The Top 10 Differences Between the SAT and ACT Tests

Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Universities and colleges use both SAT and ACT to evaluate potential students, but there are significant distinctions between them.

The SAT test format vastly differs from the ACT test format. The SAT is split into two parts: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, along with Math. On the other hand, the ACT incorporates English, Math, Reading, and Science.

Deciding which test is easier between SAT or ACT depends entirely on a student's strengths and weaknesses. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Science-minded students, on the other hand, may find the ACT to be a better fit.

Each test also uses a different scoring scale. For the SAT, scores can range from 400 to 1600, while the ACT score ranges from 1 to 36.

There's a clear difference between subjects tested in SAT and ACT. Reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis are the focus of the SAT math section, on the other hand, the ACT math section tests a wide array of topics from pre-algebra up to trigonometry.

Choosing whether to take SAT or ACT truly depends on an individual's more info preferences. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, so pick the exam that best represents your abilities. In the end, what matters most is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.