ACT vs. SAT: Key Differences & How To Choose

If you're a high school student preparing for college admissions, you've probably heard about the ACT and SAT exams. These tests play a huge role in the college application process, as they provide standardized scores colleges consider when making admission decisions.

Now, you might be wondering, "What's the difference between the ACT and SAT, and how do I choose which one to take?" Well, you're in the right place!

This article will break down the key differences between the ACT and SAT, helping you gain a clear understanding of each test's structure, content, and scoring system.

About the ACT test

The ACT is an entrance exam that plays a big role in the college admissions process in the U.S. Its main goal? To measure your college readiness.

The ACT covers multiple-choice questions and takes a good chunk of your time — about two hours and 55 minutes. You'll have an extra 40 minutes if you choose to do the optional essay portion, making the whole test three hours and 35 minutes.

Let's chat about the financial side. The ACT costs $66 for the main test (add an extra $25 if you want to tackle the optional essay section). So, the whole package will cost you $91. 

The ACT is offered seven times each year. You can take the ACT in the spring of your junior year, but you can totally do it in the fall or winter of your senior year, too. 

Sections tested on the ACT

Here's what to expect from the sections tested on the ACT:

• English. You must read several statements or passages. After each, they'll throw multiple-choice questions at you to see how well you can improve sentences for clarity.
• Mathematics. Get ready to crunch some numbers! The ACT math section covers algebra, functions, geometry, and statistics.
• Reading. You'll encounter long and short passages about varying subjects. The goal? To test your reading comprehension, including making text generalizations and comparisons.
• Science. The ACT science section will present biology, chemistry, and other science-related scenarios. You’ll use problem-solving to interpret and draw conclusions from the graphs, charts, and other information given. 
• Optional writing (essay). This section is all about flexing your persuasive essay skills. You'll dive into a complex issue and present your own perspective on the topic.

How is the ACT scored?

The scoring system is pretty straightforward. Here's the lowdown:

• Scores on a scale. Your ACT scores range from 1 to 36. Each of the four test sections (English, mathematics, reading, and science) receives its own score.
• Overall composite score. Now, here's where things come together. All those section scores combine to calculate the average, which is your overall composite score. 
• The optional essay. This section is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12. If you're confident in your writing skills and want to showcase them, go for it! 

About the SAT test

Similar to the ACT, the SAT is a well-known standardized test to help you get into a U.S. college. 

The SAT has multiple-choice and written questions and will keep you busy for three hours. It covers multiple subjects and costs 60 bucks with no extra fees (unless you register late or cancel your exam).

When can you tackle this test? Like the ACT, you've got some flexibility with test dates. The SAT is also offered seven times per year, and you can take it during your junior or senior year of high school.

Sections tested on the SAT

Here’s a quick look at the sections tested on the SAT:

• Reading. You’ll see some reading passages related to subjects like literature, history, and social studies. Then, you'll answer questions that test your understanding, interpretation, and analysis of the texts.
• Writing and language. Get ready to put your grammar hat on for this language section. After reading the statement, you’ll need to spot grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure errors.
• Math. You'll tackle a no-calculator math section that tests mental math skills, followed by a calculator-allowed section. Topics include algebra, arithmetic, probability, trigonometry, and data analysis.

How is the SAT scored?

Let's break down the SAT scoring system. The test consists of two main sections: evidence-based reading and writing and math. Each section has a scaled test score range of 200 to 800, allowing for a maximum total score of 1600.

Now, what's a scaled score? Here's the scoop. The SAT calculates the number of questions you answered correctly in each section and converts it to a scaled score between 200 and 800.

Why the conversion? It accounts for slight variations in test difficulty across different SAT dates. So, if your test was slightly easier than someone else's, they'll scale your score to ensure fairness and comparability. 

ACT vs SAT: key differences

Here's a full overview of the key differences between the ACT and SAT:

Test duration

As mentioned earlier, the ACT takes about two hours and 55 minutes for the main sections, and the essay lasts around three hours and 35 minutes. The SAT takes approximately three hours. 

Test structure

So, with the ACT, you have four main sections to tackle: English, math, reading, and science. Plus, there's an optional writing section if you're up for it.

The SAT keeps things a bit simpler with three sections: reading, writing, and math — no need to stress about an essay section for the SAT.

Reading section

While both tests have multiple-choice questions, the ACT reading section has four passages and 40 questions. On the other hand, the SAT reading section takes it up a notch with five reading sections and 52 questions.

And just so you know, the SAT throws in some graphics for you, while the ACT keeps it strictly text-based.

Writing section

When it comes to the ACT, the English section has a solid 75 multiple-choice questions. They cover all sorts of stuff, including grammar, punctuation, and more. Plus, there's an optional writing section to show off your essay skills. 

On the flip side, the SAT keeps it a bit lighter, with 44 multiple-choice questions in the writing section. They’ll cover grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills.

Math section

The ACT math test allows calculator use and features multiple-choice math questions. Just remember to memorize formulas since they don't provide a formula sheet.

On the other hand, the SAT math section includes a mix of multiple-choice and written answer questions. They provide a formula sheet to assist you. They also split this section into two parts: one where you can’t use a calculator and one where you can.

Science section

The ACT has a separate section just for science. It includes passages related to biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences passages.

But hey, if science isn't your thing, no sweat! The SAT doesn't have a dedicated science section.

Cost

To compare, the ACT will run you $66 without the essay ($91 with the essay), while the SAT is $60. 

Scoring

When it comes to the ACT, scores range from 1 to 36 (they calculate a composite score by averaging your scores from each section). And if you rock the optional writing test, they'll give that a separate score, too.

The SAT dishes out separate scores for the evidence-based reading and writing section (ranging from 200 to 800) and the math section (also ranging from 200 to 800), for a max score of 1600.

Is the ACT or SAT more difficult?

When it comes to the ACT and SAT, they each have their unique challenges. Neither test is more difficult.

Some test-takers might enjoy the fast and straightforward sections of the ACT. On the other hand, the SAT brings its own vibe with evidence-based problems that require some analysis and concept application.

Ultimately, the difficulty of these tests is totally up to you. It depends on your skills, study habits, familiarity with the test format, and test-taking strategies.

Should you take the SAT or ACT?

When it comes to choosing between the SAT and ACT, the best strategy is to take both tests. Here's why:

• Most colleges accept both tests for their admissions applications, so taking both increases your options.
• Some students may perform better on one test than the other due to the differences in format and content.

Here are some tips for studying for both tests:

• Take full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with their test formats and question styles. 
• Use study resources like test prep books, online materials, or prep courses.
• Time management is key! Practice pacing yourself during timed sections.
• Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and managing stress.

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