ACT, SAT have their advantages, disadvantages

Q. My son is wondering what are the main differences between the SAT and the ACT?

A. The major difference between the SAT and the ACT is that the SAT is an aptitude test that tests reasoning and logic, whereas the ACT is a curriculum-based test that is achievement oriented, meaning it tests what you have learned.

The ACT has four required sections: English, reading, math (through trigonometry) and science, along with an optional writing section. Although the writing section is optional, to be eligible for the University of California, you must take the writing section.

The SAT has three required sections: math (through algebra II), critical reading and writing. Although the writing section of the SAT is required, because it is a relatively new addition to the SAT, some colleges disregard it altogether, while others give it less weight than the math and critical reading sections.

Additionally, because the ACT has a science section and the SAT doesn't, your son may do better on one or the other depending on whether he is a good science student.

In my college counseling practice, I have found that many students like the ACT more than the SAT and score better on the ACT. According to the ACT Resource Manual, "The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead the questions on the ACT are directly related to what is taught in high school courses in English, mathematics and science.

"Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, students are generally more comfortable with the ACT than they are with aptitude tests or tests with narrower content."

However, some students score higher on the SAT. If your son has the time, I would recommend taking both the SAT and the ACT to see which one he scores higher on.

Like the SAT, students can take the ACT more than once to attempt to improve their score. Fifty-five percent of those students who took the ACT more than once improved their composite score on the retest. Twenty-two percent had no change in their composite score on the retest, and 23 percent decreased their score on the retest.

One nice aspect of the ACT is that unlike with the SAT, if your son takes the ACT more than once, he controls what scores are sent to colleges.

ACT maintains a separate record for each test date, and according to the resource manual, "If requested to send a report to a college, we will release only the record from the test date indicated. This protects students and ensures that they maintain control of their records."

On the other hand, if your son takes the SAT more than once, the report that is sent to colleges will include all scores. You can't send only your score from your highest sitting.

http://www.paloaltodailynews.com/article/2008-2-23-katz
Reprinted by permission, Palo Alto Daily News. Jason Katz ©2.23.2008 All rights reserved. This article may be printed for your personal use, but may not be reprinted in whole or in part in any publication or website without permission. www.jkatzcollegecounseling.com