Once your teen reaches their junior year of high school, it is time to start thinking about SAT and ACT testing. While they could take both tests, prioritizing one gives your child more time to focus on their studies and future plans. Most four-year colleges will take either of the standardized tests. This leaves the decision up to parents and their teens, but many families don’t know what differentiates the two. Each test places a focus on different subjects, and you should find out which exam highlights your teen’s strengths. The following guide breaks down the strategic differences between taking the ACT and SAT.

Evaluating Test Content

The SAT and ACT have a similar format, but the organization of the two differs. Each test is completed in about three hours. The SAT is scored out of 1600 points, which are split into two evenly weighted testing sessions. There are math and evidence-based reading and writing sections. Reading sections take 65 minutes, and writing and language take 35 minutes. The math sections, which are divided into calculator and non-calculator portions, take a total of 80 minutes. The ACT, on the other hand, scores out of 36 points. It is divided into four test-taking sessions. There are an allotted 45 minutes for English, 60 minutes for math, 35 minutes for reading, and 35 minutes for science.

Gauging Strengths

When comparing each test, you should first consider your child’s skills. What academic area is your teen strongest in? If they have excellent reading comprehension and a rich vocabulary, they may excel on the SAT. This test is also suitable for students who feel comfortable with data analysis and working on math problems without their calculator. While the ACT has a science section, the questions focus more on reading comprehension and critical thinking. Students with a strong grasp on grammar, syntax, and punctuation should score well on the English portion of the ACT.

Taking a Practice Test

Peach State Tutoring & Test Prep offers a free ACT vs. SAT diagnostic exam for students to see which test is right for them.

Students can take the test at home or in person with proper social distancing and safety protocols in place.

If you’re looking for a reliable way to decide on the most advantageous test for your teen, get in touch with Peach State Tutoring & Test Prep in Alpharetta, GA, for a free ACT vs. SAT diagnostic exam. With an accurate reading on the test that best suits your student’s strengths, this tutoring service will design a customized program that sharpens skills and targets areas of improvement to produce impressive scores. Serving the Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming, Duluth, Norcross, and Suwanee areas, their SAT prep, ACT prep, and academic tutoring programs enable students to develop long-lasting academic skills. To discuss tutoring and test prep services, call (678) 824-6890. Visit their website to register your student for the diagnostic exam.