October 4, 2012

A Counselor’s Quick Guide to Test Prep: The ACT

Oct. 4, 2012 at 01:48 PM | By Crystal Nikish | Comment Count

For the first time in standardized test history, the ACT test has overtaken the SAT in popularity, by a margin of fewer than 2,000 students in 2012. Along with more states adopting this standardized test as a replacement for or supplement to high school exit exams, there’s more reason than ever to understand the ACT test and why your students should take it.

ACT: What is it?

The ACT is a national college admissions test that is made up of four sections, English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, plus an optional Writing component.

215 multiple-choice questions
3 hours and 30 minute time limit
Administered six times a year within the US
Accepted by all four-year colleges and universities
Score reports sent to up to four colleges of the student’s choice

How is it different from the SAT?

While the SAT is considered a reasoning or aptitude test, the ACT is considered an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in high school. For this reason, the SAT has a penalty for wrong answers to discourage guessing. The ACT on the other hand, is scored based on correct answers and doesn’t penalize for guessing. Another important difference is that students may choose which portion(s) of their ACT score is sent to the colleges of their choice: all four plus the average composite, or only certain subjects.

How do students decide which to take?

Which test to take is really a matter of preference. Taking both SAT and ACT practice tests may help your students decide which format they prefer. Students that are good at high school tests are probably better off with the ACT, but it has a tighter time limit per question and may not be good for those that don’t handle stressful testing situations well.

No matter which test your students decide to take, it’s important to remind them to start prepping early! Preparation for either test should begin at least several months before test day, whether the classroom is on-site or online. However, if your students come down to the wire, some online programs will adapt the lesson plan schedule to fit each student’s test date.