what should i take the sat or the act and why?

Answer 1

You are required to take the ACT if you are going to go to college. It is not an option. As for the SAT, it depends on where you are going to attend. Some universities require it, others don't.

Answer 2

wow that's a biggie. actually the sat is the most commonly taken test; however, over the last few years, it has come under fire first for being antiquated and secondly, for being way too long. you are penalized for guessing and well - it's just really a wringer. all of your scores are always reported, so there is no hiding a bad day.

the act is becoming more and more popular. almost every college now accepts act scores instead of or in addition to the sat scores. the good thing about the act is that it is scored out of 36 points. it has four distinct and modern sets of questions. also, you can average your scores seperately from different sittings of the test so that you submit your highest score in any one area. (take it twice and do better in math on one than the other? or flunk the english section one time bc of a headache, but do great next? take each of the good scores from each test and voila!) plus you are not penalized for guessing! you correct answers are what count - wrong answers do not count against you like in the sat.

i personally prefer the act as i believe it is a better test of what you actually know instead of how long you can sit without going crazy. the sat is around 6 hours now i think? (i may be wrong.) the act is just over 3.

Answer 3

The ACT is the test that is generally used in the Midwest and the SAT is generally used on the coasts. If you are applying to universities from all over the U.S., you might want to check into what tests they prefer. Universities use these tests as ONE way to evaluate students' capability of doing well in college. Even if you don't plan on attending college right now, it is still a good idea to take one of these tests now (assuming you're still in high school?) In five or ten years, you might decide you want to go to college after all, and having already taken the test (while the material it tests is fresh in your mind) will make the admissions process easier.

Answer 4

Colleges and university have standards they attempt to maintain in order to get students that will be able to their level of education. They don't want to allow a low IQ student in class then have them fail and drop out of school. Instead they set scoring standards on tests called the SAT or ACT that match with their university's intelligent level.

For example: if you want to go to a local community college, you could score a 700-800 on the SAT and be accepted to community college. If you wanted to go to a regular college, you'd need to score an 800 or better to get in. If you scored lower they may allow you to be on probation.

If you wanted to go to a good university, you'd have to score a 900-1000 to be accepted without probation. If you wanted to go to a great university, if you don't score a 1200 or better, you're most likely not getting in unless you're a jock and can play sports on scholarship.

If you wanted to go to an Ivy League school in the north like Harvard or Princeton, you'd have to score a minimum of 1300 to even be considered.

Many people, especially minorities, say these test are racially bias and should not be given. I'm not her to debate that topic. I am saying that in the real world, these tests are a requirement.

My neighbor was a high school senior who made the All-State Basketball Team. He was a 6-9, 280lb forward. A great player. Many fine universities wanted him to attend their school. He scored a 780 on the SAT. Most schools wouldn't touch him. He finally had to settle for a two year scholarship to a junior college. After one year he dropped out of school cause it was too hard and today he works as a delivery man for UPS.

See what I mean?

TX Guy

Answer 5

Take the SAT if you plan to go to college. I got 2 perfect scores in math and reading, but my writing score was only 720, for a total of 2320. I only read this SAT guide, and that is how I got such high scores:
http://www.guideparadise.com/index.php?option=com_guides&task=buy&id=6
I recommend this guide to anyone seeking to get a higher score to get into a first choice college.

Answer 6

BOTH.

1) it is good practice.
2) it allows you to find your areas of weakness and study that area for the other test,
3) Different colleges require one or the other, generally

If you absolutely can not take both, pick a preferred college NOW, and take the test they require.

Answer 7

act helps u get into a college depending on your score sat just basically help u graduate high school. ask your counselor at school which is best 4 u.

Answer 8

If possible, take both. Different colleges prefer different tests, so if you take both you prove that you're serious about your education and improve your odds of getting into the college you prefer.

If you have to pick just one, find out which one the college you prefer to attend accepts and take that one.

Answer 9

If you know which schools you are considering, you could call and ask them which test they require. Why not take both tests, and keep your options open?

Answer 10

Both...never hurts to cover your bases.