Students often ask me if it's better to take the SAT or the ACT. The most straightforward answer that I can tell them is that it depends on the individual student. There is no "better" test, but there may be a test that's better for you.
Before I discuss how to determine which is best for you lets compare the two tests and explore how they are similar and how they are different.
Both tests are nationally recognized standardized tests, required for graduation by some school systems and for admissions by most colleges. Since the College Board redesigned the SAT, back in 2016, it is now more similar, in content, to the ACT than it is different. Here is a breakdown of the structural and logistical differences between the two tests.
In regards to the content of both tests, there are some distinctions that can impact the experience of the test-taker.
Math
The SAT offers more time to complete each section of the test. In the math section you have nearly 30 seconds more per questions than on the ACT.
The SAT provides 4 multiple choice answers per question, giving students a 25% chance of selecting the right answer. The ACT provides 5 multiple choice answers, reducing the chance to 20% per answer.
Both tests equally emphasize algebra but not geometry. Sat math is comprised of about 10% geometry, while ACT is comprised of 35-45% geometry. ACT also tests matrices, graphs of trig functions, and logarithms.
The math section on the SAT includes "grid-in" problems where there are no multiple choice answers provided and instead students have to bubble in their own answers.
The SAT provides you with the most of the formulas you will need to answer the math questions. The ACT does not provide any formulas.
The SAT math section counts for 50% of your total SAT score, while math only counts for 25% of your total ACT score.
The SAT includes 2 math sections, one with calculator and one without calculator. The ACT allows students to use a calculator for the entire math section.
Science
There is a entire section for Science on the ACT and the focus is on graph and data interpretation and analysis.
There is no science section on SAT, but there is a science passage provided in the reading section.
Reading
Both tests provide passages followed by questions pertaining to the passage.
SAT reading questions are more "evidence-based" meaning that several questions require identification of where in the passage the answer can be found.
SAT reading questions are generally in chronological order and build off of one another, while ACT reading questions are generally unrelated to each other.
English
The ACT English section and the SAT Writing and Language are essentially the same as far as content goes.
The biggest difference is that you have more time to complete the questions on the SAT than you have on the ACT.
So which is right for you?
Understanding the differences may be enough for you to determine which test is the best fit for you. If not, here are some practical approaches to deciding.
Take an ACT and a SAT practice test. After you have scored both tests, use a concordance table to compare your scores. Whichever score you performed the best on, is the one you should ultimately prep for and use for college admissions.
Take an ACT vs SAT quiz. Here is an example of one:
If you agree with most of these statements, than the SAT is the way to go. If you disagreed with most, you will most likely do better on the ACT. If you have equal agrees and disagrees, you will probably do just as well on either test.
3. Consider your state requirements, if any, and the requirements of the colleges you are interested in. Some states require a particular test and it would be best to focus on that.
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