Comparison: ACT vs. SAT
Should I take the ACT or the SAT? Not sure which one is better?
Before the new SAT, there were actually many differences between the two. For example, the SAT used to have a penalty for guessing. However, with the new SAT, that penalty is now gone, and the makers of the test re-formatted the SAT so that it resembles the ACT more.
Here’s a comparison of the two tests:
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ACT SAT
Time without writing/essay
2 hours, 55 minutes
3 hours
Time with writing/essay
3 hours, 35 minutes
3 hours, 50 minutes
Number of Required Sections
4
4 (3 actual sections with math divided into 2 sections)
Subject Material: English/Writing & Language
Yes, 45 minutes, 75 ?s
Yes, 35 minutes, 44 ?s
Subject Material: Reading
Yes, 35 minutes, 40 ?s
Yes, 65 minutes, 52 ?s
Subject Material: Math
Yes, 60 minutes, 60 ?s
Yes, 80 minutes, 58 ?s
Format of Math Questions
All multiple choice
45 multiple choice, 13 grid-in
Calculator allowed for Math
Yes, for all of math
Yes, for Math-Calculator section; No, for Math-No calculator section
Math Topics covered
Numbers, algebra, functions, geometry, prob/stat, rates/percents, area, volume, word problems, models
Numbers, algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, advanced math, word problems, models
Subject Material: Science
Yes, 35 minutes, 40 ?s
No
Optional (but recommended) Essay
Yes, 40 minutes
Yes, 50 minutes
Critical thinking and analysis
Yes
Yes
Score range
1-36
400-1600
Penalty for guessing
No
No
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There are a few minor differences, such as the SAT having 2 math sections with one section without calculator use and several math questions that are not multiple choice and require bubbling or “gridding” in the answer. The SAT math sections also include basic trigonometry while the ACT usually does not cover trig. Calculator use is permitted throughout the entire ACT math section while it is not on one of the SAT math sections. Overall, the SAT takes a little bit more time than the ACT because there is usally more time given per question, and the optional Essay section gives 50 minutes to write rather than 40 minutes. The scoring also differs with a different point scale used.
The most notable difference is the inclusion of the science section on the ACT and the exclusion of the science section on the SAT. The sciences are definitely covered on the SAT Subject tests for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics though, so if you choose to take the SAT and not the ACT but still want to show colleges your aptitude for scientific reasoning and knowledge, you should definitely take the SAT Subject tests in the sciences. However, if you are weak with analyzing scientific data, you should probably take the SAT rather than the ACT. Yet, with practice, a few strategies, some studying, and logic, you can still do well on the Science section of the ACT, even if you tend to be weak in the sciences.
Because the two tests are mostly similar now, it really comes down to personal preference, what types of strategies work for you, and what kind of test-taker you are. If you really need help with deciding though, Princeton Review has a short quiz that you can take to determine which of the two tests would be better for you: https://www.princetonreview.com/college/should-i-take-the-act-or-sat-quiz
However, if you want to become a Finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, you MUST take the SAT!More info about that here: http://college-prep-guide.com/psat-nmsqt/
Regardless of your decision to take the ACT or the SAT (or both, but really, only one is necessary), prepare well and do well!
Sincerely,
James Han, Director
Columbia Academy