Should My Student Take the ACT or the SAT?

Your student is ready to take the ACT or SAT according to their high school. However, college applications have one or both as a requirement for entrance. So, how does a student determine whether to take the ACT or the SAT?

All colleges accept both tests across the United States, and parents who are concerned if Ivy League schools frown on a student taking the ACT instead of the SAT can put their worry to rest. Ivy League schools officially accept both tests equally and won’t favor one over the other.

So, which test should your student take?

To answer that question, we need to understand each test to determine which one will best suit your student.

ACT vs. SAT 
The ACT and the SAT are similar tests, but some differences can help your student decide which one to take, if only taking one. It all comes down to what your student’s strengths and weaknesses are.

ACT has an entire science section —  the SAT doesn’t. The SAT science questions are sprinkled randomly throughout other sections. So, if your student likes science, they might consider taking the ACT instead.

The SAT, however, offers more time per question than the ACT does.

Students can use a calculator on all math questions in the ACT’s math section, whereas they’re not permitted to use a calculator in the subsection on the SAT. If they’re a whiz at math, the SAT may be the way to go.

Speaking of math, both tests favor algebra, but 12-15% of ACT’s math is geometry, whereas the SAT’s geometry questions account for less than 10%.

Talk to your student and carefully consider those elements, and weigh their strengths and weaknesses in consideration of the mathematical section of both tests. If they’re good at algebra, they’ll likely do well on the SAT. If they have an aptitude for geometry, then they might want to consider taking the ACT.

The ACT doesn’t give students any formulas, so test-takers have to memorize them beforehand. The SAT has a diagram of formulas before the two math subsections. The math score on the SAT accounts for half of the student’s total score — something to think about if math is a subject your student thrives in.

If students are good in English, they might sway more to taking the ACT over the SAT, but the SAT could be their best option if they’re strong in mathematics.

If you’re still wondering if your student should take the ACT or the SAT, the answer is simple. Many students are taking both tests, but if your student doesn’t want to take that route, we suggest taking a practice test of each one and then deciding what best suits them.

This route allows you and your student to get a real-time understanding of how the tests are structured and which allow your student to shine. This also allows your student the opportunity to prepare and brush up on the skills they may need some extra practice in.

How Will My Student Prep For The SAT / ACT?
Online tutoring is a great way to fast-track a student’s success in achieving high scores on the SAT or ACT.

We at Mighty B Learning provide test prep tutoring for the SAT and ACT, which will help students boost their confidence and scores. We guarantee it!

From day one, we work efficiently with students through a detailed process to help prepare them for the test. Our approach is transparent, so there’s no confusion. Then, the student will take a placement test to give us an idea of what level they’re at — their strengths and weaknesses.

We have professional tutors who offer tailored one-on-one lessons for each student. Our tutors enjoy mentoring and are mindful of each individual student’s needs and learning abilities. Everyone learns differently, and that’s why we’re not a one size fits all type of tutoring company. Instead, we customize our lessons specifically to the student’s needs and help them gain knowledge and confidence, so when the day comes to take their test, they’ll be ready to reap the rewards from all of their hard work.

If the student can only meet one of our tutors on a Saturday, no worries! Our schedule is flexible. We have online Saturday tutoring to meet their needs.

We love to help motivate and empower students by setting goals and checking off each one as they complete them because that way, they get to see their achievements and get excited about them (and we do too).

We make their experience fun by knowing their hobbies and interests and keeping them engaged while learning their lessons and preparing for the SAT or ACT, so they’re not bored, frustrated, or confused.

Let Our Tutors at Mighty B Learning Help Your Student Ace the Exams! 
We offer several tutoring packages, and each one can be modified to their specific needs. For example, if they only have thirty minutes to meet with their tutor because of a busy schedule, that’s okay. Our tutors are flexible and can accommodate busy schedules — because it’s not about us, it’s about our students and giving them the tools and knowledge to succeed in scoring high marks on the ACT or SAT.

Are you ready to help your student succeed? Get started by contacting us to learn more about how we can make it happen.