High school students are often perplexed with the question: Which is better, 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 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.
Students' strengths and weaknesses determine which test is easier, the SAT or ACT. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.
The scoring scale also differs for both tests. The SAT scoring scale stretches from 400 to 1600, on the other hand, the ACT scores from 1 to 36.
There's a clear difference between subjects tested in SAT and ACT. The SAT math focuses greatly on reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis abilities, whereas the ACT math section spans a wide How to choose between SAT and ACT range of topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.
Deciding which test to take - SAT or ACT - is ultimately a matter of personal choice. Most schools will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, so pick the exam that best represents your abilities. In the end, what matters most is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.