The Difference between the SAT and ACT

During your Junior Year, it's really important to decide which standardized test(s) you will take for your college applications. This means either the SAT or ACT. You may be asking yourself what the difference between the two really is, and how you find out which is right for you...

The main differences between the two tests have to do with the format, content, length of test and scoring. The SAT is a 10-section exam lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes. The SAT includes three Critical Reading, three Math, and three Writing sections. The last section is experimental (not scored) and can be an extra section of Critical Reading, Math, or Writing. (Warning: You have no way of knowing which section is experimental, so take all the sections as though they count!) The SAT Writing section includes an essay, scored from 2-12, which is factored into the overall Writing score. Each section (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) is scored out of 800, making the highest possible total score 2400.

Unlike the SAT, which requires students to produce their own answers on part of the Math section, all four scored sections of the ACT are entirely multiple-choice. The ACT covers English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. The writing portion of the ACT is optional (even though some colleges require it), and the essay score is not included in the overall composite score. With this 30-minute optional writing section, the ACT is 3 hours and 25 minutes long. The total ACT composite score is an average of all four sections, which are each scored on a scale of 1-36. While the math on the SAT tests up to basic geometry and Algebra 2, the ACT includes up to trigonometry. Although one test isn't better than the other, depending on your strengths you may find one to be easier. The ACT is more of a knowledge-based test than the SAT; therefore, it is a good idea to try practice tests of both to see which is better for you.

Many colleges accept both the SAT and ACT. There are also some schools that will accept the ACT in lieu of the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. You can find out the specific requirements for the colleges you are looking into by checking their websites or contacting their admissions offices.

While you do not have to take both tests to get into college, you still have the time to take both tests and decide whether or not to use your ACT scores. Since the ACT offers a "Score Choice" option you can decide not to use your ACT scores if your performance on the test isn't as strong as you would like. If you do well on the ACT, and the college you are considering accepts both the ACT and SAT, it is advantageous to send in your ACT score to supplement your other standardized test scores.

So consider setting up a testing plan. The SAT and ACT are offered seven and six times per year respectively. Remember that the registration dates for these exams are about a month to 6 weeks prior to the test date. Good luck!

Check out session 1 for more information on standardized tests!