ACT vs SAT: Which Should You Take?

When preparing for college admissions, choosing between the ACT and SAT is a common dilemma. Both tests are widely accepted by universities across the United States, but each has its own unique features. This guide will help you compare the two exams, so you can make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for you.

Test Structure Comparison

Both the ACT and SAT are multiple-choice tests that assess academic skills in key subjects, but they have distinct structures. Here's a breakdown of the sections and timing:

ACT Structure

  • English: 75 questions in 45 minutes (tests grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills)
  • Math: 60 questions in 60 minutes (algebra, geometry, trigonometry)
  • Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes (reading comprehension)
  • Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes (interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating scientific data)
  • Optional Writing: 1 essay in 40 minutes (measuring writing skills)

SAT Structure

  • Reading: 52 questions in 65 minutes (reading comprehension)
  • Writing and Language: 44 questions in 35 minutes (tests grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure)
  • Math: 58 questions in 80 minutes (algebra, data analysis, advanced math concepts, no trigonometry)
  • Optional Essay: 1 essay in 50 minutes (measuring writing ability)

Scoring Comparison

Understanding how the ACT and SAT are scored can help you determine which test is more suited to your strengths.

ACT Scoring

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, based on the average of the four section scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science). The Writing test, if taken, is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12.

SAT Scoring

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, combining your Math and Reading/Writing scores. The SAT also includes an optional Essay, which is scored separately on a scale of 6 to 24.

Comparison

While the ACT uses a composite score of 1-36, the SAT uses a total score of 400-1600. If you're more comfortable with one scale over the other, that could influence your decision on which test to take.

Timing Differences

Time management is crucial on both tests, and each has its own pacing challenges:

ACT Timing

The ACT is known for its fast pace, giving you less time per question than the SAT. For example, you’ll have approximately 36 seconds per question in the English section and 53 seconds per question in Math.

SAT Timing

The SAT gives you more time per question, with approximately 1 minute and 15 seconds per question in Reading and Writing, and 1 minute and 23 seconds per question in Math (without a calculator).

Which is Better for You?

If you tend to work quickly under pressure, the ACT's faster pacing might be a better fit. However, if you prefer to have more time to think through each question, the SAT’s slower pace may suit you better.

Question Types

The ACT and SAT both include a variety of question types, but there are some key differences:

ACT Question Types

  • English: Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
  • Math: Covers a wide range of math, including advanced algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • Reading: Focuses on reading comprehension and analysis.
  • Science: Tests your ability to interpret data and scientific reasoning.

SAT Question Types

  • Reading: Focuses on reading comprehension with questions on inference and context.
  • Writing and Language: Tests grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
  • Math: Includes algebra, data analysis, and advanced math, but no trigonometry or complex geometry.

Which Test Should You Take?

The decision between the ACT and SAT depends on your personal strengths, test-taking style, and what you feel most comfortable with. Here are some factors to consider:

Choose the ACT If:

  • You perform well under time pressure and can handle the faster pace of the test.
  • You are strong in science and feel confident interpreting data and graphs.
  • You are comfortable with trigonometry and advanced algebra.

Choose the SAT If:

  • You prefer more time per question and a slightly slower pace.
  • You are stronger in reading comprehension and grammar than in math.
  • You feel more comfortable with basic algebra and data analysis, rather than more advanced math concepts like trigonometry.

Ultimately, both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities in the U.S., so it’s up to you to decide which one aligns with your strengths and preferences.