SAT vs ACT-Tips for Choosing the Right Test

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT) are two of the most popular standardized tests, and they are also among the most widely accepted scores by colleges and universities in the U.S. Indeed, according to a report, approximately 1.9 million high school students took the SAT, while 1.4 million students took the ACT in 2023. This often leaves students confused about which test to take.

The simple solution to this dilemma is understanding the differences between the SAT and ACT. After learning the basics of each test, you can choose the one that suits you best.

In this blog, we will highlight the key differences between the SAT and ACT and provide helpful tips for choosing the right test for you.

Key Differences between SAT and ACT

Despite the similarities between the SAT and ACT, there are some notable differences that could influence the decision to choose either test. Let’s explore them:

Test Duration:

While the SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long, the ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long (with 40 minutes for the optional essay). The SAT has only two sections, so it gives you more time per question than the ACT. So, if you are concerned about time management, especially in the math section, the SAT may be a better option for you.

Science Section:

The SAT consists of two main sections, Math and Reading. It does not include a Science section, which makes it a more focused test on mathematics and verbal reasoning. In contrast, the ACT includes four sections: Math, English, Reading, and Science. The inclusion of a Science section on the ACT makes it a more comprehensive test for students who excel in scientific reasoning and analysis. Therefore, if you have a strong focus on science and feel confident in applying scientific concepts to test questions, the ACT may be a better fit for you.

Contribution of Math in Final Score:

In the ACT, math accounts for one-fourth of the final score, as the test consists of four sections, with math being one of them. In contrast, math makes up half of the final score on the SAT, which has only two sections: Math and Reading. This makes math a major contributor to the overall score on the SAT. Therefore, if you are strong in math, the SAT may be a better choice for you, as it places more weight on math in determining your final score.

Optional Essay Section:

The SAT removed its optional essay starting in 2021, but the ACT continues to offer an optional writing section. For students who wish to showcase their writing abilities to colleges, the ACT may be a better option. Colleges and universities often question the originality of essays submitted by students during the application process due to the increasing use of AI tools. By choosing the ACT with its optional writing section, you can demonstrate your writing skills to colleges when you apply.

Tips for Choosing between SAT and ACT

Now that you are aware of the key differences between the two tests, it’s time for you to decide which one to take. To further assist you, we have provided some tips that will aid in your decision-making. Here they are:

Take Practice Tests: The best way to determine which test is better for you is to take both the SAT practice test and the ACT practice test. This will give you a feel of the format and structure of each exam. Since each test takes approximately four hours, it’s important not to take both practice tests on the same day.
Compare the Practice Test Results: The purpose of taking practice tests is not only to familiarize yourself with the format of each exam but also to compare your results. By comparing your scores on both the practice tests, you can identify which test you performed better on. Ultimately, the test on which you score higher is the one you should focus on preparing for and taking.
Examine the Colleges’ Test Requirements: The college’s admission requirements are a crucial consideration when choosing a test. The goal of taking standardized tests is to gain admission to your desired college or university, so it’s essential to review the specific requirements of the schools you are applying to. Only then can you make an informed decision about which test to take.

Conclusion:

Both the SAT and ACT are universally accepted by colleges and universities, so the decision on which test to take should depend on which one aligns best with your strengths and preferences. Consider factors such as the emphasis on the math or science sections, the test’s duration, its format, and the scoring system. For instance, if you excel in science and prefer a more comprehensive approach with a science section, the ACT might be a better fit.

On the other hand, if you prefer a test that focuses more on reading and writing, the SAT might suit you better. It’s also important to review the specific requirements of the colleges to which you are applying, as some institutions might have preferences for one test over the other. Ultimately, choosing the right test should be based on your individual strengths and the expectations of the schools you’re interested in.

If you want to learn more about preparing for the SAT and ACT, you can read our blog “Top 3 Best Guide to SAT and ACT-Syllabus, Dates, Preparation”.

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