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ACT vs. SAT- What is the difference? 

 Students have the choice to take the SAT, ACT or both. Most parents are confused and are not sure if there is an advantage to taking one over the other or both. This blog will help clarify some of the common questions.

 

Does it matter if I take the SAT or ACT?

 

No, both the SAT and ACT are usually accepted equally at most major four year colleges and universities in the United States. However, you should check with the colleges you are applying to to determine if they have a preference. The SAT is a standardized test that is published by The College Board located in New Jersey. The SAT, originally known as The Scholastic Aptitude Test, was created in 1900. Until recently, it was the test of choice on the East and West coasts. The ACT was not developed until the 1950’s. The ACT test was introduced to the Midwestern and Southern states and became the acceptable test to take in those states. In the past ten years, the Act has made its way to the East coast and many students have begun to take both tests.

 

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?

 

Although either test is acceptable at most four-year colleges and universities, the format of each test is different.

Math Section:

·        The SAT tests on math through 10th grade, while the ACT includes trigonometry and calculus questions .

·         The SAT math questions may require a student to use multiple math skills, while the ACT math problems usually stick to one skill per question.

·        The ACT math section is made up of entirely multiple-choice math questions, while the SAT has some math problems that the student needs to calculate the answers.
   

 

Reading Section:

·        The SAT requires that the student know a significant amount of sophisticated vocabulary.

·        The ACT does not test vocabulary.

Grammar Section:

·        Both the ACT and SAT test similar content in the grammar section, but the formats are very different.

·        In addition, the ACT tests on some additional grammar rules.

Science Section:

·        Only the Act tess on a full science section, which focuses on the interpretation of graphs and charts.

·        The SAT does not test science

Essay:

·        Both tests require the student to write an essay in response to a short prompt.

Length:

·        The SAT takes about 4 hours to complete

·        The ACT takes about 3 hours complete

 

 

Do you need to prepare for both tests?

 

Absolutely, Yes. Although the content of the grammar, math and reading comprehension sections are similar, the format of the test and test taking strategies of the questions are entirely different. For example, the two tests are graded differently. One test encourages guessing, while the other test penalizes guessing. Students need to know how each test is graded and how to approach each test.  In addition, students who take the SAT need to know a significant amount of sophisticated vocabulary words, while students who take the ACT do not need to know vocabulary, but they do need to be familiar and learn strategies for taking the science section.

 

 

 
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