test prep ACT myths
MYTH vs FACT
A-C-T . Isn ’ t it crazy how important that three-letter acronym is to students all over the globe ? The majority of students will take the ACT at least once during their high school career , and with all of the rumors about the test floating around the halls , it ’ s hard to know what to believe . Don ’ t worry — we ’ re here to set the record straight !
Myth : The ACT is easier than the SAT .
Fact : One test isn ’ t easier than another- it all depends on your own testing strengths and abilities . If you work quickly on tests or excel in math and science , you may want to consider taking the ACT . If you need longer amounts of time to complete tests or excel in language and reading , you may want to take the SAT .
Myth : Some colleges only accept the SAT and will not accept ACT scores during the admissions process .
Fact : All colleges in the United States accept the ACT and the SAT .
Myth : Colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT .
Fact : Colleges take both tests into consideration , and they are given equal weight . You should choose which test to take based on your personal abilities , not based on which test you think a college will look more favorably upon .
Myth : You can ’ t study for the ACT , and your score can ’ t be increased with multiple tries .
Fact : The ACT is worth studying for . It ’ s important to familiarize yourself with both the content and the format of the test . Remember : Even one point increase in your ACT score can equate to tens of thousands in freshman merit scholarships .
Myth : The June ACT is easier since that ’ s when athletes take it .
Fact : While each testing date has a different version of the test , the differences will not affect final scores . The ACT test-makers dedicate lots of time and energy to making sure all of the tests are equally as difficult . You should choose a testing date by considering when your schedule is clear and when you will be the most prepared , not when you think the test will be “ easier .”
Myth : ACT scores are automatically reported to colleges .
Fact : You can choose to automatically send your ACT score to certain schools , or you can choose to wait and send them later . If you take the ACT more than once , you can even choose which scores you want to report and which ones you want to hold back .
10 | Spring 2017 www . potentialmagazine . com