Traditionally, students on the east and west coasts have more commonly taken the SAT while those in the rest of the country have taken the ACT. Since the SAT revision in 2005, the ACT has received more attention nationwide, and many students opt to take the ACT instead of the SAT.

What content does the ACT cover?
How is the ACT scored?
What are the differences between the ACT and SAT?
Is the ACT easier than the SAT?
Should my student take the ACT or the SAT or both?
How do the Eastern colleges regard the ACT?
When should my student start ACT tutoring?
When are the ACT test dates, and how does one register?

What content does the ACT cover? The ACT consists of four multiple-choice sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional essay. The English section contains questions about grammar and rhetoric. Math includes topics through Algebra II with some elementary trigonometry. There are reading passages with comprehension questions in the Reading section. The Science section is usually the least familiar for students, and the name is slightly misleading. The Science section does not require prior knowledge of scientific facts or content, rather it asks students to understand descriptions of various experiments. Students read tables, charts, and brief descriptions of a variety of experiments and answer questions based on the provided information.

How is the ACT scored? The multiple choice sections each receive individual scores on a scale of 1 to 36. This scaled score is converted from a "raw score," which is the number of questions answered correctly in a section. Unlike the SAT, there is no penalty for answering a question incorrectly on the ACT. The ACT Composite score is an average of the subscores by section.

Students who take the ACT with Writing will receive a separate essay score on a scale of 2-12. The essay score does not affect the Composite score, however a separate Writing plus essay subscore is listed on the score report.

What are the differences between the ACT and SAT? With the changes in the SAT, the two exams have become more similar in approach, although a number of differences still exist. For example, the SAT's essay is mandatory, while the ACT has an optional essay. The ACT includes a science reasoning section, and the SAT does not. The SAT consists of multiple, short sections that switch between topics, whereas the ACT tests each content area once in a series of longer sections.

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? No, the two tests are simply different. The SAT is less predictable and requires students to shift quickly between subject areas. There is also a penalty for guessing. The ACT follows a more predictable format, but each section is longer, and many students have trouble finishing sections within the allotted time. Some students score better on one exam or the other, but this has more to do with the student than with level of difficulty. Whichever the case, we've seen marked improvement in our students' scores through preparation and by customizing strategies to each individual exam.

Should my student take the ACT or the SAT or both? Every student is different. Some strongly prefer one test to the other whereas others would like to take both. At Inspirica, we recommend that students who are unsure of which test to take try both in our offices prior to tutoring. We advocate focused tutoring programs so that students don't jump back and forth between exams and confuse strategies.

In addition to student preference, it is also important to consider application requirements for the colleges on your student's list. Some colleges accept the ACT with Writing in place of the SAT and two Subject Tests, so it's possible that your student will only have to take one exam. If multiple Subject Tests are required, it will be important to create a testing plan in advance to balance between required exams. Our educational consultants would be happy to advise you on finding the right combination of tests for your student.

How do the Eastern colleges regard the ACT? Since the "new" SAT was released in 2005, East Coast colleges have become much more accepting of the ACT. For most, the two tests are interchangeable. Check directly with the colleges for specific testing requirements.

When should my student start ACT tutoring? With all of the tests your child may take in high school—the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, APs, and so on—it is critical to have a game plan, and the earlier it is established, the better. In general, students begin to prepare for the ACT after their sophomore year; however the exact time will depend on your student's individual academic and extracurricular schedule. Some SAT Subject Tests are given as early as ninth grade, so that's the best time to contact us, but no matter when you call, one of our educational consultants would be happy to set up a personalized testing plan for your student.

When are the ACT test dates, and how does one register?

Test Dates	Registration	Late Registration
February 6, 2010* April 10, 2010 June 12, 2010	January 5, 2010 March 5, 2010 May 7, 2010	January 15, 2010 March 19, 2010 May 21, 2010

You can register for the ACT online at the ACT's website.

*The February 6th ACT is not administered in the state of NY.