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Should I take the SAT, ACT, or Both?

11/23/2014

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Though both the SAT and the ACT help colleges assess your academic accomplishments, the two tests are structured a bit differently from each other. The ACT measures scholastic proficiency in English, mathematics, reading, and science, while the SAT focuses on logic and reasoning in math, critical reading and writing tests. The ACT has an optional essay question, whereas the SAT has a mandatory essay question.

As expected, the tests have their own scoring methods. The ACT awards up to 36 points for a given section and the SAT awards points up to 800 per section. The SAT also subtracts partial points for incorrect answers, and the ACT does not.
Whether a student'’s standardized test score is considered good will depend on the caliber of schools that he or she applies to. A good overall score at one school may not even be in the middle fifty percentile of the incoming freshman class at another school. It's a good idea to research the scores at the colleges you're interested in attending to determine whether or not you need to up your scores. Refer to the resources tab of this website for links to free online and fee based SAT/ACT study prep courses.

The SAT is given seven times each year and is typically held on a Saturday morning. All students set on taking the SAT must register with The College Board.  Registration for the SAT can be done online at www.collegeboard.com.

The upcoming SAT test dates are as follows:
•    January 24th, 2015
•    March 14th, 2015
•    May 2nd, 2015
•    June 6th, 2015

Depending on the state, the ACT Test is given about six times a year, also on a Saturday morning. In order to register, it is recommended to create an ACT student account online through the official ACT Web site. This site allows students to select a test time, test center, and pay for exam fees with a credit card.

The upcoming ACT test dates are as follows:
•    February 7, 2015
•    April 18, 2015
•    June 13, 2015

Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take? It’s really all about the numbers. The majority of students will score higher on one exam. In lieu of a crystal ball, Ivy League Wealth Strategies offers a SAT/ACT diagnostic exam & report. A test designed to help you determine which test is better fit with your abilities.

The SAT/ACT Diagnostic
• Identifies whether you’re stronger on the SAT or the ACT
• Gives you first-hand experience on both exams
• Is the first step to successful prep

The SAT/ACT Analytics Report
• Provides side-by-side comparison of SAT and ACT performance
• Pinpoints the topics and concepts that need attention
• Helps to create a road map for excelling on the actual exams

Contact Ivy League College Planning Strategies, Inc. for additional information or to schedule your diagnostic exam.


Adjusting To College Life.

Nearly every college freshman encounters a few surprises as they adjust to college life. Understanding the most common challenges can make the transition to college life go more smoothly for both students and their parents. Some common freshmen challenges include:

Academics. Even strong students can be blind-sided by college academics. Classes are often more demanding than high school classes, and may require new skills and approaches. Unlike high school teachers, college professors won’t check that you’re keeping up with the workload. How to cope: The course syllabus is your best friend; before each class, make sure you’ve completed the reading for that day. Don’t skip classes! If you’re struggling with the course work, get help earlier, rather than later. For parents: If your child seems to be struggling, suggest that he or she talk to the professor during office hours. The college’s tutoring and writing centers can also help students ad-just to the academic demands of college.

Time management. In college, how you spend your time is up to you. That sounds great, until you realize just how hard it can be to balance studying, socializing, and juggling new responsibilities like a job or doing your own laundry. How to cope: Your first three priorities should always be attending classes, study time (allow three hours for every hour you’re in class), and taking care of your health (i.e., sleeping, eating, and exercising). Get a personal planner and block out time for those priorities first, then figure out how much time you have left over for socializing. For parents: Making mistakes man-aging time is part of the college learning experience.

New people. Most freshmen look forward to meeting new people in college, but being surrounded by strangers can also take some adjustment. New friends may have different ideas about behavior and relationships than your family and friends back home. Rooming with a stranger (or strangers) can also be a challenge. How to cope: The first few weeks of college are usually a social whirlwind. Remember that strong friendships need time to develop. Roommates don’t always end up being best friends; try to talk out any issues that crop up with your roommate as soon as possible. For parents: Before your child leaves for college, discuss how to stay safe on campus, and where to get help should they encounter challenges.

Homesickness. No matter how excited you are about college, it’s normal to have moments where you miss home, your family, or your friends. Adjusting to a new environment and being surrounded by new people can feel overwhelming at times and make you long for familiarity. How to handle it: When homesickness hits, don’t panic. A phone call to family or friends can help, as can talking to others in your dorm or classes. Chances are you’re not the only person feeling home-sick. For parents: Freshmen homesickness usually passes quickly. The best way to help is to be there to listen and suggest ways that your child can connect with others on campus.

Michael Rappa Rocklin CA
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    Author

    Michael Rappa is a nationally recognized college-funding expert, and a Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) through the National Institute of Certified College Planners (NICCP). He is the president and founder of Ivy League Wealth Strategies, a fee based full service college and financial consulting firm covering all aspects of the college application and funding process. Since starting his local college funding practice, he has helped hundreds of parents send their children to college without spending their life’s savings or jeopardizing other important financial goals like a secure retirement. He is a firm believer that any parent, regardless of their background or financial circumstances, can send their child to college if they know how to play the financial aid game properly.

    He has earned the designation of Chartered Financial Consultant, ChFC® and Charter Life Underwriter, CLU®  Additionally, he earned his certification with
    distinction as an Independent Educational Consultant from UCLA. He is a member of the National College Advocacy Group

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