Pointers at Glance
- Understanding the key differences between ACT and SAT is crucial for choosing the right entrance exam for college admissions.
- Factors such as individual strengths, time management skills, and the preferences of target colleges should be considered when deciding between the ACT and SAT.
ACT and SAT are two entrance exams widely accepted by US colleges. Students often get confused about which test to take. To make the right decision, it’s crucial to grasp the differences between ACT and SAT. Both the exams measure a student’s academic readiness for college, but they have some key differences.
- In the class of 2022, the SAT saw a slight increase, with 1.7 million high school students taking the exam at least once compared to 1.5 million in the previous year, according to College Board data.
- Similarly, the ACT witnessed growth, as nearly 1.35 million students in the class of 2022 took the test, an increase of approximately 55,000 students from the previous year, as per ACT data.
Key Differences Between ACT and SAT
Understanding the differences between ACT and SAT entrance exams is key to determining the most suitable exam for you. Below is a comparison of the ACT vs SAT.
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours, 55 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 154 | 215 |
| Sections | Reading, Writing and Language, Math | Reading, English, Math, Science |
| Pacing | 1 minute per question on average | Under 1 minute per question on average |
| Predictability | Order of sections changes | Order of sections is always the same |
| Calculator Use | Calculator allowed in math section only | Calculator allowed in all math sections |
| Scoring | Scored on a scale of 1-36 | Scored on a scale of 400-1600 |
How To Analyze Which Entrance Exam To Take?
Below mentioned are a few factors to consider while choosing which exam to take, ACT or SAT.
- Your strengths and weaknesses: If you’re strong in math, you might prefer the ACT, which has a more challenging math section. If you’re strong in writing, you might prefer the SAT, which has a longer writing section.
- Your time management skills: The ACT is a bit shorter than the SAT, so if you’re good at managing your time, you might prefer the ACT.
- The colleges you’re interested in: Some colleges have a preference for one test over the other. Check the admissions websites of the colleges you’re interested in to see which test they prefer.
The best way to decide which test to take is to take a practice test of both ACT and SAT. This will give you a good idea of which test you’re more comfortable with and which one you’re likely to score better on.
No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to prepare thoroughly. By taking a practice test, getting help from a test prep company, or using free resources, you can give yourself the best chance of success.
FAQs
1. Which test is easier? ACT or SAT?
There is no one answer to this question, as both tests have their own challenges. However, the ACT is generally considered to be slightly easier than the SAT. This is because the ACT has a shorter time limit and a more predictable format.
2. ACT vs SAT, Which entrance exam should I take?
The best way to decide which exam to take is to take a practice test of both the ACT and SAT. This will give you a good idea of which test you’re more comfortable with and which one you’re likely to score better on.
3. Are both the ACT and SAT accepted by US colleges?
Yes, both ACT and SAT exams are widely accepted by US colleges for admissions.
