Myths About SAT and ACT Tests

<a href=Blog Article Header Image" width="" />

High school student taking the SAT or ACT.

Everyone loves studying for college entrance exams. Real or not real? Okay, that’s an easy claim to bust. But other rumors surrounding ACT and SAT exams can be trickier. Your job is to make yourself the most well-rounded college applicant possible, with a strong high school GPA, impressive course work, solid extracurriculars — and good test scores. Our job is to help you sort through the quagmire of information. Let’s start debunking those myths about SAT and ACT tests.

Myth: I have to spend thousands of dollars on test preparation.

Reality: You can prepare for your exams with minimal costs.

As you examine what fits within your budget, consider these free resources for SAT and ACT test prep:

If the cost of taking the test itself is prohibitive, you can apply for a fee waiver for the SAT and a fee waiver for the ACT .

Myth: I don’t have to worry about studying for college entrance exams until my senior year.

Reality: Start taking those practice tests much sooner.

First, decide which test to take: the ACT or the SAT. Then, study for your chosen test. Both steps take time.

Exactly when you start studying will depend on your schedule, needs, and goals. This is one possible timeline:

Myth: I am a bad test-taker, so I’ll never do well on the ACT or SAT.

Reality: Test-taking skills can improve with practice.

It’s true that some students find test-taking more difficult than others. This is because everyone processes stress differently. A Washington Post article explains it like this: “Our performance improves with increasing stress, perceived as excitement, but only to a point, beyond which performance suffers. We all have a peak point … and where that peak falls is very individualized. ”

In other words, some people’s brains process the stress of test-taking as excitement, boosting performance. Others find the stress overwhelming, making them go blank on test day. These responses have nothing to do with a person’s intelligence, courage, or potential. It just means that we each have a performance “sweet spot,” where the amount of stress is just enough to motivate us.

Here’s the good news: You can change how your brain responds to tests. To do this, a neuroscientist quoted in the Washington Post suggests “more practice, with some stress.” Take full-length practice tests under stressful circumstances, like a time limit, to help yourself get used to the anxiety of a big, timed exam. You’ll be more resilient come test day.

For some students, test-taking difficulty can also be due to a learning difference. If you have a learning disability, you can request special accommodations before you take a college entrance exam. Admissions officers won’t know that you received these accommodations, so it will not affect their decision. Make sure you request these accommodations in advance because the process may take a while.

High school students preparing for the SAT and ACT.

Myth: If I bomb the ACT/SAT, my life is ruined.

Reality: Your test scores do not dictate your academic future.

First of all, it’s common for students to take the test more than once — and to score better the second time. According to the official ACT website , 57 percent of students from the class of 2015 who retook the test earned a higher composite score on their second attempt. Many colleges superscore results , which means your lower test scores won’t count against you. Because USF superscores, we encourage students to take the test a maximum of three times. The university will only use your best section scores.

Second of all, maybe this is your third test-taking attempt, but you just can’t get the score you want. That’s okay, too. Your scores aren’t even the first thing colleges pay attention to. When admissions officers look at your application, your grades rank highest in importance, your course rigor ranks second, then your SAT or ACT scores rank third. Colleges look at the whole picture: If you have high grades and a strong record of academic achievement, an admissions team will take that into account. (And if your grades aren’t ideal, find out how to get into college if you don’t have all A’s .)

Finally, you may think that very low scores deprive you of college choices. In reality, you can choose from more than 1,000 accredited schools that are “test-optional” or “test-flexible.” You may also consider starting at a community college that does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Myth: I don’t have time to study for the SAT or ACT.

Reality: You can break studying into small tasks and make the most of a busy schedule.

Test preparation can feel overwhelming. But it is possible to find study time, even with a jam-packed high school schedule. Try these strategies:

Myth: The ACT is better than the SAT (or vice versa).

Reality: The tests are equally challenging and equally respected.

In the past, the SAT was preferred by the East Coast, and the ACT was preferred by the Midwest. Today, schools across the United States have no preference, which means you have the freedom to choose which test you like best.

Both tests are challenging in different ways. The ACT has been described as an “achievement” test, with more straightforward questions to assess what you’ve learned in high school. The SAT has been described as an aptitude test that assesses the skills necessary “to succeed in college,” with questions that ask you to apply problem-solving skills.

The content of the tests also varies:

Only by taking practice tests will you be able to see which exam you prefer.

Note: Since it was revised in 2016, the SAT test, like the ACT, does not deduct points for incorrect answers. So, for either test, never leave an answer blank — just make your best guess.

Myth: I need to spend all my time studying for the SAT or ACT.

Reality: Schedule time for self-care.

This is for all you overachievers: Put down your pencils, go for a walk, and get a good night’s sleep. (Remember this advice the night before exam day, when cramming will do more harm than good.) A well-balanced lifestyle is important to your study strategy.

Do you have more questions about college entrance exams or the admissions process? Reach out to the USF Office of Admissions online or by phone at 813-974-3350 . We’re ready to help.

Share

Emily Young

About Emily Young

Emily Young, a freelance writer and editor on the Gulf Coast, is a proud USF alumna dedicated to connecting readers to resources and helping students succeed.

how-to-choose-your-room-style-at-college-inline

How to Choose Your Room Style at College

mental-health-in-college-why-its-important-and-what-you-can-do-index

Mental Health in College: Why It's Important and What You Can Do

Contact us at 813-974-3350 or admissions@usf.edu
4202 E. Fowler Ave., SVC1036, Tampa, FL, USA
Copyright © 2024, University of South Florida. All rights reserved.
Privacy | Web Accessibility