Is Online Tutoring a Good Option for Your Child?
March 7, 2022CPS IB High Schools
July 20, 2022Should My Child Take the ACT or SAT?
Which test should my child take?
We recommend that students take the test they’ll get a better score on. For most students, the ACT is the easier test to prep for and to take. However, for some students, the SAT is a better fit. Colleges do not have a preference for one test over the other.
What makes the SAT more difficult?
The SAT material is high-level and complicated. It requires critical and nuanced thinking, whereas the ACT is pretty straightforward.
In addition, the SAT math section has some challenging aspects that the ACT does not. Students are not allowed to use a calculator for 20 of the math questions. Also, twenty percent of the math questions are “grid-ins” instead of multiple choice. To respond to that type of question, students have to enter their own solution rather than choosing from a list of provided responses.
Who is the SAT a good fit for?
In our experience, the SAT can be a better match for students who are strong reading and math students but who benefit from more time than the ACT provides. It might also be the right choice for students who are anxious about the ACT science section because the SAT doesn’t have a science test. However, preparation makes the ACT science section much less intimidating, so we’d want to assess the student’s overall strengths and weaknesses before making a recommendation.
If your child is on the fence, we encourage them to take both practice tests. If they score significantly better on one over the other, that’s the test they should take. If they end up with similar scores, they should take the test they felt more comfortable working through. If they don’t have a preference, take the ACT!
If you’re still not sure about the best path for your child, give us a call!
Comparing the ACT and SAT
| ACT | SAT* | |
| Subjects and Timing | 2 hours and 55 minutes for 215 questions English: 45 minutes for 75 questions Math: 60 minutes for 60 questions Reading: 35 minutes for 40 questions Science: 35 minutes for 40 questions Optional Essay: 40 minutes for 1 prompt | 3 hours for 154 questions Reading: 65 minutes for 52 questions Writing & Language: 35 minutes for 44 questions Math (no calculator): 25 minutes for 20 questions Math (calculator): 55 minutes for 38 questions |
| Breaks | 1 | 2 |
| Score Range | 1-36 | 400-1600 |
| Calculator | Allowed on entire math test | Allowed on longer math section |
