just the right exam to take since it would cover much of the same topics as those learned in school while the SAT is based upon random analogies, hypothetical questions, reading passages and math problems in puzzle form.
But I am by no means saying that every student should skip out on the SAT. But perhaps more consideration to the ACT should be given. Personally, it doesn’t hurt to take both exams so the schools can have a more well-rounded look at a student’s achievement and potential rather than one flat score from one exam. Taking both exams may also open up your chances for scholarship awards. The choice is yours.
