Should I Take The ACT Or SAT?
Sophomores and juniors in Colorado high schools must prepare one way or another for the ACT or SAT exams. As of 2015, the state of Colorado requires juniors to take the SAT whether they are planning on attending college or not. However, this was not always the case. In prior years, students were required to take the ACT as a junior but this changed after a hard fight with testing reform legislation. Although high school students living in Parker and Highlands Ranch are required to take the SAT now, you should consider also taking the ACT. Depending on your academic strengths and weaknesses, one test may be better suited for you. The scores students receive substantially impact their college careers by determining their entry into specific schools. Mindfish knows that colleges seek out students with positive attitudes, an incredible work ethic, and of course excellent test scores. Allow the team at Mindfish to guide you through a detailed test scenario with both exams and then analyze which exam may be more beneficial for you as a student.
Inspiring Students in Niwot & Arvada Harness Key Strengths
The first factor you should consider when deciding whether the ACT or SAT is better suited for you are your academic strong suits. The two exams contain many differences by testing varying subjects. Students living in Broomfield and Erie who feel they have stronger skills in reading and writing should think about taking the ACT as it has a higher reward rate for those skills. A student who is strong in math should consider taking the SAT as it provides a better opportunity for students to display those skills.
The SAT claims to ask science-related questions, but the reality is that those “scientific” questions are actually testing comprehension skills. This is one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to the SAT. Questions on the SAT exam that mention any scientific theory or concept are obliged to provide that information within the passage. Feeling confident in science subjects is certainly an advantage, but not specifically for the SAT.
Tutoring Students in Lakewood & Centennial Overcome Weaknesses
While reviewing your academic strengths is gratifying, Mindfish feels it is equally significant to evaluate your weaknesses. When deciding which test to take, analyzing your shortcomings can help. If you don’t feel comfortable in mathematics, the ACT is a better option for you. Although the ACT still asks math-related questions, the math is on a more fundamental level, which you can more quickly brush up on your skills. The math offered on the SAT examination mirrors a higher level of mathematics with deeper concepts and more intense work featuring portions with and without a calculator. At any one of Mindfish’s 5 offices, we recommend that students from Englewood and Greenwood Village with weaker math skills take the ACT to show off strong reading and writing skills while students who are more experienced in math should take the SAT to verify that.
Include Your Situation Into The Decision
It isn’t always up to the student’s academic abilities when choosing between the ACT or SAT. Mindfish understands that students and families from Superior and Longmont, come from all different backgrounds and that some may have more challenges to face than others. If you struggle with time management on tests, you are not alone. Denver or Boulder-based high school students in this position tend to favor the SAT for that exact reason. The SAT allows students more time to answer fewer questions, during the reading section. In comparison to the ACT’s reading portion, the SAT offers a greater opportunity of finishing for those who struggle with time. Acquiring test time management, especially as a young high school student, is difficult and calls for months of practice.
While the SAT is required and paid for in the state of Colorado, it is said that many schools will waive the SAT requirements and allow the student to take the ACT, if they choose, for no fees. Don’t waste your time or money by taking both tests. Find the one that better suits your academic level and take it because most colleges only require test scores from at least one exam. Do some research on your college of choice before opting for the ACT. Some schools still require SAT scores.