Choosing between the SAT and the ACT is the 1st step if you decide to go to school in the US. Both are standardized tests required as part of the admissions process. The question is, which one to take?
The answer lies in playing to your strengths.
The following table provides an overview of the SAT and the ACT:
SCORE Out of 1600 Out of 36
No penalty for wrong answers. No penalty for wrong answers.
SECTIONS Reading (reading comprehension) English (similar to SAT “Writing”)
52 questions multiple choice 75 questions multiple choice
65 minutes 45 minutes
5 passages
Writing (essentially, grammar) Mathematics (calculator allowed)
44 questions multiple-choice 60 questions multiple choice
35 minutes 60 minutes
4 passages
Math without calculator Reading (reading comprehension)
15 questions multiple choice, 40 questions multiple choice
5 bubble-in-the-number questions
25 minutes 35 minutes
Math with calculator Science
30 questions multiple choice, 40 questions multiple choice
8 bubble-in-the-number questions
55 minutes 35 minutes
(Optional) Essay (Optional) Essay
Read and analyze rhetorical Given multiple perspectives and
strategies in an article asked to present your own POV
50 minutes 40 minutes
Most schools don’t require it, Most schools don’t require it,
but generally recommend it but generally recommend it
Score out of 24 by 2 human graders Score out of 12 by 2 human graders
TOTAL TIME 3h (+ 50 min with essay) 2h55min (+ 40 min with essay)
= 3h50min = 3h35min
Comparison of the SAT and ACT
The ACT features a science section counting for 25% of the score. You don’t need to know too much science, but at the same time should be comfortable reading scientific passages. So consider taking the SAT if scientific language makes you dizzy.
You have more time per question on the SAT.
Math counts for more on the SAT (50%) than on the ACT (25%). So if math isn’t your strong suit, consider taking the ACT instead.
The SAT essay tests your analysis of the author’s strategies, whereas the ACT essay is more about explaining your own perspective. Which are you better at?
Personally, I found ACT English much easier than SAT Reading. So if reading comprehension is not your strength, the ACT might be more suitable.
Since 2011, the ACT has surpassed the SAT in popularity. This could mean that the majority of people find the ACT easier.
The simplest way to find out which test is more suited to your preferences would be to take a real practice test in real test conditions (timed, all the way through) for both the SAT and the ACT. Choose the test that you scored higher on.
The difficulty of the tests are subjective and unique to each person, so find and play to your strengths. Good luck!
Comments