What is the Difference Between the ACT and SAT

As you begin thinking about the college application process, you may hear a lot about standardized testing - specifically, the ACT and SAT. While it can seem daunting, the tests can be manageable with proper preparation. The best exam to take varies from person to person and it all depends on your skills, knowledge, and strong suits. In this article, you'll learn more about both exams and what sections are required, and hopefully, you can make a more informed decision about which test you'll take. 

The ACT vs SAT

The ACT and the SAT are two different forms of standardized tests. As an exam, they allow college admissions to see a baseline of your understanding of concepts like math, reading, grammar, and writing. It's important to note, though, that these scores don't define you. While the exam scores can be an essential part of the decision process, they will be taken into account with other parts of your application, such as your extracurricular activities, GPA, and personal statement.

If you earn a score that you're not satisfied with, you can always retake the exam as long as you receive the new score by the time you're able to apply. Because the exams are scored by section, you'll often have a breakdown of what areas you need to improve in order to get a higher score. Some schools even take part in a process called "superscoring." If you've taken the exams multiple times, they will total your highest scores for each section (across all your exams) rather than the best total score from one test. Many schools are now even becoming test-optional, meaning that you can submit the score for standardized tests if you're happy with it, but it's not required. You'll want to read the admissions requirements of the schools you're applying to to see which scores are accepted.

Now, onto the part you've been waiting for: the differences between the SAT and ACT.

The SAT

The SAT consists of three main sections: reading, writing and language, and math. The multiple-choice section lasts 180 minutes (3 hours) and has a short break between some sections. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points, for a maximum total score of 1600. There used to be an optional essay, but that was discontinued in 2021.

The breakdown of times and subjects are as follows:

1. Reading: 65 minutes

The reading section is 52 questions and assesses your ability to analyze and interpret texts from various sources, including literature, history, and science.

2. Writing and Language: 35 minutes

This 44-question section evaluates your command of evidence, expression of ideas, and standard English conventions. It is typically composed of questions that may or may not have grammar mistakes, which you have to identify.

3. Math: 80 minutes

The math section covers skills like algebra, geometry, and probability/statistics. It's divided into a no-calculator section, which is 20 minutes and 25 questions, and a calculator section, which is 55 minutes and 38 questions.

The ACT

The ACT comprises four main sections: English, math, reading, and science, with an optional essay section. All sections cover similar topics as the SAT, with the only difference being the science section. Each section is scored out of 36, and the four scores are averaged for a total score (also out of 36). Let's delve into the specifics. 

1. English: 45 minutes

The English section has 75 questions and assesses students' understanding of grammar and usage, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. It's similar to the writing and language section of the SAT, with grammatical errors and corrections.

2. Math: 60 minutes

Similar to the SAT, the ACT math section evaluates students on mathematical knowledge, covering algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. This section is 60 questions long, and you can use your calculator during the entire time.

3. Reading: 35 minutes

This 40-question section measures a student's ability to comprehend and analyze written texts from various disciplines. It's similar to the SAT as it requires reading passages and answering multiple-choice questions.

4. Science: 35 minutes

The science section is also 40 questions and evaluates a student's interpretation, analysis, and problem-solving skills in the context of scientific information. It doesn't require specific scientific knowledge. Most of the questions are a combination of comprehension and basic math, and you won't need a calculator.

5. Optional Essay: 40 minutes

The optional ACT essay allows students to showcase their writing abilities for schools that require this score. You'll want to check the admissions conditions and what the schools you're applying to are looking for. The essay is just like any other essay you'd write in class, and it typically features a prompt that has a number of angles from which you can approach the essay.

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Is the ACT Harder Than the SAT?

The ACT and SAT may have similar sections, but they are different for a number of reasons, so it really depends on the type of student you are. One isn't objectively harder than the other as they require different things. The ACT, for example, has a science section that requires you to analyze and digest information differently than the SAT, which does not have this section.

Also, you may notice that while the ACT is slightly shorter (175 minutes excluding the essay vs. 180 minutes for the SAT), there are more questions (215 on the ACT and 154 on the SAT). This means that ACT could be a better choice if you have the ability to process information quickly, and it can leave slightly more room for error if you have more incorrect answers. 

Again, the ease of the ACT versus the SAT varies from person to person. Some students find the ACT's straightforward, content-based questions more manageable, while others may prefer the SAT's emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

Conclusion

While the ACT and SAT are very different tests, you can always take both to find out which one you prefer. Remember, your score doesn't define you, and if you give yourself enough time, you can take them multiple times! Get to studying, and don't be afraid to reach out to teachers, peers, or tutors for additional support and resources. You've got this, and whichever exam you choose to take, you'll be sure to do great!

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