Why You Should Take the ACT®

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses why students should consider taking the ACT over the SAT. Despite the SAT's popularity, the ACT offers several advantages, including consistent test format, more abundant practice materials, and a clearer prep process. With the SAT transitioning to a fully digital format in the coming years, the ACT is positioned as a more reliable option for future test-takers. The speaker also highlights the ACT's straightforward nature, providing an easier path for students to improve their scores with dedicated effort. Overall, the ACT is recommended for students aiming for clarity, availability, and strategic preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ACT has a stable and predictable format, with minimal changes over time, making it easier to prepare for.
• 😀 While YouTube audiences may prefer the SAT, the ACT has a larger market share of test-takers in recent years.
• 😀 The SAT is undergoing a transition to a fully digital format, making it harder to predict and prepare for effectively.
• 😀 The ACT offers more practice materials, including real test forms, which makes studying more straightforward.
• 😀 The SAT has limited practice materials and lacks the depth of resources available for the ACT, making prep less clear.
• 😀 The ACT is more consistent in terms of content and structure, making it easier for experts to guide students in preparation.
• 😀 With the SAT’s new digital format and reduced release of information, there is less data available to help tutors and students prepare.
• 😀 The ACT test schedule is more flexible, with multiple test dates, including April, June, and July, which avoids conflicts with AP exams.
• 😀 The SAT’s test dates can conflict with other school commitments like AP exams and midterms, making the ACT a less stressful option.
• 😀 The ACT is considered more straightforward, especially in subjects like English and Science, making it easier for students to improve their scores through hard work.
• 😀 For many students, the ACT is easier to prepare for through self-study compared to the SAT, which requires more complex strategies and expert guidance.

Q & A

What does the speaker recommend in terms of choosing between the ACT and SAT?

The speaker recommends taking the ACT, especially in the coming years, due to its consistent format, better availability, and straightforward nature compared to the SAT, which is undergoing significant changes.

How did the results of the survey reflect student preferences between the ACT and SAT?

The survey showed a preference for the SAT, with approximately 76% of respondents favoring the SAT over the ACT. However, this preference did not align with the actual market share of students taking each test, where the ACT has around 46% market share compared to the SAT's 54%.

What major change is happening with the SAT in 2023 and 2024?

The SAT is transitioning to a fully digital format in 2023 internationally and in the United States by 2024, which introduces uncertainty for students and preparation experts.

Why does the speaker believe the ACT is easier to prepare for than the SAT?

The speaker believes the ACT is easier to prepare for because its format is more stable and consistent, offering more practice materials and fewer uncertainties compared to the SAT, which is undergoing changes.

What are some of the key differences in the availability of test dates for the ACT versus the SAT?

The ACT offers several test dates throughout the year, including in April, June, and July, which are spaced out and provide flexibility for students. In contrast, the SAT's test dates, such as in May and October, may conflict with other academic schedules like AP exams and midterms.

How does the structure of the ACT English section differ from the SAT's English section?

The ACT English section is more straightforward, testing grammar rules directly. The SAT English section, on the other hand, involves more complex tasks, such as determining sentence placement and understanding trick questions.

What makes the ACT Science section easier to approach compared to the SAT?

The ACT Science section rewards carefulness and discipline rather than complex reasoning or adaptability. It is less about finding clever shortcuts and more about methodical and diligent work.

Why is the SAT reading section considered more difficult than the ACT's reading section?

The SAT reading section is considered more difficult because it requires a high level of nuance, precision, and deep analysis, while the ACT reading section focuses more on summarizing information and understanding it at a more straightforward level.

How does the speaker describe the process of preparing for the ACT?

The speaker describes preparing for the ACT as a more clear-cut process, with students able to improve their scores through consistent study and practice using available materials, making it easier to track progress.

What are the challenges associated with preparing for the SAT, according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions that preparing for the SAT can be more challenging due to the test's complexity and changing format, requiring more expertise and insider knowledge, which makes it harder to improve without specialized guidance.