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Best Online SAT and ACT Prep Courses for Your Kids to Prepare and Study

All parents want their children to do well academically. And, if your kids plan on going to college, the SAT or ACT test is probably the most important test in their young lives. How well they score on either test (or both) has a big impact on which colleges or universities they will get admitted into. We strongly encourage all parents to attend a free webinar to learn how to help their children score in the top 1% of test takers.

As parents wanting the best for our children, it is important for us and our children to understand the differences between the SAT and ACT tests. How are they different? Which one should your child elect to take? Which one is better? Let’s take a look…

The Difference Between the SAT and ACT Tests

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests commonly used by colleges and universities in the United States as part of the admissions process. While they serve a somewhat similar purpose, there are several distinct differences between the SAT and ACT:

1. Test Structures: The SAT consists of two main sections, evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW) and math. It also has an optional Essay section. The ACT, on the other hand, includes four main sections, English, math, reading, and science. It also has an optional writing section.
2. Test Scoring: The SAT has a scoring range of between 400 to 1600. Separate scores are recorded for the EBRW and math sections. The ACT has a composite score ranging from 1 to 36. This is calculated as an average of the scores from the four main sections.
3. Math Content: The SAT places more emphasis on problem-solving and analyzing data. The ACT covers a broader spectrum of math topics. This includes advanced trigonometry and logarithms. The ACT allows the use of calculators during the math portion , while the SAT has a calculator-allowed and a calculator-prohibited section during the math test.
4. Science Section: The ACT has a dedicated science section that tests scientific reasoning and interpretation of data. The SAT does not have a specific science section. However, it may include some science-related questions within the Reading and Writing sections.
5. Reading and Vocabulary: The SAT places greater emphasis than the ACT on vocabulary and requires students to analyze complex passages. The ACT, on the other hand, focuses more on straightforward reading comprehension and includes less emphasis on vocabulary.
6. Essay (Optional): Both tests offer an optional essay section. The SAT essay asks students to analyze a provided passage, while the ACT essay requires students to evaluate and analyze a given viewpoint on a complex issue.
7. Regional Differences: The SAT is more commonly used on the East and West coasts of the United States. The ACT is more popular in the Midwest and South. However, most colleges accept both tests and there is no significant advantage of taking one over the other.

The Best Way for Students to Prepare for the SAT and ACT Tests

What is the best way for your child to prepare for the SAT or ACT tests? Here is what we recommend your child should do:

1. Know the Small Details: Understand the differences between the SAT and ACT test and decide which one is best for you. Once you have made that decision, it is very important to get familiar with the structure, format, and test instructions so that you do not have to worry about it on the day of the test.
2. Enroll in a Test Prep Course: We highly recommend enrolling in an in-person or online test prep course that affords you access to a live instructor, tutoring, and a solid curriculum. Even though a good test prep company will cost you some money, we feel that it is money well spent because nothing is more important than your kids getting admitted into a great college and receiving a stellar education. Our most highly recommend courses are provided by PrepExpert which guarantees a 200-point improvement on the SAT and 4-point improvement on the ACT. They offer various formats that fit all needs and budgets.
3. Practice as Much as Possible: In addition to enrolling in a test prep course, it is essential to take practice tests as much as possible so that you become very familiar and comfortable come test time. Check the answers and grade yourself. Be sure to pay special attention to your weak areas and work on them. Take as many tests as you possibly can.
4. Read: There are a number of great books you can read that provide test advice and also include practice tests that you can take. Many of these tests are from actual administered tests from previous years.
5. Boost Your Memory: Engage in activities that help to improve your memory. Play memory-stimulating games, learn to focus and concentrate, get enough sleep each day, and memorize formulas and other information over time rather than cram for it just before your test.

To conclude, if students follow the steps listed above, they will almost certainly do much better in the  SAT or ACT test than if they just go in blindly. The main keys are this: Practice. Start early. Be consistent.