5 Key Differences Between SAT Exam Prep and ACT Test Prep

There are many differences between the SAT exam and ACT test, and today we are going to explore those differences and highlight the similarities. We are also going to decide which test is "better" to take. 

So what's the Difference Between the SAT Exam and the ACT Test?

SAT Exam Prep Book

The SAT Exam Prep Breakdown: The SAT is composed of 3 Sections - Math, Writing, and Critical Reading. The Math section covers content learned in school up until Algebra 2. The writing section is composed of Grammar questions (70% of writing score) and an Essay (30% of writing score). The Critical Reading section is composed of vocabulary questions, short-passage, and long-passage questions.

The SAT penalizes students for marking an incorrect answer. You get 1 point for a correct answer, and -1/4 of a point for an incorrect answer.

The SAT is organized in such a fashion that problems are positioned throughout sections in order of increasing difficulty. This means, you should not "guess" on the questions at the end of sections, as students are notoriously bad at guessing correctly on these questions.

ACT Exam Prep Book

The ACT Exam Prep Breakdown: The ACT is composed of 5 sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. The Writing section of the ACT is optional. Some colleges require students to take the Writing Section, some colleges recommend students take it, and some colleges do not look at it at all. Find out what the schools your son or daughter are interested in require before you sign up.

The ACT questions are normally more straight forward than SAT questions, but the timing on the ACT is tougher than that on the SAT.

The ACT does not penalize a student for marking an incorrect answer. This means, if you don't know the answer, it is still best to guess. 

The section on the ACT that does not appear in any fashion on the SAT is the Science section. This section does not cover scientific knowledge (i.e, what is the role if the mitochondrion in an animal cell), but rather, a student's ability to make inferences given a data set either in chart, graph, or other form. 

Should I Take the SAT Exam or ACT Test?

There is no clear-cut answer here. It depends on what school you want to attend (some prefer SAT, some ACT, some want both). It also depends on your initial SAT or ACT Diagnostic exam results. Go take the free ACT or SAT assessment at Tried & True Tutoring, and we will go from there!

How to Take a Free SAT & ACT Diagnostic:

SAT Customized Curriculum Based on SAT Diagnostic

Take a Free SAT Exam Diagnostic or ACT Test Diagnostic, and Receive a Full Score Report by Credentialed Teachers for Free. You can do that at Tried & True Tutoring by simply registering your e-mail address! Just go to www.triedandtruetutoring.com, scroll over the "Students Tab" and click on "FREE SAT" or "FREE ACT", and fill in your e-mail address and create your password!

I took the ACT and SAT Diagnostic Exams, now what?

You will receive a full, detailed score report and customized analysis from a credentialed teacher in your e-mail. Now you want to compare your ACT to SAT scores. There is an easy way to convert SAT to ACT Scores:

Calculate Your SAT and ACT Conversion:

Look at your Base SAT and ACT Score. If you have your ACT score (out of 36 with a national average of 20), MULTIPLY it by 66.6666667. This is your SAT equivalent. If you have your SAT Score (out of 2400 with a national average of 1500), DIVIDE it by 66.6666667. This is your ACT equivalent. Compare, and see if you are much better on one exam over the other.

What if I already took the SAT or ACT Exam? Do I have to take another Diagnostic?

It depends on how recently you took the exam, but credentialed SAT and ACT experts at Tried & True Tutoring can look at your exam scores, and write you a full, detailed analysis from the score report you provide to us. Just give us a call, and find out what free services we can provide for you!

How Do I Prep for the SAT Exam and the ACT Test?

After taking the initial diagnostic exam, you will want to develop a game plan or curriculum so you can study the specific areas that will increase your score the most. The SAT Exam Prep books are very large and daunting, so it is important to identify what your weaknesses are, so you do not waste time studying what you already know.

Tried & True Tutoring's credentialed teachers can develop a curriculum for you, if you sign up for one of their SAT or ACT Prep programs. 

Feel free to e-mail info@triedandtruetutoring.com or call (747) 444-9907 with any academic related questions, or SAT Exam Prep or ACT Test Prep questions.