Each year students have to decide which standardized tests they will take, including the SAT and the ACT which are both supposed to be used to measure college readiness. With more colleges going to test optional students are tasked with figuring out if taking these tests is right for them, more specifically which test they should take.
When deciding on which test to take or if a student will even take either test is not the same for everyone. There are different ways that people will determine whether either test is right for them.
“I usually recommend students to try both and see which one you prefer,” said Lisa Wood, Career Center Specialist. “If you take the PSAT and did well on it maybe continue preparing for the SAT and work on getting your highest score possible.”
Each test has a different format that could possibly persuade students to take that particular test. The SAT tests reading and writing skills while also having a section dedicated to testing a student’s math skills. The ACT tests English, math, reading and science. The amount of time allotted for each of the tests varies too. The ACT lasts two hours and fifty-five minutes while the SAT is even longer and lasts for a total of 3 hours and fifteen minutes.
There is also the possibility of taking both tests if the student wants to take this approach to taking their tests.
“I think if you take one and then you’re satisfied with your score then you can go with that,” said Susan Nigro, English teacher. “I think if you have the money to take both of them it doesn’t hurt to take both of them and see how you do.”
No matter if someone decides to take one, both or none of the tests, this decision is not an easy one and no one answer will solve everyone’s problems. This is an individual decision that needs to be made based on whatever the situation is for each student.
