test prep
college exams
ACT VS. SAT:
WHICH TEST SHOULD YOUR TEEN TAKE?
Instead of spending several hours randomly studying for either the
American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
and hoping for the best, there is a more calculated way to maximize
your teen’s scores and possible scholarship earnings.
“The specific content is going to vary from SAT to ACT, but it isn’t so much about
the content anyway. Prep courses are great because they introduce students
to test format, test taking tips and to working timed practice tests. They also
allow students to be more efficient with timing, and enable them to develop and
streamline strategies for tackling the various types of passages.”
— Rebecca Bloodworth, Director of Continuing
Education at Auburn University at Montgomery.
We’ve highlighted the key differences between the ACT and SAT below and outlined special tools
available to match your teen’s testing style and strengths with the exam that best suits their needs.
SAT ACT
STRUCTURE
12
Multiple choice.
The difficulty level
remains the same
throughout the entire test.
Multiple choice and some
written answers.
Difficulty level gradually
increases throughout the
test.
MATH
CONTENT
VOCAB/READING
Math (Geometry and
some basic Trigonometry)
English and Reading.
Math (Algebra, Statistics,
and Geometry)
Critical Reading and
Writing
Emphasis on language
skills
Emphasis on a strong
vocabulary.
www.potentialmagazine.com
SCIENCE
Science (Physical
Science, Chemistry,
Biology, Earth Science,
and Physics)
No Science