10 Key Differences Between SAT and ACT Tests

High school students are often perplexed with the question: Which is better, 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 split into two parts: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, along with Math. In contrast, the ACT is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.

Deciding which test is easier between SAT or ACT depends entirely on a student's strengths and weaknesses. The SAT may be more suitable for students with strong reading and writing skills. Alternatively, science-oriented students might SAT vs ACT for college admissions have an edge with the ACT.

Each test also uses a different scoring scale. For the SAT, scores can range from 400 to 1600, on the other hand, the ACT scores from 1 to 36.

SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math section emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis, whereas the ACT math section spans a wide range of topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.

Choosing whether to take SAT or ACT truly depends on an individual's preferences. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, so pick the exam that best represents your abilities. Ultimately, what's most important isn't the test you take, but your performance on your chosen examination.