ACT or SAT: Which is Best For You?
“Should I take the ACT or the SAT?” - This is one of the most commonly asked questions by high schoolers looking to pursue higher education.
All four-year, U.S. colleges that use standardized test scores for admission purposes accept both SAT and ACT scores. Since the two exams test similar subjects when assessing a student's readiness for college, including reading comprehension, math, and English grammar, it can be hard to determine which exam is best for you. However, there are key differences between the SAT and ACT that every applicant should know about.
Format
The ACT and SAT both have four required sections. Here is the breakdown:
SAT:
Reading Comprehension (65 minutes, 52 questions)
Writing and Language (35 minutes, 44 questions)
Math with no calculator (25 minutes, 20 questions)
Math with calculator (55 minutes, 38 questions)
ACT:
Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions)
English (45 minutes, 75 questions)
Math with calculator (60 minutes, 60 questions)
Science (35 minutes, 40 questions)
Students have 3 hours to answer a total of 154 questions for the SAT. On the other hand, students have 2 hours and 55 minutes to answer a total of 215 questions for the ACT. This means the ACT gives an average of 49 seconds per question, compared to the SAT's 70 seconds.
Content
The SAT is generally seen as more focused on reasoning and critical thinking skills, while the ACT is more focused on knowledge and understanding of school subject material. Both exams test similar math topics, with a large focus on algebra. However, the ACT more strongly emphasizes upper-level math concepts, such as trigonometry, logarithms, and matrices. Despite this, unlike the SAT, the ACT does not provide a reference guide for math formulas.
The SAT reading section includes passages from a variety of subjects. On the other hand, the ACT reading section focuses primarily on social studies and natural sciences. The SAT Writing and Language section focuses on grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, while the ACT English section focuses on grammar, punctuation, and usage. The ACT also has a science section that tests data interpretation, analysis, and critical thinking skills.
Scoring
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. According to Inside Higher Ed, in 2022, the average SAT score was 1050, whereas the average ACT score was a 19.8.
Price
The SAT costs $60 while the ACT costs $66 ($91 with optional essay).
Which Test Should I Take?
Neither test is more difficult than the other, but your personal strengths may make one more suitable for you than the other. The SAT offers a bit more time per question, but the questions demand more logical reasoning. The ACT has a Science section that the SAT does not, and the SAT has a No-Calculator Math section that the ACT does not. Also, the ACT assesses a wider range of math topics, including matrices and logarithms, but the questions are more direct than those on the SAT.
To determine which test is best for you, take a few practice ACT and SAT exams to see where your scores lie. Regardless of which test you choose, it is important to prepare thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the test content to give yourself the best chance of success.
