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Hello All,

Here is your College Funding “Tip of the Week”.

TIP OF THE WEEK – January 18, 2010

The ACT and SAT Tests

Planning for college takes a lot of time and effort, but when done correctly, can help save wasted time and money attending the wrong college.

ACT vs. SAT

There is a difference between the ACT and the SAT. Some students choose to take one and  some take both SAT and ACT tests. The differences between the two are outlined below.

The ACT Test

• Tests more on curriculum-based skills
• Time: 2 Hours, 55 Minutes
• Verbal Skills Focus: Grammar, punctuation and syntax
• Includes: Science & trigonometry
• What some experts say: "...more knowledge-based and straightforward"

The SAT Test

• Tests on problem-solving and general reasoning skills
• Time: 3 Hours, 45 Minutes
• Verbal Skills Focus: Vocabulary
• Does NOT Include: Science & trigonometry
• What some experts say: "...more nuanced, puzzle-like, trickier"
• Colleges & universities claim they don't have a preference for one over the other. Typically it is better to take both and see which one you perform better on.  You may choose to send both ACT and SAT scores to each college you apply to, or you may choose to send one or the other.

ACT & SAT Practice Test Tips

• In order to get the most out of your SAT and ACT practice tests, be sure to take the test in an environment with no distractions, similar to what you would experience taking the real ACT or SAT.
• Make sure to take the SAT subject tests after you have completed the course in that section.  EX:  take the Chemistry subject test after taking the AP Chemistry class at your high school.
• Take the SAT or ACT during your fall of junior year as a benchmark.  Many students take the tests again their senior year to see if they can get a better score.

Until next week…

Your Friends At The College Planning Network

PS.  As always, if you have any questions on how you're going to pay the upcoming astronomical costs of college, please do not hesitate to contact your College Funding Advisor.  They can walk you through several different payment options to help determine the right one for you.

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