What makes the ACT so Intimidating?
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The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized college admissions test that has become the most widely taken exam in the United States, surpassing the SAT in popularity. Students take the ACT for three primary reasons: college admissions requirements, merit-based scholarship opportunities, and job applications in consulting and finance sectors.
Key reasons students choose the ACT over the SAT:
More approachable content: Tests material already taught in high school curriculum
Less math-focused: Only 1 math section vs. SAT's 2 sections, benefiting students stronger in reading/grammar
Reading-heavy format: Includes Reading Comprehension, English (grammar), and Science (data interpretation) sections
Simpler essay: Personal argument on current events vs. SAT's rhetorical analysis requirement
More generous timing: Less time pressure per question compared to SAT
What is the ACT Science section? The Science section is not a traditional science test—it's a reading comprehension assessment testing your ability to interpret charts, graphs, and data. No prior science knowledge is required.
ACT vs. SAT choice: Students stronger in reading comprehension and grammar typically perform better on the ACT. Students stronger in math may prefer the SAT. Colleges accept either test equally, and you choose which score to submit during applications.
WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE STANDARDIZED TESTS
There are three main reasons why students take the ACT or any standardized exam. One, most colleges ask for a standardized test score during the admission process. Whether you submit your SAT or ACT score during the admission process is entirely up to you. Two, you might also get a scholarship based on your performance on this test. Many scholarships are awarded based on PSAT scores or even ACT scores. It’s important to figure out which scholarships are merit-based. Three, even some jobs, for example in consulting or finance sectors, ask for your ACT score.
WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THE ACT
It is considered to be the more approachable exam. The ACT tests a lot of what you are already being taught in school in an approachable manner.
WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THE ACT OVER THE SAT
Many students who are stronger at the reading comprehension and grammar portions of the exam opt to take the ACT. The ACT only has 1 math section, so students who are less adept at math prefer it. Students who are stronger at reading and grammar prefer it because there is reading comprehension, a grammar section, and a science section which is also a reading section. The essay is also a personal argument over current events while the SAT essay is a literal analysis of a speech using rhetorical devices that must be analyzed.
STRICT TIME CONSTRAINTS
Although many students think there are strict time constraints on the exam, the ACT has far more generous time constraints than the SAT.
THE DREADED SCIENCE SECTION
Many students are really intimidated by the dreaded Science Section. However, the science section on the ACT is another reading comprehension section that tests your ability to read charts, graphs, and unfamiliar data. There is no prior knowledge of science needed.
PRESSURE IS HIGH
The stakes are always high with any standardized test because they weigh heavily in the college admissions process. But, many consider the ACT the more approachable of the tests because it tests a lot of what you already know whereas the SAT tests your critical thinking skills!
