As you progress throughout your school career, you are taught to look towards the future and set yourself up for success early on. One of the ways we are taught to do this is by taking standardized tests that help determine our skill and intellect levels. There are many standardized tests from KSA to DCAs, but what seems to be the holy grail of all standardized tests is the ACT (American College Testing) and the SAT. As we begin high school, we are offered many tips and preparatory courses to help us succeed on these tests, as well as many opportunities to take them plenty of times. For several years, Kentucky has focused its curriculum on the ACT, planned bootcamps focused on it, and given students in-school opportunities to take the test. This year, however, they have switched from the ACT to the SAT, which will provide a new experience compared to what Greenwood students are used to. With this change on the horizon, questions have been raised about the difference between these tests and how might we best prepare for them?

For many years, Kentucky students have been taking the ACT, which is a test with four sections including Math, Science, English, and Reading. This test is unique because of its short time limit, and it is the only college entrance exam with a dedicated science test. It is notorious for a fast paced format and questions that require a lot of reading comprehension. This test is quite different from typical tests, so preparing for this test requires some interesting strategies. When asked about how to best prepare for the ACT, Mr. Poe said to, “Study like a wolf eats, earn a composite 30, then profit.” Essentially, putting in the work to meet benchmarks and get a high score will pay off. Sources online often recommend taking a lot of practice tests, and practicing your reading skills to have your best chance at scoring high. For the math portion of the test, it is suggested to focus on specific content areas that you struggle with and work on time management skills.

While the ACT is very fast paced and focused, the SAT offers a whole different experience. The SAT gives students 30-40% more time per question than the ACT does, which could be a game changer for many who struggle with time management. Apart from time, the SAT is different in several notable ways. For one, it does not have a science section, rather it has only a math and a reading section. Each of these sections have two modules, and how you perform on the first section determines how you perform on the second section. If you do well enough on the first section, you take the second module with a higher possible score. If you do worse you are directed towards an easier next section more attuned to your skill levels. This can be beneficial because the test adapts to your skill level. The downside is that if you do not do as well on the first section, you do not have an opportunity to get the highest score. Given the different nature of this test, it is important to study and prepare for this test in a way suited for this structure. It is often recommended to take several full length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the questions and master strategies such as using Desmos and the process of elimination. 

While these tests are notoriously important for getting into college, they are often overlooked by people not looking to pursue college. If you are going into the workforce after college, you often are not as encouraged to focus on these tests. However, as Mr. Clark says, “It is important to keep as many doors open as possible” If you start working after high school but then later decide you want to get a degree, it will be helpful to have a good score on these tests. 

Overall, these tests are challenging but a necessary part of our schooling. With proper preparation and a good nights sleep before the tests, you can perform well and get a good score that will be helpful for your future.