By Patrick Fitz

A common experience among some of our test preparation and consulting students is that they study diligently for the SAT but are not ultimately able to increase their score beyond a certain range. No matter how hard they work or how many classes they attend, their scores plateau - often below their target. In this situation, we recommend students to consider the other standardized test on the market: the ACT.

My Experience

Looking back on my personal testing journey, it was fairly typical of those who switch between the exams. I had taken the SAT several times, studying from all of the prep materials out there, but I was never able to increase my score beyond a certain threshold. I had hit a wall. In the ACT, I discovered a test that was more suited to my particular strengths, as a student and as a test taker. After studying as dutifully for the ACT as I had for the SAT, I earned a perfect score of 36 on the exam.

For students who find themselves in a similar situation to me, I encourage them to consider the ACT as an alternative to the SAT.

Fast Facts

The ACT is scored out of 36, with the English, Reading, Math and Science sections each scored at 36 as well. The exam is accepted by all American universities, and most institutions publish information about the range of scores achieved by the middle 50% of accepted applicants. Students can use this information to determine the strength of their scores. For example, Stanford University’s middle 50% of admitted students scored between 31 - 35 on the ACT. Universities in the Ivy League - as well as those in the Ivy+ - maintain similar ranges. For comparison, Chapman University’s range of scores was 25 - 30.

SAT vs ACT

The main similarity between the SAT and the ACT is that they both test students’ knowledge in math and English language. Both expect students to be able to read prose passages and answer questions. Likewise, students must be able to edit passages for grammatical correctness and good style. A wide range of mathematical topics is assessed.

The differences may at first seem subtle, but are in fact noteworthy. The most obvious is time: the ACT tests a far greater number of questions in about the same amount of exam time, meaning that students have, on average, more time to answer questions on the SAT than they do on the ACT. Questions on the SAT tend to require more logic and analysis to answer, which is why more time is allowed.

Also, the ACT has an entire section devoted to Science, which tests students’ ability to analyze data presented both visually and in table form, as well as to evaluate experimental methods and results. No prior scholarship in the field is needed, but students with a background in science may find this section more manageable.

Which Exam is Best for Me?

An analogy we like to use at Hale is that both exams are like swimming pools. The SAT is a diving well: not very large across, but very deep. The exam tests fewer educational topics but poses questions on more material. In contrast, the ACT is like an Olympic lap pool: very large across, but not very deep. More topics are tested - especially on the math section - but not as many questions are asked about any particular topic.

One final consideration: on the SAT, the two math sections account for half of the final score, out of 1600. On the ACT, math counts for only one quarter toward 36. While admissions departments do consider subscores, students who are weaker in math will likely earn a better topline score on the ACT than on the SAT, holding constant their results in Reading and Writing.

My advice, and from all our consultants as well, is for all students both in Dubai and abroad to seriously consider the ACT.

- Hale Education Group