Seton Magazine Catholic Homeschool Articles, Advice & Resources
Most colleges require either the SAT or the ACT test as part of their admissions process. These days, many colleges will accept either test, though they usually have a preference for one or the other. Some colleges absolutely require a specific test; so you need to ask the college which they would like to see. Many Seton students take both to cover all the bases.
These tests have different designs. The SAT, an aptitude test, is meant to predict the future performance of the student in a college setting. The questions are analytical in nature, asking the student to actually work through situations in math and language arts. The ACT is an achievement test. This test checks a student’s past performance to indicate how well they might perform in college. There are strengths and weaknesses in both approaches, of course. Seton students perform far above the national norms in both, so a serious student should not be intimidated.
These tests are given six or seven times each year, so there is ample opportunity to take them. Seton recommends that they be taken the second semester of the Junior year, which will allow for re-taking them in 12th grade if the score is not satisfactory.
There are test prep books available for both to familiarize the student with the format and style of the tests. A student might also wish to review books such as Geometry the Easy Way if some time has passed since taking the course.
As always, the student should eat a good dinner the night before, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a good breakfast before the test.
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