SAT vs. ACT

Colleges, universities, and scholarship programs use a student's academic record, test scores,extracurricular activities, teacher recommendations and application essays to evaluate how well prepared a student is for college-level work. Scores on standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT) enable colleges to compare the academic achievements of students from different schools. This is helpful because courses and grading standards vary from school to school.

The SAT is a three-four and forty-five minute test that measures critical rading, mathematics, and writing abilities that develop over time. It includes an essay and multiple-choice questions. The ACT Assessment measures skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. It also includes an optional essay that assesses writing ability. These areas are tested because they include the major areas of instruction in most high school and college programs.

Most schools accept either the SAT or ACT test results. Because each assessment tests different skills, it is a good idea to find out about both tests and see which one tests your strengths the best. We recommend you discuss the particulars of each test with your counselor. It is a good idea to take the SAT and ACT in the spring of the junior year.

• Top 10 Tips To Help Pay For College

•  February 01, 2013

• 10. Save for college

• If you haven't already done so, you should begin saving for college immediately. Even if you are going to college in the fall, you can still begin saving now to help cover some of the costs, such as your first semester's books. You have a variety of options available to make the most of your savings. (mappingyourfuture.org/saving/)

• 9. Use education loyalty and affinity programs

• Loyalty and affinity programs allow you to save for college by shopping at certain stores, buying particular products, or using a designated credit or debit card. (mappingyourfuture.org/saving/affinity.htm)
  

• 8. Explore financial aid options

• Financial aid is one of the tools that make higher education possible for many students. It may mean being able to continue your education when you otherwise would not be able. Or it could mean being able to attend the school of your choice despite higher tuition costs. (mappingyourfuture.org/paying/financialaid.htm)
  

• 7. Review your eligibility for federal financial aid

   

• mappingyourfuture.org/paying/eligibility.htm 

• 6. Apply for financial aid

• The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which collects information about your financial situation, as well as your family's financial situation. (mappingyourfuture.org/paying/fafsa.htm)

• 5. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)

• mappingyourfuture.org/paying/sar.htm 

• 4. Find scholarships and grants and consider work-study programs 

• mappingyourfuture.org/paying/scholarships.htm and mappingyourfuture.org/paying/workstudy.htm

• 3. Consider borrowing student loans (should be your last resort)

• mappingyourfuture.org/paying/studentloans.htm

• 2. Claim tax credits and deductions for education

• mappingyourfuture.org/paying/taxcredit.htm

• And the number one tip for paying for college is . . . Review your award letter and only accept the financial aid you need!

Top 10 Tips To Help Pay For College

 February 01, 2013

10. Save for college

If you haven't already done so, you should begin saving for college immediately. Even if you are going to college in the fall, you can still begin saving now to help cover some of the costs, such as your first semester's books. You have a variety of options available to make the most of your savings. (mappingyourfuture.org/saving/)

9. Use education loyalty and affinity programs

Loyalty and affinity programs allow you to save for college by shopping at certain stores, buying particular products, or using a designated credit or debit card. (mappingyourfuture.org/saving/affinity.htm)

8. Explore financial aid options

Financial aid is one of the tools that make higher education possible for many students. It may mean being able to continue your education when you otherwise would not be able. Or it could mean being able to attend the school of your choice despite higher tuition costs. (mappingyourfuture.org/paying/financialaid.htm)

7. Review your eligibility for federal financial aid

 mappingyourfuture.org/paying/eligibility.htm 

 6. Apply for financial aid

The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which collects information about your financial situation, as well as your family's financial situation. (mappingyourfuture.org/paying/fafsa.htm)

5. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)

mappingyourfuture.org/paying/sar.htm 

4. Find scholarships and grants and consider work-study programs

mappingyourfuture.org/paying/scholarships.htm and mappingyourfuture.org/paying/workstudy.htm

3. Consider borrowing student loans (should be your last resort)

 mappingyourfuture.org/paying/studentloans.htm

2. Claim tax credits and deductions for education

 mappingyourfuture.org/paying/taxcredit.htm

And the number one tip for paying for college is . . .

Review your award letter and only accept the financial aid you need!