By: Alonzo Clark

            During the fall and spring months of school, seniors and juniors who have chosen the ‘college prep’ pathway should take the initiative to brave one of two high-stakes tests; the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT).  To prepare for the exams, students can use study guides to exercise the mind with math or grammar problems, helping them avoid being a Joe Blogger, (a student who performs below average on tests).  To avoid being a Joe Blogger (no offense to anyone actually named Joe Blogger), one should begin studying for the test several before the actual date.

    Much like adequate preparation is important, so is deciding which test to take;  the SAT, ACT, or both?  Before deciding, consider which test is more suitable to your skill set.   Is science your strongest point?  Does your university of choice require one test and not the other?   Take a glance at the positives and negatives for each test and send a comment, especially if you have already experienced the SAT or ACT.

                                                                                                                     SAT                                                       ACT

 Costs less                                                                                                                                                                     +         

 Accepts fee waivers                                                                               +

 Shorter length                                                                                                                                                            +

 Made through www.collegeboard.com                                         +

 No deductions for wrong answers                                                                                                                     +                                       

 No deduction for not answering a question                                 +                                                               +

 Has science portion                                                                                                                                                 +

 Has subject-specific tests available                                                  +

 Historically, females score much better than males                                                                                   +

 Highest score possible is 32                                                                                                                                   +

 Highest score possible is 2400                                                            +

 More widely known and acknowledged by universities            +