SAT vs. ACT – How Do You Decide?

Hi Lee,

I have listened to your lessons on the different high school tests, but I still cannot decide which one to choose for my daughter. She is using the Kaplan SAT prep software this year, and while she had no trouble with reading and writing, she can’t remember how to do the simplest math equations. She has always struggled with both math and science, so I can’t just have her take ACT. Any suggestions?

~Bev

Hi Bev,
Yes, I do have a suggestion.  Have her take a sample test in SAT and in ACT, and see which one she scores best in.  Otherwise we’re just GUESSING.  Statistically, 1/3 do better on one or the other, and it’s not always the test you think is the best.  So I would ABSOLUTELY try both tests at home first, before you decide.

You can get sample tests online, www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org.  You can also go to the library and check out an SAT and ACT book, and take the test in those.  I believe the librarian may actually make copies for you of the tests (I’ve been told they can do that, anyway.) Each test is about 3 hours long, and I know it’s a total pain to do it, but it’s SO worth it!

I just heard from a subscriber that her daughter got a full scholarship PLUS room and board, PLUS books and expenses, PLUS a $600 stipend to attend her first choice college.  The mom said she was thankful for my help, so I asked her what was the most helpful thing I did.  She credited my advice on sampling both tests.  She said she would have NEVER guessed that her daughter would do better on the ACT, and it totally didn’t make sense to her.  But she tried my advice and pre-tested her daughter, and had her take the ACT instead.  Not to over-state things, but it saved her gagillions of dollars for college.

Even if your child doesn’t test well, she’ll likely do worse on one of the tests, so it can still save you money.  You don’t know unless you try.  If your daughter balks, you can give her a no-school day as a reward for taking the test, or bribe her with money.  Whatever it takes, I think it’s a good idea.

Curious how to prepare your homeschoolers for college?  Check out my Dig Deeper page and learn more.

Related posts

• Homeschool Honor Societies - Legitimate Offer or Junk Mail?
• Homeschool High School: GRAMMAR - To Teach, or Not to Teach?
• Should I List Colleges on the SAT/ACT?
• "Out of the Box" Scholarships
• Should I Choose the SAT or ACT for my Homeschooler?
• Keeping Your College Options Open
• SAT vs. ACT - Let's Review
• What documentation does my homeschooler need?
• To ACT or SAT, That is the Question!
• Study Guides for the SAT and ACT