Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Universities and colleges use both SAT and ACT to evaluate potential students, but there are significant distinctions between them.
The SAT test format vastly differs from the ACT test format. The SAT is ACT math section divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. In contrast, the ACT is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
The question of whether the SAT or ACT is easier varies, depending on the student's personal strengths and deficits. Students with robust reading and writing expertise might find the SAT more suitable. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.
Each test also uses a different scoring scale. The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math section emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis, on the other hand, the ACT math section tests a wide array of topics from pre-algebra up to trigonometry.
The decision to take the SAT or ACT is ultimately dependent on a student's individual strengths and choice. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, therefore, it's advantageous 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.