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Not sure if you should stick with the ACT or try out the new digital SAT?
In less than half a decade alone, there have been tremendous shifts in the standardized testing landscape. The pandemic has made test-optional and test-blind policies more commonplace, but universities have started to reverse their decisions. Elite institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Dartmouth, Yale, and more have made standardized test results a requirement in the admissions process.
Even more recently, the SAT has undergone a fundamental shift. The test is now completely digital and, even more exciting, adaptive. All of these changes over the years have brought much confusion and stress to both families and students as they try to navigate the seemingly unending changes to the college admissions process.
Seeking the help of professional test prep companies like Cardinal Education can help increase scores immensely. Our consultants work with students to offer the support that they need to recognize their test-taking strengths and needs. We have helped numerous students from top schools in Seattle, such as Lakeside, Eastside Prep, and UPrep, in their test-taking journey.
We have a team of test prep tutors who are intimately familiar with both the SAT and ACT and can work with your child not just to determine which test is the best for them but also to increase scores immensely. Our SAT and ACT test prep classes offer your child the support that they need to ace these exams on test day.
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Before deciding on which test to take, we advise that you take full-length SAT and ACT practice tests; doing so will allow you to gauge your skills and confidence for test-taking on both tests.
If you’re a strong writer and a fast reader, we suggest taking the ACT for its longer reading passages and optional essay-writing portion. Exceptional results in these portions can demonstrate your reading and writing competency while differentiating you from other applicants.
But if you struggle with traditional pen-and-paper test-taking, the digital SAT may better suit your needs. The new digital format uses adaptive testing technology, which benefits all students, as questions may become more straightforward or more difficult based on previous answers.
If you cannot decide which test to take, you have the option to take both and submit whichever score reflects you more favorably. Ultimately, you should take the test that best suits your needs and reflects your intellectual strengths.
Cardinal Education’s digital SAT and ACT prep programs are comprehensive and personalized to focus on the student’s individual needs and help them achieve the highest possible scores.
One of the key features of our program is our expert test prep tutors, who are not only experts in the content of the ACT and SATs but also skilled in working with students to help them reach their full potential.
We are located in Bellevue, so if you’re looking for the best SAT and ACT prep classes near you, call us today!
The answer to whether the ACT is easier than the SAT depends largely on your personal strengths and preferences. The ACT is a traditional pen-and-paper exam, and its structure requires you to maintain a steady pace to answer a large number of questions within a tight time frame. This format can benefit students who excel under pressure and are comfortable answering many questions under time constraints.
On the other hand, the new digital and adaptive format of the SAT might be more suitable for students who struggle with the rigidity of traditional exams. The SAT’s new format adjusts the difficulty of questions as you progress, potentially offering a less stressful experience for some. Both tests cover a range of academic subjects, including math, reading, and writing, but they present them in different ways. Therefore, it’s essential to take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to determine which one aligns better with your test-taking style and strengths.
Test prep, also known as test preparation, is a specialized course designed to prepare students for standardized tests. These courses focus on teaching test-taking strategies tailored to the specific exam a student will be taking. For instance, an ACT test prep course might teach effective skimming methods to quickly navigate lengthy reading passages. Test prep courses often include practice tests, review of key concepts, and tips for managing time efficiently during the exam. The aim is to help students become familiar with the format and content of the test, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.
Additionally, test prep courses may cover techniques for answering different types of questions and strategies for tackling difficult sections. By providing a comprehensive review and practical test-taking strategies, the ultimate goal of a test prep course is to ensure that students feel confident and well-prepared when they step into the exam room, ready to perform at their best.
Yes, test prep is definitely worth it! While free test preparation materials are available, working with an experienced coach can significantly enhance your test-taking abilities. Test prep is more than just studying the material; it’s about mastering the strategies that will help you tackle the exam effectively. An experienced coach will introduce you to various techniques that can improve your confidence and accuracy in answering questions. They will guide you through practice tests, help you identify and strengthen your weak areas, and teach you how to manage your time efficiently during the exam.
Personalized feedback and targeted practice can make a substantial difference in your performance. Additionally, having a structured study plan and regular coaching sessions can keep you motivated and on track. Ultimately, investing in test prep with a professional coach can lead to better scores and a higher chance of achieving your academic goals.
If you receive a low SAT or ACT score, don’t worry; there are multiple opportunities to improve it. Both the SAT and the ACT can be taken as many times as you like, with no official limit on the number of attempts. It’s advisable to take either the SAT or ACT for the first time during your junior year of high school. This early attempt provides a baseline for your current test-taking abilities, allowing you to identify areas that need improvement.
With this information, you can focus your study efforts on those weak areas and retake the exam. Many students see significant score improvements after dedicated preparation and studying. Additionally, colleges often consider your highest score, so multiple attempts can only benefit you. Continuous practice, using test prep courses, and taking advantage of test-taking strategies can help you achieve the scores you need before submitting your college applications.