Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Universities and colleges use both SAT and ACT to evaluate potential students, but there exist some key differences between the two.
There's a significant difference between SAT and 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.
Deciding which test is easier between SAT or explore features ACT depends entirely on a student's strengths and weaknesses. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Science-minded students, on the other hand, may find the ACT to be a better fit.
The scoring scale also differs for both tests. The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. Reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis are the focus of the SAT math section, on the other hand, the ACT math section tests a wide array of topics from pre-algebra up to trigonometry.
Deciding which test to take - SAT or ACT - is ultimately a matter of personal choice. Most schools will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, so it's crucial to choose the test that best reflects your abilities. Ultimately, what's most important isn't the test you take, but your performance on your chosen examination.