Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests that universities and colleges use to assess prospective students, but there exist some key differences between the two.
The structure of the SAT test differs markedly from that of the ACT. The SAT is split into two parts: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, along with Math. In contrast, the ACT is comprised of four sections: 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. On the other hand, students with a knack for science may perform better on the ACT.
The scoring scale also differs for both tests. For the SAT, scores can range from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math focuses greatly on reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis abilities, while the ACT math section covers topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.
Deciding which test to take - SAT or ACT - is ultimately a matter of personal choice. Most colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT scores, therefore, it's advantageous more info to select the test where you can best demonstrate your strengths. Ultimately, the selection of the test becomes less crucial than how well students can perform on their chosen test.