SAT and ACT ePrep - 5 Things You Need to Know to Prepare for Your Tests
Jan 10, 2022Do you study better from a digital device than you do from paper? If so, ACT eprep or online SAT prep classes may be the right study solution for you! As you prepare for college, the SAT and ACT tests are instrumental in your college admissions process. Here are five things to know to help you prepare for college admissions tests.
What is the Difference Between the SAT and the ACT?
The SAT and the ACT were once very different tests that served a similar purpose. However, since 2016, they are actually very similar. Both tests are used for college prep as a way for colleges to gauge the probability of your success. At a base level, the biggest difference between them is how they are scored, however, there are differences in structure and critical testing elements as well.
Differences between the SAT and the ACT include the following:
Time Frame:
○ ACT Time Frame: three hours and 35 minutes
○ SAT Time Frame: three hours and 50 minutes
● Subjects: Both tests cover reading, writing, comprehension, problem-solving, and math,
however, each test has a unique format.
○ ACT subjects: reading and writing are combined into one section ("English"), and the test has an additional science section.
○ SAT subjects: reading asks for evidence-based answers, and math has two sections that account for almost half of the total score.
● Allowances:
○ ACT Allowances: allows a calculator for all math.
○ SAT Allowances: allows a calculator for only one math section but also provides a reference section for common mathematical formulas.
● Scoring: While both tests consider the number of correct answers as the metric for
scoring and are weighted, the actual results differ.
○ ACT Scoring: each section is scored using the averages on a scale from 1-36.
○ SAT Scoring: each section is scored using the averages on a scale from 200-400
totaling scores between 400-1600.
What to Expect on the SAT
The SAT is designed to test students' critical skills and comprehension in college-level courses and inform college admissions offices during the application process. The United States has been using the SAT for college admissions since 1926. However, it is constantly revised to maintain current metrics in the education field.
The SAT takes a total of three hours with 50 minutes for an optional essay. The SAT subjects are broken down to 65 minutes for reading, 35 minutes for writing and language, 25 minutes for math without a calculator, 55 minutes for math with a calculator, and 50 minutes for the optional essay. Each section has a defined number of questions with 52 reading questions, 44 writing and language questions, 20 math questions without a calculator, 38 math questions for math with a calculator, and one essay question.
The SAT offers an optional essay section that students can choose to spend an extra 50 minutes to complete. The essay is not necessary for college admissions, however, certain schools require it. Check with the schools you are interested in before taking a pass on the essay. The SAT focuses on analyzing a given prompt without the use of personal opinion.
What to Expect on the ACT
The ACT is designed to test critical thinking skills and comprehension to determine students' preparation for college. Even with a shorter history beginning in 1959, the ACT leads the industry with innovation. The ACT was the first test to make the essay optional, which is not standard. In addition, the ACT is expected to be the first college admissions test that can be taken online.
The ACT takes a total of two hours and 55 minutes with 40 minutes for an optional essay. The ACT subjects are broken down into 45 minutes for English, 60 minutes for math, 35 minutes for reading, 35 minutes for science, and 40 minutes for the optional essay. Each section has a defined number of questions with 75 questions for English, 60 questions for math, 40 questions for reading, 40 questions for science, and one essay question.
The ACT offers an optional essay section that students can choose to spend an extra 40 minutes to complete. The essay is unnecessary for college admissions, however, certain schools may prefer it. Check with the schools you are interested in before taking a pass on the essay. Contrary to the SAT, the ACT focuses on analyzing a given prompt with the use of personal opinion.
Online Prep: SAT
Can you prepare for the SAT online? Absolutely! Online SAT prep classes are available for students who want an interactive preparation option rather than digging through books. SAT online prep courses will provide instructional videos, practice test materials and drills, and personalized study plans and feedback. In addition, some courses may provide informative feedback reports that will help you determine if you are ready to schedule your test!
Online Prep: ACT
So what is ACT prep, and how can it help you prepare for the ACT? ACT eprep uses online resources to study and prepare for the ACT. There are several ACT online prep courses that offer tools to succeed. ACT online prep courses may include coaching from professional test prep experts, answer explanations, and ACT eprep course materials and strategies. In addition, some courses provide coaching on the best test dates that are ideal for your level.
The bottom line is that preparation is vital. Please educate yourself on what the colleges. are looking for and what their expectations are going into the test. ACT eprep and SAT online prep courses are a great way to get the practice you need to gauge your potential success and areas that need improvement. Speak with a college counselor or college consultant to determine the best online courses for you.
Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash
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