1. Content:
- The ACT consists of four multiple-choice sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The Science section includes passages and questions about three different scientific fields: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- The SAT consists of three sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math (with a calculator and without a calculator).
2. Scoring:
- The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with each section contributing a maximum of 36 points.
- The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with each section contributing a maximum of 800 points.
3. Time limits:
- The ACT has a total time limit of 3 hours and 35 minutes, with 60 minutes for each of the four sections.
- The SAT has a total time limit of 3 hours, with 65 minutes for the Reading section, 35 minutes for the Writing and Language section, 80 minutes for the Math section (calculator permitted), and 25 minutes for the Math section (no calculator permitted).
4. Difficulty level:
- The ACT is generally considered to be a more challenging test than the SAT, especially in the Math and Science sections.
- The SAT is known for its complex sentence structures and vocabulary in the Reading and Writing and Language sections.
Which test should you take?
Ultimately, the decision of which test to take depends on your individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as your college application strategies. Here are some factors to consider:
- Your strengths and weaknesses: If you excel in math and science, the ACT might be a better fit for you. If you are more comfortable with reading and writing, the SAT could be a better option.
- College admissions: Some colleges may have a preference for one test over the other. Check the admissions requirements of your target colleges to determine if they have a preference or accept both tests.
- Your test-taking style: If you prefer a faster-paced test with shorter sections, the ACT might be a better choice. If you prefer a slower-paced test with longer sections, the SAT could be a better fit.
- Your time constraints: The ACT and SAT are both long tests, but the ACT is slightly shorter than the SAT. Consider your schedule and availability when choosing which test to take.
If you are still undecided, you can take a practice test for both the ACT and SAT to see which one you feel more comfortable with.