The El Cid staff decided to ask counselors about the proper way to prepare for the upcoming standardized exams, as many students are frantically studying for them. Counselors Mr. Dave Silva and Mr. Lou Centanni provided us with more information.

When asked about the fundamentals of the ACT, Mr. Centanni had much to share. “The ACT is more simple and knowledge based. It has a reading comprehension section, but tends to put more of an emphasis on grammar. It tests on math up to Algebra 2 Trigonometry and has a science section, unlike the SAT. It’s an exam that tests your interpretation and problem solving skills as well. There is no penalty for guessing,” he said.

When asked about the SAT, Mr. Silva had something different to say. “The SAT is more about logic and reasoning. It puts an emphasis on reading comprehension and for math, stops more around Algebra 2. However, there is a penalty for guessing,” he said.

Many students often wonder which test they should take. Some take the SAT because they believe that it is more valued, while others just take both to see which one gives them a better outcome.

However, there is a more formal way to decide which one is best for you. According to Counselors Mr. Centanni and Mr. Silva, the Explore Test, which most have taken freshman year, resembles more of the ACT. It is an overall way to measure a student’s academic achievements.

On the other hand, the PSAT resembles the SAT and measures reasoning skills. CCHS counselors will review both tests sometime in their student’s junior year in order to decide which one is best for them.

Mr. Silva suggests beginning the SAT or ACT process by mid-junior year. “Students should take these tests two to three times,” he said.