SAT and ACT Diagnostic Testing

Should you take the SAT or the ACT? Do you know? Are you or members of your family test biased? 

It’s okay – this is one “dogma” of the college admissions process that has been hard to break through. But the truth is – either test will work for your application, but either test might not work for you

Our test prep program is based on preparing students for the best test for each individual. To select the right test, we offer SAT and ACT diagnostic tests on Saturday mornings at our Kentlands center. These are full tests given under realistic conditions, and the results provide us with the detailed data needed to assess each student and breakdown ACT performance versus SAT performance. The end result: a clear picture of whether the ACT or SAT offers a stronger opportunity for the student.

Why Not a Combo Test?

We have found that the shortened and contrived combination diagnostic tests offered as lead generators by many tutoring companies do not provide accurate results because:
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1. the SAT and ACT are not the same type of test, and so they are structured very differently,
2. the format requires truncating test sections or dropping them altogether, providing little to no data for those sections, and
3. combining their test questions into one exam does not effectively simulate the specific demands of each test, resulting in misleading results. 

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Both Equally Accepted and Valued

Since both tests are accepted equally at every school, and have been for more than a decade, students owe it to themselves to explore which test better matches their knowledge, skills and abilities. The difference could mean beating the score threshold at your target school.
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If you are going to invest in preparing for one or both, it makes sense to know your strengths and weaknesses and to focus your investments of energy, time, and money on the option where you have the highest chance of doing well and gaining additional points. 

Sign Up for Diagnostic Testing

Interested in finding out which is best for you? We recommend starting your diagnostic tests at least 10-12 weeks before your first potential test date. Testing is available most Saturdays from 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. We also offer extended time sessions for students who have received accommodations for either test.
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Contact us to schedule your seat at an upcoming diagnostic testing session.