CATES Blog

Which standardized exam should I choose?  Is the SAT a better test for me than the ACT?

While the ACT exam has become more popular in recent years, and more and more schools are starting to accept it, the SAT exam is still the test of choice for most colleges and universities outside the Midwest.

So what’s the difference between the two exams?

The short answer is that the SAT tests how you think, while the ACT tests what you know.  (There’s a reason why the SAT used to be called the “Scholastic Aptitude Test”.)  On several SAT math problems, for instance, you’ll be able to find the right answer just by plugging the answer choices back into the equation.

In general, SAT test preparation can be much easier than ACT preparation. The ACT test requires a command of more advanced math, like trigonometry, and includes no singularly dedicated vocabulary section.   If you have a killer vocabulary, the SAT gives you an opportunity to show off your vocab as well as a clear way to study for this section.  The SAT exam also rewards good test taking strategy more than the ACT does, and if you take the time to learn the strategies that underlie each section of the SAT, you’re likely to see your score improve.  Finally, you’re more likely to get extra time on the SAT.  It’s extremely difficult to get extra time on the ACT exam.

If you’re a strong writer, you may want to stick with the SAT exam.  Writing an essay for the ACT exam is optional (although most selective schools require it) and it’s scored independently of the rest of the test.  The SAT’s essay is required and counts as part of your Writing score. A strong essay can raise your score as much as 100 points!

Despite all the potential advantages of taking the SAT, however, there are still several good reasons to take the ACT instead.  The ACT doesn’t count off for incorrect answers, and it’s shorter and more straightforward than the SAT exam is.  If you’re a bright, hard-working student, but you have trouble taking standardized tests, the ACT exam may be a good match for you.

If you’re still not sure which test is the best fit, one way to find out for sure is to try both exams.  CATES offers free practice SAT and ACT tests throughout the year.

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Is being healthy and in-shape helpful on the SAT Test?

People often refer to the SAT as a marathon, and just like any race it requires a strong level of mental fortitude and the ability to maintain focus in unpredictable and adverse conditions. This similarity between high octane sports and SAT Tests represent one of the reasons behind the fact that athletes tend to score higher on the SAT exam than non-athletes of a similar academic aptitude. In addition, exercise in general makes you smarter and thus a better SAT Test-taker. Strenuous physical activity releases endorphins that act like brain candy – they help you stay sharp as you synthesize all the information you need to get a great SAT exam score.

When it comes to nutrition, discipline is rewarded on the SAT Test. What you eat – particularly during the exam – can influence your SAT Test score dramatically. CATES sees this in action all the time. Through our experience in running mock-tests every weekend for years, we have found that most students tend to run out of gas on sections 6, 7, and 8 of the SAT exam. These same students pick it back up in section 9 and 10 of the SAT Test because they feel the conclusion of the test coming and get rewarded by their bodies with an adrenaline rush. So, how do you get over the hump? If you eat a healthy snack at the first break of the exam, like a protein bar or banana, the energy will kick in about an hour later and carry you through sections 6, 7, and 8 of the SAT exam. Eating right and exercising allows you to perform at your optimum throughout the entire experience of the SAT exam.

<p>For more information on this check out the September, 2009 issue of “absolutely!” at issuu.com/abmags/docs/abkaty_septoct09. It features an article on this topic by CATES CEO and Founder Chris Ajemian. </p>

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