SAT vs ACT: What’s the Difference and Why They’re Important
By: Charlene Wu
24/7 Writing and Communications Superstar
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SAT or ACT? These are two standardized exams that have been a crucial part in applications when students are applying to schools. Although not all schools require you to report your test scores in your application, it’s important to understand what the two tests are and which you should consider taking. Test scores help to strengthen your application in showing your scholarship past your transcript at your local school. These scores can also be used for merit-based scholarship applications. In this post we will compare the two tests to help you figure out which test is right for you.
How the Tests are Formatted
A key difference between the two tests is that the ACT is structured into five subjects: English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and an optional Essay section. Whereas the SAT only has three: Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.
The SAT’s reading section includes five passages, meanwhile the ACT has four. The SAT does not have a science section, however its reading section does include works of literature from the natural science field. While the ACT does have a science section, it does not test prior knowledge of science, instead it tests your critical thinking skills within natural science contexts.
Both tests’ math sections cover topics of arithmetic, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis. The SAT has a calculator inactive section, which mainly tests arithmetic skills. The ACT’s math section is completely calculator active.
The ACT Essay portion is 45 minutes long and tests your writing ability. It includes a prompt and describes three different perspectives of the prompt that you may align your response to. You are expected to write a well structured essay exemplifying your skills in reasoning and analysis to support the perspective. Click here to read through some ACT writing sample essays, this will best orient you to the structure of the test.
Length and Scoring
Both tests are around 3 hours long. If taking the optional Essay option with the ACT, it is 3 hours and 40 minutes.
There is no penalty for guessing on either test. Each score is taken from the number of correct answers, then converted into “scale scores,” or each test company’s respective grading scales.
SAT is scored on a range from 400-1600. Reading and Writing & Language are compiled to accumulate the highest of 800 points, and Math is worth a total of 800 points. Receiving a 1600 on the SAT represents perfect scores in both sections. The ACT follows a different grading scale, 1-36. Each section of the test is given a score from 1-36. The composite ACT score (which you use to report to schools and scholarships) is an average of those scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
So Which Should You Take?
The best way to know which test format is best for you is by taking a practice exam of each. Practice exams are the best way to prepare for either test, as the more comfortable you are with each test the better you will do.
You can quickly decide which is better for you based on which test you are more comfortable with understanding the test questions. A critical difference between the two tests is that the ACT includes a scientific reasoning section that the SAT doesn’t. If you are more comfortable with test taking in science, this test might be more in your comfort zone. Contrastingly, the SAT has more reading sections. If you are more comfortable with reading long works of text and comprehension questions, you might lean towards this test.
Regardless, either test score is accepted by the majority of schools in the United States. Which test you choose does not change how admissions officers view your application. Choosing a test is more a personal matter of which test better suits your test-taking skills.
Why Do These Tests Matter?
Since the pandemic, many schools have transitioned to a test-optional application process. Standardized tests are not the sole admittance factor in applications, as they are not completely definitive of a students’ intelligence.
However, standardized tests are favored by schools as they help admissions offices compare students from different cities and states. The world is composed of many different high schools, that all may calculate grades in different ways. Having a standardized score allows students from different areas to have a more even playing field in score comparison.
Schools also use applicant and admitted students’ test scores for data reports. Students interested in applying for schools can use these data reports to decide whether they are similar in demographic.
Additionally, scores can be used to qualify for merit-based scholarships from the CollegeBoard, ACT, and other organizations.
All of this goes to say that while tests are optional, it does not hurt to take them. Standardized scores allow admissions offices to directly compare between students from different regions. They also open more opportunities for students to find merit-based scholarships. Deciding on which test to choose is ultimately based on which format you are more comfortable with. Practice is key!
Practice and gaining comfortability with test formatting is key in acing the SAT or ACT. Work with 24/7 Teach’s test-taking services to help you achieve your highest score possible!
If you are ready to start thinking about the college application process, set up a free strategy call with one of our 24/7 College Admissions specialists and learn everything you need to create a successful college application plan for yourself or your teen.
