Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Universities join us and colleges use both SAT and ACT to evaluate potential students, but there exist some key differences between the two.
The SAT test format vastly differs from the ACT test format. The SAT is partitioned into two segments: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, as well as Math. In contrast, the ACT is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Students' strengths and weaknesses determine which test is easier, the SAT or ACT. The SAT may be more suitable for students with strong reading and writing skills. Science-minded students, on the other hand, may find the ACT to be a better fit.
Each test also uses a different scoring scale. The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
The subjects tested differ between SAT and ACT. Reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis are the focus of the SAT math section, while the ACT math section covers topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.
Choosing whether to take SAT or ACT truly depends on an individual's preferences. Most colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT scores, so it's crucial to choose the test that best reflects your abilities. In the end, what matters most is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.