FUTURE REFERENCE
SAT OR ACT?
Find out what the SAT and the ACT tests are, how to prepare for them, and how you can decide which is the right test for you to take.
WHAT IS THE SAT?
The SAT is a multiple choice test administered by the College Board with the purpose of evaluating students' academic readiness for college. The SAT is a very important factor of your college application, especially for institutions who are NOT test-optional. That being said, SAT score is not the sole determinant of your chances of admission. It is simply a common data point by which institutions can compare their applicant by. The test is out of a total of 154 questions that totals to 1600 points. The test includes a reading comprehension section, a writing (grammar) section and two math sections- one with calculator and one without. The test also includes an optional essay section which is graded out of 5 points, separately from the multiple choice. The price of SAT testing is $55 without essay. However fee waivers are available for select students. Speak to your counselor to learn more about fee waivers.
WHAT IS THE ACT?
Similar to the SAT, the ACT is another multiple choice test by which colleges compare their applicants. Again ACT score is not the sole determinant of admission. The ACT is administered by the ACT non-profit organization. The ACT includes 215 question, totaling to 36 points. Like the SAT, the ACT includes reading comprehension, writing (grammar), and math. Additionally, the ACT includes a science section. The ACT also includes an optional essay section which is graded separately from the multiple choice section of the test. The price of ACT testing is $63 without essay. However fee waivers are available for select students. Speak to your counselor to learn more about fee waivers.
WHICH TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE?
You decide! You can choose to take both or neither (only if your institution is test- optional of course). Contrary to what many students think, there isn't one test that colleges prefer. All four-year institutions in the United States accept both ACT and SAT scores. In order to figure out which test is best for you, it is recommended that you take a full length practice test of both and see which one you prefer better. Keep in mind about the differences in both tests and your skills in time management. Keep reading for prep book recommendations, tutoring options and study tips!
2023 SAT Princeton Review Premium Prep
The Princeton Review SAT prep books are quite popular with students. The newest edition of the book includes 9 full length tests, of which 5 are digital . The SAT will be moving to digital testing soon so this book is great in the sense that it includes both digital as well as pen-to-paper experience. The books also includes full answer keys and explanations as well test taking strategies and commonly tested topics, multi-week study guides, and more.
2023 ACT Princeton Review Premium Prep
Once again we recommend the Princeton review guide for the ACT. The book includes 8 full length ACT practice tests 4 of which are physical tests and 4 of which are online. This book provides detailed answer explanations, techniques to achieve a high score, tips for pacing yourself and guessing logically, and access to the exclusive premium student tools including: video tutorials with expert advice, customized multi- week study plans, and college admissions and financial aid tips.
The Official ACT Prep Guide
This one is an especially great resource because it's made by the writers of the ACT themselves. How much closer to the test can you get? The book includes 6 full length tests on-paper and on online. Full explanations are also included along with practice tips and test-day strategies. the ACT also offers books for each individual section of their test and it's definitely worth checking out too!
TUTORING OPTIONS
Many organizations have established tutoring programs dedicated to preparing for the SAT and the ACT. They generally provide practice materials, test-tacking strategies, concept training and more.
THE PRINCETON REVIEW
Though pricey, the Princeton Review offers great one-on-one tutoring option for both SAT and ACT. They also offer group classes which have more affordable options.
KAPLAN
Similar to Princeton review Kaplan also offers one-on-one tutoring as well as other paid packages for study materials and practice. They are also on the pricier side, however still helpful
NJIT ACT/SAT PREPARATION ROGRAM
NJIT's prep program is a more affordable option for SAT and ACT preparation. The program requires an application and costs $399 in addition to a nonrefundable application fee.