SAT or ACT? How do I Decide?
Planning to pursue your higher education in the USA? Do you find yourself puzzling over which standardized test to take as the admission season looms? This feeling is completely natural for students just embarking on their journeys for higher education. Since test scores are widely used by colleges in tandem with other factors such as grades, extracurriculars and personal activities, they are a critical part of your application.
Here’s a quick guide for your reference to help you make a more informed decision so you can submit test scores that you’re thrilled with!
What is the SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Usually taken by high school students, it assesses your knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and math.
What is the ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) is another standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. Also taken by students in high school, it evaluates your skills in English, math, reading, and science reasoning.
What is the difference between the two?
- Subjects:
- SAT– This covers three sections: Math, Evidence-Based Writing and Reading.
- ACT– This covers four sections: English, Mathematics. Reading and Science
- Duration:
- SAT- This test is 3 h long without breaks.
- ACT– This test is 2h 55 mins long without breaks.
- Pattern:
- SAT– This test has 154 MCQs.
- ACT– This test has 215 MCQs.
- Additional Tasks:
- SAT– Here, you can choose to write an extra essay for 50 minutes.
- ACT– Here, you can attempt an additional writing test for 40 minutes.
- Scoring:
- SAT– In this case, each section is scored from 200-800. These values are then added up to give you a final score out of 1600. Here too, your essay is scored separately.
- ACT– Here, each section scored on a scale of 1-36. Then, the average of all these scores is taken and becomes your composite score. Your writing test is also scored separately from a scale of 1-12.
When should I take the tests?
Take your chosen exams as early as possible, ideally in the 11th grade. This not only gives you a good indication of potential colleges on your radar but also allows you to then focus your time and resources on other aspects of the intensive college preparation process. Also, should you need to retake any tests, you are not rushed at the last minute.
Bonus tip: You may retake both tests as often as you wish, although in most cases, we have seen that scores do not dramatically change after three attempts.
So, which test should I take? SAT or ACT?
Before making the decision on which exam to take, we strongly recommend that you browse through the study books of both, take a diagnostic test, and see which one is better for you. You may be naturally drawn to one test over the other. From an admissions standpoint, most universities accept both the SAT and the ACT. So your primary criterion for selection should be where you think you can score higher. Having seen the distinction between the subjects and patterns of both tests, you can now make an informed decision in this regard!
Still confused or unsure about your test preparations? Perhaps you even have some other tests you need to take, such as an English Language Profieciency Exam, or an alternative entrance. Don’t worry! ReachIvy.com’s team of experts from colleges like Harvard, Oxford and Cornell are here to guide you with consistent revision, mock testing, video tutorials and more! Avail this Test Prep service for your TOEFL/IELTS, ACT/SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT tests and ace them with flying colours. Contact us now!
