Archives - Education: Page 16
Author: Thrty2Mars (Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:15 am)
Title: SAT Versus the ACT
In recent years, the two standardized tests have dueled for college-bound student's attention. The SAT has long been the favorite child in this scenario -until now. With recent testing dilemmas, scoring mistakes, and overall exhaustion from the grueling test, students and schools are switching gears. The ACT recorded 1.2 million test takers last year, compared to the SAT's 1.5. This is the closest the two have ever been, and many believe the gap will only continue to close. The SAT has been fraught with complications, and despite new modifications to the testing process, parents and students aren't impressed. Many say that the test takes too long and is too hard on the takers. Many schools have recorded a significant drop in overall performance averages since the changes were made. This has left the door wide open for the ACT to move in. Some colleges are now placing less emphasis on SAT scores for admission, and have been suggesting the ACT equivalent instead.
I personally enjoyed the ACT more when I took them both in high school. The ACT is more applicable to the subjects I learned in school. Although it is a faster paced test, it proves to be a worthy opponent for the all mighty SAT.