The SAT and the ACT are both standardized tests meant to measure a high-school student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point to compare all applicants. Picking which test to take between the two is a decision that plagues almost every high-schooler bound for college.
The two tests are similar in several respects. Both tests are taken by millions of students and are accepted at every college in the US. There is no real advantage in taking one test over another in this regard. However, the key differences between the SAT and the ACT are most often the deciding factor for students to choose which of the two to take.
Here is every aspect of the two tests broken down:
- Overview:
- SAT Writing & Language v/s ACT English:
- SAT Math v/s ACT Math:
- SAT Reading v/s ACT Reading:
- SAT v/s ACT Science:
- SAT Essay v/s Act Essay:
- Other details:
An increasing number of students are taking both the SAT and ACT. The changes incorporated into the SAT in 2016 have made it easier to prepare for both tests at the same time. However, it is recommended to not take both in order to avoid splitting time and effort between preparations for each test.
There are various criteria that need to be examined in order to decide which of the two tests is appropriate for a student. The most efficient way is to take full-length timed practice tests of each and compare scores. For a detailed consult on figuring out whether you are an SAT student or an ACT student, get in touch with us at How To College, today!
- Other Recommended Reads and References:
- https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act
- https://www.kaptest.com/sat/sat-vs-act
- https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/1305/act-vs-sat-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-the-right-test
- https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-new-sat-vs-the-act-a-full-breakdown#writing
- https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/compare-new-sat-act