ACT or SAT?

[Virginiasc]

ACT,SAT or both? Some people tell me SAT's are easier because there's no science, others say that the ACT's are easier in math and english. Is it worth it to take both? Are the ACT's really easier? I posted a college related question on here a while ago, and got some good responses. Help me out.

[indyhooligan]

neither. just man up and join the marines.

[Virginiasc]

neither. just man up and join the marines.

I've actually given the armed forces some serious thought, but at the moment college seems to be where I'm most likely to end up. If I do I'll be the first in my family to NOT join up after highscool.

[Vices&Devices]

If you're only going to do one, I would suggest SAT just bc it's more common. But I have no memory of what either test is actually like. One tip - don't forget to bring a calculator. :frown:

[SixAndChange]

They are both going to do a good job at evaluating your test taking abilities. Notice I didnt say your educational level, just your test taking abilities AT those levels.

Im not a fan of testing.

[noradarno]

SAT if you are strong in Math and Verbal. ACT if logic, and reading comp. are your strong points.

[indyhooligan]

the ASVAB is a much better test to determine skills, as well as character.

[noradarno]

the ASVAB is a much better test to determine skills, as well as character.

Yeah, it has practical things, like auto mechanic questions.

I say take them all.

[indyhooligan]

plus you get to go in the marines afterwords. which is pretty cool. i mean, if i could go in the marines, i totally would.

[weknowhowtolive]

I never took any. I took a fake ASVAB, does that count? I failed the math section. Hahaha.

[noradarno]

plus you get to go in the marines afterwords. which is pretty cool. i mean, if i could go in the marines, i totally would.

I didn't go into the Marines after the ASVAB. I aced it though. Had calls for years about going to school to be a JAG and whatnot... Didn't do so well on the auto-mechanic section...

[bethany]

There's a few major differences. I took the SATs and did pretty well. ACT doesn't take off points for wrong answers and you have the option to not send your scores to colleges if you choose. Wrong answers on the SATs will effect your grade and you don't have the option to omit your scores. The math on the SATs is only basic algebra and geometry, ACT has trig = ( So the SATs are easlier if your not a math guy. If your really serious about bettering your chances at certain schools, I'd go with both, you can always get rid of your ACT score!

[rachel]

I did not do so hot on the SAT's that I took my junior year of high school, and chose just to keep that score and start off at community college. 7 years after high school I was able to do quite well on the ACT, and my scares on it kept my ass out of a lot of remedials.(sp) If you are going to go into anything medical you are better off with the ACT.

[noradarno]

This is not true, well kind of... Most colleges will require you to take the SAT 2 math, which has trig.

There's a few major differences. I took the SATs and did pretty well. ACT doesn't take off points for wrong answers and you have the option to not send your scores to colleges if you choose. Wrong answers on the SATs will effect your grade and you don't have the option to omit your scores. The math on the SATs is only basic algebra and geometry, ACT has trig = ( So the SATs are easlier if your not a math guy. If your really serious about bettering your chances at certain schools, I'd go with both, you can always get rid of your ACT score!

[Virginiasc]

Thanks everyone. This backs up a lot of what I've been hearing(SAT if your not great at math or logic,ACT if you are) I'm thinking I'll be taking the SAT's sometime in May, or whenever they have them. My main concern is math, I get A's and B's in everything but math, which I've had a solid D in since 7th grade. The signup dates are soon, so I'll be making my decision sometime next week.

[Bound Fo' Glory]

I don't think schools put that much stock in ACT scores outside the Midwest. Maybe because the ACT is based out of Iowa. I know that when I was in high school I was trying to get into a Big Ten school and they typically prefer ACT, but they count both.

[Virginiasc]

I don't think schools put that much stock in ACT scores outside the Midwest. Maybe because the ACT is based out of Iowa. I know that when I was in high school I was trying to get into a Big Ten school and they typically prefer ACT, but they count both.

Yeah, my counsler told me it varies from school to school.

[Gut Check]

Fuck all those tests and save thousands of dollars, go to community college. I mean you may end up spending the saved cash in medical bills after you've been mugged by the campus pot dealer, but it's all in the name of higher education.

[Virginiasc]

Fuck all those tests and save thousands of dollars, go to community college. I mean you may end up spending the saved cash in medical bills after you've been mugged by the campus pot dealer, but it's all in the name of higher education.

No, all the pot dealers here go to VCU.

[SixAndChange]

Fuck all those tests and save thousands of dollars, go to community college. I mean you may end up spending the saved cash in medical bills after you've been mugged by the campus pot dealer, but it's all in the name of higher education.


I second the Community College idea. Saves money, learns you good and gets you out smoothly.

[bethany]

ima disagree with the community college. if you have the means, and grades to get into the college you want, go for it! if money is an issue, there's always loans and specific scholarships.

[Virginiasc]

ima disagree with the community college. if you have the means, and grades to get into the college you want, go for it! if money is an issue, there's always loans and specific scholarships.

Moneys a big problem, I'll be paying off loans for a while. There's nothing wrong with community college, and you can always go to a four year school afterwards if you want, so it's not an impossibility.

[Gut Check]

ima disagree with the community college. if you have the means, and grades to get into the college you want, go for it! if money is an issue, there's always loans and specific scholarships.

Moneys a big problem, I'll be paying off loans for a while. There's nothing wrong with community college, and you can always go to a four year school afterwards if you want, so it's not an impossibility.
You're both correct. The problem that I'm finding is that coming from community college to the university, is that it's harder to take the required classes I need without ending up with a bunch of extra credit hours. Luckily, I'll only end up with 3 credit hours over the minimum to graduate.

[SixAndChange]

Ive been enrolled in both, a traditional university and a community college.

For what I am doing, I realized the work force is composed of almost the majority of salty old dogs who never even winked at college. I make plenty good money now, and cant imagine college boosting that up anymore. I do however see the importance of school, and enjoying learning new subjects and topics very much, so I am continuing with roughly a year left till I finish my 4 year.

I dont want to pay student loans forever, which I would have done at a university, I dont want to deal with crazy professors on a power trip, which I would have done at university, I want to take my time, work and continue to participate in an education that in my eyes is still very fun and interesting.

It doesnt matter where you go if you are not into school. Im willing to bet I learn a billion times more than the average rounder going to to their choice school for the simple reason that I have gone to great lengths to ensure that I am enjoying my education and still have a desire to learn.

Community college could not be better for me and a lot of others. Especially with a healthy amount of them offering 4 year degrees.

[Billy Klubb]

which ever it is you do, good luck.

[Virginiasc]

which ever it is you do, good luck.

Thanks, I apreciate all the advice, and Ill let you guys know how I score on em.

[Chucky Scouser]

ACT,SAT or both? Some people tell me SAT's are easier because there's no science, others say that the ACT's are easier in math and english. Is it worth it to take both? Are the ACT's really easier? I posted a college related question on here a while ago, and got some good responses. Help me out.


I never took the ACT's but i took the SATs... did pretty good too. The thing I know about the two is that ACTs are offered in the west and midwest i think and if you want to try to go to a real college they'll ask you to take the SATs anyways.

ACTs are for people who want to go to Cullinary Arts schools, Beautician, Clown College, Farmer's College, Etc.

No college will ask you to take the ACTs if you have all ready taken the SATs.

SATs aren't that tough. I got a 1475 on mine and I wasn't the smartest bastard in the world. Plus if you have ADD or a learning disability you get unlimitted time.

Really though the only schools who care about SAT scores are IVY League and Northern Schools.

So unless you're trying to go to BC or Fordham or Penn St or whatever don't fucking worry about it.

[Virginiasc]

I never took the ACT\'s but i took the SATs... did pretty good too. The thing I know about the two is that ACTs are offered in the west and midwest i think and if you want to try to go to a real college they\'ll ask you to take the SATs anyways.

ACTs are for people who want to go to Cullinary Arts schools, Beautician, Clown College, Farmer\'s College, Etc.

No college will ask you to take the ACTs if you have all ready taken the SATs.

SATs aren\'t that tough. I got a 1475 on mine and I wasn\'t the smartest bastard in the world. Plus if you have ADD or a learning disability you get unlimitted time.

Really though the only schools who care about SAT scores are IVY League and Northern Schools.

So unless you\'re trying to go to BC or Fordham or Penn St or whatever don\'t fucking worry about it.

Clown college! Fuck Yeah! I\'ve taken some practice tests and there not that bad, so Im thinking Ill just be taking the SAT\'s.

[TRIED.TRUE.TEXAN.]

I'm gonna raise my hand in favor of community college. If you have your heart set on a certain school, then go for it, but the basics are the basics no matter where you go. They are just cheaper at community college.

As far as the sat/act question, take them both. One may be more important than the other depending on which school, but it never hurts.

Also, when you get to college, take any basic class that you can by exam. You have to get them out of the way before you can take anything cool and it's normally cheaper, quicker and easier by exam.

[Virginiasc]

I\'m gonna raise my hand in favor of community college. If you have your heart set on a certain school, then go for it, but the basics are the basics no matter where you go. They are just cheaper at community college.

As far as the sat/act question, take them both. One may be more important than the other depending on which school, but it never hurts.

Also, when you get to college, take any basic class that you can by exam. You have to get them out of the way before you can take anything cool and it\'s normally cheaper, quicker and easier by exam.

Like I said, community college is not out of the question. When you say \"basic class\" are you talking about when some schools require you to take Introductory English or basic Math or something?

[TRIED.TRUE.TEXAN.]

Like I said, community college is not out of the question. When you say \"basic class\" are you talking about when some schools require you to take Introductory English or basic Math or something?

They are the classes everyone has to take regaurdless of major, things like freshman english, US history, college algebra, etc. Most of the first two years will just be basics. I think most states have a core curriculum and require everyone to take pretty much the same things as far as those classes are concerned.