Rachael Eidsmoe, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis, took the ACT exam once and the SAT twice before applying to several colleges.
"I don't think they are a good reflection of how I actually work as a student," said Eidsmoe, 18. "For me, the ACT was more stressful. I did not enjoy the science section at all. The SAT is definitely geared to my type of thinking."
This is the time of year when many high school juniors are in the process of preparing for their college entrance exams. The ACT will be administered three times before the end of the school year (February, April and June) and the main SAT test will be given March 10, with individual subject tests, including foreign languages, history and literature, scheduled for May and June.
Both the ACT and SAT are about 3 1/2 hours long and cover math and reading. The SAT includes an essay; the ACT -- which includes a science section -- has an optional essay.
No matter which test a student chooses to take -- dependent on where they apply to college -- preparation is key. Several metro area high schools offer the online Naviance program resource to students, which provides full-length, timed standardized practice tests, including feedback on their answers. Local libraries, school guidance offices and bookstores also carry a wide variety of test-prep guides.
"It's important for kids to become familiar with the format of the questions," said Jackie Mosconi, a counselor at South High School. "Practice tests really help kids know what to expect."
Practice makes perfect
Some students also enroll in ACT/SAT test preparation classes, through community education programs, private companies or with tutors. Mosconi advises her students to prepare on their own for their first go-round and then consider a class before their next try. Most students typically sit for the exams three times in hopes of raising their scores, which can be a factor in obtaining scholarship money or gaining acceptance to a college.
