10 Key Differences Between SAT and ACT Tests

High school students are often perplexed with the question: Which is better, SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT serve as measures for colleges and universities to assess aspiring 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. In contrast, What colleges accept ACT scores 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. Students with robust reading and writing expertise might find the SAT more suitable. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.

The SAT and ACT also diverge in terms of scoring scales. For the SAT, scores can range from 400 to 1600, while the ACT score ranges from 1 to 36.

SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math section emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis, whereas the ACT math section spans a wide range of 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, so it's crucial to choose the test that best reflects your abilities. In the end, what matters most is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.