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ACT vs. SAT

Now that we’re officially in the back-to-school zone, standardized testing will be here before we know it. Thousands of high school students will be taking the SAT and ACT this year, and it’s important to understand the differences between them before your child signs up. Focusing their efforts on scoring high on one test is ideal, as they don’t receive extra points on submitting two tests. Club Z! Santa Monica can help them get prepared to ace the college entrance exams, whichever one they choose to take. But first, they should know the differences between the two: sat tutor santa monica ca Math: The ACT tests slightly more complex, more advanced math. Roughly 9 out of the 60 problems on the ACT math section have to do with mathematical concepts that are not covered on the SAT, including trigonometry, imaginary numbers, advanced geometric shapes, logarithms, and more. If math is not your child’s strong subject, the ACT will be harder on a material basis. If they excel in math, the ACT’s material will be easier for them to grasp.   Vocabulary: The SAT emphasizes vocabulary far more than the ACT does. The SAT has “vocabulary-specific problems” within its Critical Reading sections. There are many “vocabulary in context” problems which ask students what certain words within passages mean in context. While a strong vocabulary is helpful for the reading portions of both exams, if they have a weak vocabulary, the SAT will present more of a challenge.   Grammar & Writing: The SAT and ACT require identical grammatical and writing skills for the English / Writing sections, and for the essays.   Time: Time management is important on the SAT but is absolutely crucial on the ACT. If your child take a little longer taking tests, the SAT might be a better option for them. The ACT is rigorously timed and that can be a difficult component of the test for some.   It has been said that the SAT is intentionally confusing, but objectively easier, whereas the ACT is incredibly straightforward, but objectively harder.   Whatever test your child decides to take, Club Z! can help them be prepared and ace their exam. We recommend starting our Test Prep Program 6-8 weeks prior to the test date. The SAT is being offered on the following dates this year: 10/1/16, 11/2/16, 12/3/26, 1/21/17, 3/11/17, 5/6/17 and 6/3/17. The ACT is being offered on  9/10/16, 10/22/16, 12/10/16, 2/11/17, 4/8/17 and 6/10/17. To learn more about how Club Z! can prepare your child to score high on their exams, visit our website.  

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