ACT vs SAT Testing Fundamentals

ACT vs SAT: Learn Which to Take and Strategies for Both!

ACT vs. SAT Testing Fundamentals offers students a comprehensive introduction to the SAT and ACT through diagnostic testing, targeted strategies, high-yield content review, and personalized guidance. With two test options for college admissions, the ACT and SAT, identifying where a student’s skill set is best rewarded should be the first step. A student can waste months of preparation if they pursue the wrong test. The ACT is a faster-paced test with more advanced math and a data analysis section masquerading as science. The SAT, meanwhile, is an adaptive exam featuring paragraph-long reading passages, complex grammar rules, and math fill-in answers.

In this class the following skills will be taught:

• Pacing & prioritization
• Categorization of question types: see the test from the test-maker’s perspective
• Reading critically for evidence and tone
• Grammar rules: recognition and application
• Breaking down challenging, multi-step math problems into easy, individual tasks
• Understanding ACT Science: interpreting data tables, charts and graphs
• Diagnostic Testing in ACT vs. SAT: exposing students to both test styles and determine the better test fit, as well as skill level across different subjects (Reading/Writing/Mathematics/Science)
• Testing foundations: understanding pacing, how to use process of elimination, importance of showing work, using alternative methods to answer hard questions
• Changes and Updates to testing and how to prepare for the SAT’s digital format
• Evidence-Based Reading: reading with purpose, differentiating explicit vs. implicit evidence, recognizing tone and characterization, and what do I do when I’m down to two?!
• English Grammar: core content (subjects, verbs, pronouns: oh, my!), making language objective through sentence breakdown
• Math: what’s on the test, knowledge gaps, how to avoid careless errors, how to break down multi-step questions, alternative methods when the formula fails, core content tested on both exams
• Science: avoiding basic errors in data interpretation, making deeper data connections
• Final Diagnostic Testing and Reporting

ACT vs SAT Testing Fundamentals is taught by Top Score Education, a Summertimes partner. Top Score is a boutique tutoring and test prep company that offers personalized in-home and virtual tutoring to students. Top Score tutors are highly qualified (and thoroughly interesting) professionals (8 Duke alumni, 2 medical students, 1 Oxford PhD, and 18 advanced degrees). Top Score Education is widely recognized as a leader in the DC metro region in SAT and ACT planning, preparation, and support. All questions about this class should be directed to Top Score at advisor@topscoreedu.com.

Registration Open!