Which would be better in my situation ACT or SAT?

Question

I have not been in school in about 2 years, I got my G.E.D., From taking the T.H.E.A. (which is a Texas college entrance exam) I learned that my math schools are very poor, Basically I dont think I know much past basic algebra if much of that. I'm trying to decide which entrance exam I should take the ACT or SAT, I didn't get past algebra in high school because I was in a time of my life where making bad decisions was a bit of a habit. I dropped out in 10th grade and got my G.E.D., which test would be better in my situation because I have to admit im pretty far behind in math and from not being in school for so long I cannot remember alot of stuff I was taught in school.

Answer 1

Here are the basic facts:
the ACT math includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry.
the SAT math includes arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

Clearly, subject-wise, the SAT math is easier. However, there are wrong answer penalties on the SATs, and there are other reasons why the ACT is a much more "friendly" test. Give yourself a favor, take a free practice test from Kaplan. It's just like the "real thing", so you'll know what kind of scores you can expect. If your scores aren't where you want them to be, you can improve them by studying with a book, and online course, a class or, best of all worlds, a private tutor. The fist step, however, is to see if any of your target schools do NOT accept the ACT, and to find out the median scores for those schools. That way, you'll know where you need to be!
Good luck!

Answer 2

The math portion in the SATs or the ACT are not very difficult. Buy a good prep book and brush up on your math skills. Just read the math sections (I recommend the SAT official book by collegeboard) and see if you can remember a little bit. You'll definitely need them for either test.

Still, I think the ACT is much easier. So, if you're gonna take one, take the ACT. I've done practices on both, and I found that the ACT Math is slightly easier. The SAT math is very wordy.

Good luck with your preparations.

Answer 3

I suggest you get tutoring or take some classes before taking either test. Another thing to consider is the nature of the tests. On the ACT test, guessing is a plus. You at least have a chance to get the right answer. On the SAT test, guessing is BAD, very bad. If you get the wrong answer you are penalized worse than submitting no answer. You get points for good answers though. Also, SAT tends to be more verbal. I didn't take it. I took it's prep test, the PSAT.
Really, you should brush up before taking either test. Another alternative: some schools offer practice tests. You can take a practice or old version of the test and see how you do before taking a test which goes on your academic record.

Answer 4

Both tests have a math portion, I think they are both pretty similar. There are some logic questions, some algebra, some geometry and some more advanced. You should brush up on your algebra (solving basic equations at least). I would recommend you pick up a book with some practice tests so you can determine which is best and what you need to improve on.

Answer 5

I too have heard that the ACT is easier than the SAT regarding math. As another responder indicated, a prep course is a good idea. Also you might consider a community or other 2 year college which usually doesn't require those tests and is a nice (and cheap) way to ease into college.

Answer 6

Well, there is math on both tests but I'd say the ACT was easier. Look into a study guide and take a class if you're serious about doing well on it. Colleges in the midwest readily take ACT scores. It's mostly East Coast schools that take SAT scores.