What are the pros and cons of the ACT?

Reminder: The next ACT testing date is February 6, 2016.

The ACT is a college admissions achievement test that measures a student’s knowledge of academic subjects through multiple-choice questions. It is comprised of five subject areas: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. All five components are mandatory except the ACT writing component, which is an optional essay. Your child should check with their prospective colleges in order to determine if the supplemental writing component is required for admission.

Should your child take the ACT? Or the SAT? Here are some of the pros and cons of the ACT.

Drawbacks to taking the ACT

• There is a science component, which may be a disadvantage to students who do not enjoy science or do not wish to pursue science-related majors and careers.
• The ACT’s math component tests more advanced mathematical concepts, like trigonometry.
• The ACT is a shorter college admissions test; however, it asks more questions that need to be answered in less time. Students have to be able to derive answers quickly.
• The ACT focuses on concrete information as opposed to abstract skills. This means that students need to be able to draw upon specific information.
• Students cannot pick individual section scores and report them individually to colleges in order to showcase only the best scores across multiple testings.

Advantages to taking the ACT

• The ACT measures achievement, it is not an aptitude test.
• The writing component is optional. (Again, keep in mind that many selective schools require it.)
• The ACT is scored based on the number of correct answers. There is no penalty for guessing.
• The ACT offers the Interest Inventory survey when you take the test. This survey is used as a tool to allow students to explore career options.
• Although the ACT tests more advanced mathematical concepts, the problems are stated in what may be a simpler format.
• ACT questions may be posed in a more straightforward manner, making them easier to understand upon first read.

As your child considers the pros and cons of taking the ACT, it is also a good idea to have him or her take a practice test. Doing so will help you make an informed decision about whether the test is good fit for your child.