Brought to you by Scientia Education.

Most US universities require applicants to take the ACT or SAT, tests designed to assess how prepared you are. While both test reading, writing, math and data analysis skills, they are different. Choosing the right one can make a big difference.

US universities look at your IB, A Levels or AP exams, as well as your ACT or SAT scores when deciding who to accept. Depending on the university, ACT and SAT scores can account for as much as 50% of an admission decision. This is partly because these scores are readily comparable with those of millions of others who take these tests.

Which test should I choose?

Because universities accept both tests, it is important to choose the one that suits you the best. The one where you have a comparative advantage.

Both tests cover the same material but differ in important ways. The ACT has a science section while the SAT does not, and the SAT has a maths section where you cannot use a calculator, while the ACT allows a calculator throughout.

Both tests offer optional essay sections. The essays are different, but of similar difficulty. There are strategies you can learn to do well at both. It is also important to check if the universities you are applying to require you to complete the optional essay section.

The ACT science section does not test your science knowledge. Instead it tests your ability to interpret data from charts, tables, figures and graphs.

ACT’s math section tests slightly more complex material, such as trigonometry and matrices.

In addition, SAT gives a little more time, while ACT has more time pressure.

The best way to decide is take a practice test.

When should you start preparing for the tests?

Most take the test at least twice, so you should aim to take your first official ACT or SAT in the fall of your penultimate school year. This will give you time to retake the test in the spring, and if you still need a higher score, take the test one last time in the fall of your final year.

If you get the score your need on the first test, you will be free in your final year to work on your university applications. In addition, you won’t have to split your study time between the ACT/SAT and your AP, A Level, or IB exams. So, ideally, if you are already at secondary school, you should start thinking about your plans now.

Forward planning and allowing plenty of time to prepare is the best way to get into the university of choice and avoid last minute panic.

Brought to you by Scientia Education.

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