While continuing my search for easily-accessible test preparation, I am learning more and more about college entrance tests, specifically the ACT and SAT. For instance, I had always understood that given the option, many students prefer the ACT because it is less math intensive (I alluded to this last post). I really did not know the specifics and since I took only the SAT (way back in 1978), I only had the word of others to go on. I found a brief article that neatly explained the differences in the tests and improved my personal understanding, especially where math was concerned.
The article from Lakeland College by Sally Wood explained that where math was concerned, the SAT required "two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section; questions cover algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis" while the ACT required "60 questions covering algebra, geometry, and trigonometry (60 minutes)," confirming what I have previously understood about the differences.
The site also contained a link to the Kaplan site. I was pleased to find that along with some good general test information as well as the obligatory sales pitch to enroll, there were also some free sample test questions. Additionally, there is info on selecting a school, applications, financial matters and college life. Obviously, if you sign up for the course, more and more is made available, but I was impressed that Kaplan offered as much for free as it did. That might have to do with the proliferation of sites dedicated to test prep! Hooray for the free enterprise system! It is nice to know that there are a variety of sites dedicated to improving student achievement on these tests. Getting that information to the students is definitely the key and the earlier the better.
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I took both exams in 1998, and twice for each exam. I improved both times, but I remember comparing them by converting the ACT score to that of an SAT's, I did better on the ACT. You are right, the SAT is very intensive on the reading and math (now they have a writing portion as well). I just remember liking the ACT better because I was tested on a broader spectrum of subjects that included science and social studies, which I didn't mind. I felt I was scored based on my broader knowledge of the subjects, instead of just focusing on the reading and math.
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