ACT vs. SAT

08/23/2019
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SAT vs. ACT 
Each year many parents seem to wonder about the differences between the SAT and the ACT and which test is best for their student.  In the past, the tests have been different enough to warrant serious consideration (see below).
Source: bachelordegreefacts.com

Act-vs-SAT

However, the 2016 changes to the SAT and the fact that the two tests have become more similar than dissimilar may reduce the anxiety level among parents (see below).
Irrespective of test differences or even of one’s testing preference, the need for an early diagnostic testing process is often used to develop an individualized student plan.  These plans are an effective and efficient way to focus on areas of strength as well as areas of opportunity.
In most (but not all) cases, educational companies use this prescriptive approach when working with students.   This process requires information in advance of the tutoring program which allows for a certain level of personalization.   This information generally comes in the form of a diagnostic assessment which, in turn, generates a gap-analysis report.
A review of the gap-analysis facilitates the eventual tutor-match;  it is this prescriptive and highly personalized process which allows private tutoring companies  to stand apart from big-box test prep.
Going a step further, an assessment that could compare student results between the SAT and the ACT  would be a logical place to develop a student’s study plan.  In the interest of transparency, we offer such an assessment.

However, although a comparative diagnostic makes sense,  it is arguable that past student behavior will persist and possibly make the need moot for about 1/2 of all students.   The reasoning?  Well, it is likely that 40% – 47% of high school students will opt to take both the SAT and the ACT (NY Times, 2013) anyhow.  In fact, a recent survey (Money Magazine) concludes that about 43% of students will do just that.

This may make planning a little more clear cut. In terms of test prep strategy, one can take a full length SAT and a full length ACT and compare scores using a concordance table and, from there, create a prescriptive study plan.  Or,  if time is a concern, a Comparison Test may make more sense.

If you are among the 40-47% of students that plan to take both tests, use score choice & super-scoring,  the two tests are similar enough accommodate a one test focus as long as a little supplemental work is done for the other.