When planning for college admissions, many students find themselves faced with a critical decision: whether to take the ACT or the SAT. Both exams are widely accepted by colleges and universities in the United States, and each test has its unique format, content, and scoring system. This section will help you understand the key differences between the ACT and SAT so you can determine which test is best suited for your skills and goals.

Exam Structure

• ACT: The ACT consists of four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, as well as an optional Writing test. The exam contains a total of 215 multiple-choice questions, and the entire test takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes to complete (or 2 hours and 55 minutes without the Writing test).
• SAT: The SAT is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematics. The exam also includes an optional Essay section. The SAT consists of 154 questions, a combination of multiple-choice and grid-in questions, and takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete (or 3 hours without the Essay).

Content

• ACT: The ACT focuses on assessing your knowledge and skills in English grammar, usage, and punctuation; mathematics, including pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; reading comprehension; and scientific reasoning, which includes data interpretation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints.
• SAT: The SAT tests your reading comprehension, writing and language skills, and mathematical problem-solving abilities, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The SAT does not include a dedicated Science section, although some science-related questions may appear in the Reading and Writing sections.

Scoring

• ACT: Each of the four main sections of the ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and your composite score is the average of these four section scores. The optional Writing test is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12 and does not affect your composite score.

• SAT: The SAT uses a 1600-point scale, with the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and the Mathematics section each scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The optional Essay is scored separately on a scale of 6 to 24 and does not affect your overall SAT score.

Test-Taking Strategies

• ACT: The ACT is known for its time constraints, requiring quick thinking and efficient problem-solving. To succeed on the ACT, you must be skilled at answering questions accurately under tight time limits.

• SAT: The SAT tends to have more extended sections and more complex questions, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Success on the SAT requires strong analytical and reasoning skills.

Test-Taking Strategies

• ACT: The ACT is known for its time constraints, requiring quick thinking and efficient problem-solving. To succeed on the ACT, you must be skilled at answering questions accurately under tight time limits.

• SAT: The SAT tends to have more extended sections and more complex questions, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Success on the SAT requires strong analytical and reasoning skills.

Which Test is Right for You?

To determine which test is a better fit for your abilities and goals, consider the following factors:

• Content and skills: Assess your strengths and weaknesses in the subject areas covered by each exam. If you excel in science and have strong time management skills, the ACT may be a better fit for you. If you prefer more in-depth analysis and problem-solving, the SAT may be more suitable.

• Test structure and format: Familiarize yourself with the question types, timing, and structure of each test. Some students may find the ACT’s time constraints too challenging, while others may prefer the pace and format of the SAT.

• Practice tests: Take full-length practice tests for both the ACT and SAT to get a sense of which exam better suits your skills and test-taking style.

• College preferences: Research the testing requirements and preferences of the colleges and universities you’re interested in. While most schools accept both the ACT and SAT, some may have a preference for one test over the other or require specific scores for certain programs.

Making Your Decision

After evaluating the factors listed above and considering your personal preferences, you can make an informed decision about which test is right for you. Keep in mind that there is no “right” or “wrong” choice, as both the ACT and SAT are widely accepted and serve as valid measures of college readiness. Ultimately, the best test for you is the one that showcases your strengths and abilities most effectively.

Once you have chosen the test that best suits your needs, focus your preparation efforts on mastering the content, format, and strategies specific to that exam. If you’re still unsure which test to take, consult with a guidance counselor or test prep professional for personalized advice.

In the next section, we will discuss creating a personalized study plan to help you prepare effectively for the ACT exam. However, if you decide to take the SAT, consider seeking out resources and study guides specific to that exam to ensure the most effective preparation.

Activity

Objective: Determine which college entrance exam, the ACT or the SAT, is a better fit for your skills and goals.

Materials: Access to the internet, a notebook or journal, a pen or pencil, and a copy of a full-length ACT and SAT practice test (available online or in test prep books)

Instructions:

1. In your notebook or journal, create a table with two columns. Label the columns “ACT” and “SAT.”
2. Based on your research and the information provided above, list the key differences between the ACT and SAT in the corresponding columns of the table. Include information about the exam structure, content, scoring, and test-taking strategies.
3. Take the full-length, timed 76CPRE ACT test and record your scores in your notebook or journal. Note any areas where you struggled or felt particularly confident. Follow of the instructions of each subtest and time yourself accordingly.
4. Take the full-length, timed SAT practice test 1 below and record your scores in your notebook or journal. Again, note any areas where you struggled or felt particularly confident. Follow of the instructions of each subtest and time yourself accordingly.
5. Compare your performance on the ACT and SAT practice tests. Identify which exam better suits your skills and test-taking style. Consider factors such as content, time management, and question types.
6. Research the testing requirements and preferences of the colleges and universities you’re interested in attending. Note any specific test requirements or recommendations.
7. Reflect on your findings and write a brief paragraph in your notebook or journal explaining your decision to take either the ACT or the SAT. Consider your performance on the practice tests, your strengths and weaknesses, the colleges’ requirements, and your personal preferences.

By completing this activity, you will have gained valuable insight into which college entrance exam is a better fit for you. This knowledge will help you focus your preparation efforts and increase your chances of success on the chosen test.