College applications are just around the corner, and students are scrambling to take their standardized tests on time. Most think the SAT is the only testing option, but that is far from the truth. The majority of Hillsborough County students have never hearing of the ACT, also known as the “American College Testing.” The ACT is a multiple choice, paper-pencil test to measure your ability with other participants and is an alternative to the SAT. Although it sounds strikingly similar to the SAT, the ACT offers a variety of unique opportunities, unlike the SAT.
The most significant difference between the two is that the ACT comprises four sections, including reading, writing, math, and science, as opposed to the SAT’s three sections with an optional fourth section. With an additional section, testers will have more wiggle room to miss questions and, naturally, more questions to answer. Moreover, by introducing the fourth section, science, students who are less competent writers can avoid writing entirely. This means that science-oriented students will have an advantage by taking the ACT, but those with low testing stamina or who struggle with long tests may find the ACT more challenging.
On the other hand, similarly to the SAT, the ACT also allows students to retake the test an unlimited number of times so long as they pay, and those with testing accommodations can use them during both the SAT and ACT. Although Florida is an SAT state, with most seniors preferring the SAT, that does not mean the ACT is invalid. A study done by over 25 states says seniors like the ACT, and despite Florida not being one of them, in-state colleges will still accept and evaluate your ACT score the same as they would the SAT.
Many students need to be made aware of the testing opportunities that the ACT can provide over the SAT. Traditional testing is only for some, and it’s okay; taking the ACT does not make you different academically or socially from your peers, and it can often be easy or more challenging for other students.
