What are the differences between the ACT and SAT?

SAT/ACT scores are making me defered from colleges.......?

• Ok so recently I got defered to all of my colleges. I have a CNA around 3.0 and my core gpa is like 2.8 and I have take AP classes,. My sat and act are terrible.. Reading: 340 Math : 420, ACT: English 17 Math 19....I even applied to a community college and did not meet their requirements of having a minimum SAT socre of R: 480 and math 440, ACT English 20, Math 18. I seriously don't know what to do anymore. I am a senior and I am planning to apply for Fall 2012. It is March now...everyone in my school has mostly been accepted but I still have to do something....Im so stressed and idk what to do, i have had tutors for SAT and ACT but it just doesn't work for me . I have taken the SAT three times and taken the ACT once. The next SAT is in May 6 and the next ACT is April 14. I just want to cry, What should I do? I know you can take an placement test or compass test but I don't want to do that. Im really depressed , what are my options? I HAVE to go to some college. Im thinking about retaking the ACT but its just a hassle. How can I improve my ACT grades? I have had countless tutors and studied with them 2 hours a day but the results aren't so good. What should I do :(

• Answer:

  Don't worry I was in this same exact situation. Almost. The biggest mistake after being deferred is giving up. Never give up. It is actually better to be deferred rather than wait listed because when you are deferred schools review your application all over again. To be deferred is the college's way of saying "hey, i know you have what it takes just prove it" The first thinig I did was register for the SAT and or ACT exam again Next I sent a letter to the colleges I applied to, to let them know I was still interested. If you are going to do this, this is how its done. Start off by thanking the committee for considering your application the state how unfortunately you were deferred. then say how much you really like the college and want to go there that is why you are writing this letter to keep them informed of your progress. List any new up dates such a increase in your gpa, joining a new club, any awards. Then let them know tthat you plan on retaking the SAT or ACT and that you are spending two hours a day studying for the exam. They are not asking that you get a perfect score. They just want to see any kind of progress or increase. And resend your transcripts. Also it may be to your advantage to register for the CPT or PERT test which is what community colleges use. If you want to increase your SAT and ACT scores then you must practice. Do a practice exam every other day and time yourself. You will notice how the questions repeat. It helps you build a strategy that you can use on test day. I really wanted to give up after being deferred on the day of the ACT test date i didnt want to get out of bed and i was debating on whether to go or not. I went there and i tried my best. My score when from a 19 to a 23 I knew it wasn't a huge increase I kept tellin myself if only i would of studied more but i was so proud of myself for trying. After that I got off the defer list and accepted to every college i applied to. They dont expect you to be a genius they just want to see a improvement. So don't give up. You're better than that.