Standardized tests like the ACT and SAT are critical to college acceptance. Many schools allow applicants to submit scores from either exam, so your student can take the one that reflects their strengths. But how do you decide which to use? Peach State Tutoring & Test Prep serves the Georgia cities of Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming, Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, and Alpharetta with individualized academic tutoring and offers free diagnostic testing for college admissions exams. They explain differences between the ACT and SAT to help you make a choice.

SAT

The SAT is 3 hours, 50 minutes long, not including breaks, and features an optional essay portion. It comprises four sections: reading, writing and language, math without a calculator, and math with a calculator. The maximum score is 1600, which does not include an essay. The SAT does not have a science section, which can help if it’s an area of weakness for your child. However, the reading section grades students’ analytical skills in history, social studies, and science.

ACT

The ACT is 3 hours, 35 minutes long without factoring in additional time for an optional writing test. It has four sections: English, math, reading, and science. Students can receive a maximum score of 36, not including the writing test. The science section tests students on their interpretation of data, scientific investigation, evaluation of models, inferences, and experimental results. For students who have strong skills in these areas, the ACT probably is the right college admissions test.

No matter the test your student chooses, an ACT or SAT prep course will reinforce their knowledge and enhance their confidence, giving them their best chance of earning a high score. Peach State Tutoring & Test Prep’s tutors hold advanced degrees, so you can trust them to improve your child’s college prospects. Call (678) 824-6890 or send a message online to schedule diagnostic testing and follow them on Twitter for more advice from their educators.