The Toughest ACT Questions Answered; What Students and Parents Need to Know

Confused about whether your student should take the SAT or ACT? You’re not alone. In this episode of Your College-Bound Kid, Mark sits down with Mike Bergin, a 30-year test prep expert and founder of Chariot Learning, to break down what families really need to know before choosing a college entrance exam. They discuss the biggest differences between the SAT and ACT, how to determine which test may be a better fit, and why students should rely on actual practice performance rather than simply choosing the test that “feels” easier. You’ll also learn when students should start preparing, how many official tests they should consider taking, the difference between one-on-one and group test prep, and what realistic score improvements may look like. Inside this episode: ● How the SAT and ACT differ in structure and content ● Why the right test depends on the individual student ● How practice scores can help determine the better fit ● What families should know about the ACT Science section ● Why ACT Writing is generally unnecessary ● When should students begin their test preparation ● How often should students take full-length practice tests ● Why reviewing practice tests is just as important as taking them ● What realistic SAT and ACT score gains can look like ● One-on-one tutoring vs. small-group test prep ● How to manage test anxiety through realistic practice ● Why students should avoid letting test prep take over the entire college process Test prep doesn’t have to become an overwhelming part of the college admissions journey. With the right timing, preparation strategy, and test choice, students can approach the SAT or ACT with greater confidence and a clearer plan. 👉 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to Your College-Bound Kid for more practical college admissions advice, and share this video with a student or parent preparing for the SAT or ACT. #SAT #ACT #TestPrep #SATPrep #ACTPrep #CollegeAdmissions #CollegePrep #CollegeBound #StandardizedTesting #TestAnxiety #HighSchoolStudents #YourCollegeBoundKid