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The bane of most high school student’s existence: the SAT and ACT. Most students opt for the SAT, but is it really the best suited for your strengths? Colleges regard them equally and there are quite a few similarities between each test, but which one is best for you?
SAT vs ACT: What are they?
Both tests measure student academic performance and generally cover similar topics. The ACT includes English, math, reading and science. The SAT covers math, writing, English grammar and critical reading. The ACT covers what students already know and what they have learned during high school, which is part of why most high school students take the exams their junior year. The SAT is based on reasoning. Colleges and universities use both tests to judge student academic performance and potential..
SAT vs ACT: What are the differences?
| ACT (American College Test) | SAT (Scholastics Aptitude Test) | |
| Subjects Covered | English, math, reading and science
*Topics taught in high school |
English grammar, critical reading, math, writing
*Topics based on student ability to assess and analyze problems |
| Sections | 4 Major Sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning
*5th Section (Optional): Writing |
3 Major Sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics |
| Website | https://www.act.org/ | https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat |
| When to Take the Test | Offered 6 times a year (February, April, June, September, October, December) | Offered 7 times a year (January, March, May, June, October, November, December) |
| Duration | 3 hours and 25 minutes (including 30 minutes for an optional writing test) | 3 hours (+50 minutes with an optional essay) |
| Time Crunch | Most students argue that the ACT Science section does not give enough time; students feel ACT is more challenging time wise | With the new Digital SAT, students feel more at ease with the time crunch |
| Penalty for Incorrect Answers | No penalty for incorrect answers | No penalty for wrong and omitted answers |
| Out of | 36 | 1600 |
| Scoring | Steep curve between 34-36 range; allowed to create a “superscore” from the best composite | Each half is scored from 200-800 points for a total of 400-1600; less of a curve at the top; allowed to create a “superscore” from the best composite |
| Format | Mostly on paper | Digital (paper option removed in 2024) |
| Difficulty of Reading Section | ACT Reading is a 35-minute test that is focused on finding the details | SAT Reading is a 65-minute test that includes archaic political treaties and science research discussions; more focused on student reasoning and nuanced comprehension |
| Difficulty of English Section | ACT loves punctuation (commas, apostrophes, and more!) | SAT loves larger passage context and paragraph organization |
| Difficulty of Math Section | Features more advanced mathematical concepts; worth ¼ the ACT exam score | Features more algebra with complex word problems (has more words instead of straight equations to solve); worth half of the SAT exam score |
| Study Materials | Less prevalent | More prevalent |
| Learning Services for Questions and Answers | ACT offers “Test Information Release” (TIR) in April, June, and December | SAT has a Q&A Service for tests in March, May, and October |
| Registration | Both will ask for personal information like interests, intended college major, high school GPA, parent income, etc. but you are not required to send them the information (they sell your private information) | |
| Overall | Better for students who are strong in science and less so in math and reading; slower at reading; have a smaller vocabulary; love calculators; live outside the U.S.; and attend a school that offers the test for free. | Better for students who love reading; have a sophisticated and extensive vocabulary; fear vectors, matrices, combinatorics, and trigonometric functions; prefer algebra and word problems over science; live outside the U.S.; work better with more prevalent study material; and attend a school that offers the test for free. |
Which Should I Take?
Are you more of a math and science person or an English reading person? If you’re the former, we suggest you take the ACT and if you’re the latter we suggest you take the SAT. Still not convinced? Explore their websites for free tests to decide which one is best for you. And if you are seeking help, reach out to us at SK Education where we can guide you through your college admissions process.
Key Takeaways
- ACT is better for students who are better at math and science
- SAT is better for students who are better at reading
- Not sure? Schedule a free consultation with us at SK Education and we discuss which pathway is best for you.
