SAT or ACT: Which Test Is Right For You?
When choosing between the SAT and the ACT, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the two tests are ultimately quite similar. In general, preparing for one test will directly benefit the preparation for the other test because, in terms of content, the core concepts are essentially the same. Both math sections focus most heavily on skills from algebra, pre-algebra, and, to a lesser extent, geometry. Both then sprinkle in some more advanced areas such as trigonometry, pre-calculus, and statistics less frequently. The reading sections are also quite similar, and the ACT English section is nearly indistinguishable from the SAT’s writing and language section.
The ACT’s Science Section
So what are the differences? To begin with, the biggest difference between the two tests is that the ACT has a fourth science section while the SAT works scientific thinking into the longer math section. The science section of the ACT can in many ways be thought of as a more visual reading section as a lot of the skills used for the reading section (such as how to research an answer and how to efficiently gather the main idea of a passage) are applicable to the science section. So, if you like the reading section and are inclined to scientific thinking, you may lean toward the ACT.
The science section does not require a student to have a lot of outside knowledge of scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics, but rather to be ready to apply analytical skills to scientific data and and summaries of experiments and research. Within the math section of the SAT, you will also be asked to analyze charts, graphs, and tables, but these questions do tend to be a bit less “scientific” in the classical sense of the word. If you strongly dislike science, you will be able to avoid it a bit more on the SAT.
SAT Math: Bubble In Answers and a No Calculator Section
One of the biggest deciders for many students choosing between the two tests comes down to the fact that you can use your calculator on the entire ACT math section while the SAT has a no-calculator section. If you are addicted to your calculator, you may want to stick with the ACT. The SAT also has answers at the end of both the calculator and no-calculator sections, which require you to bubble in specific number answers. The ACT, on the other hand, is all multiple choice. Many students also prefer the ACT math section because of this difference, though many other students do not mind the bubble in answers.
SAT Reading: Command of Evidence
As mentioned, the two reading sections are quite similar. However, the biggest difference between the two is that the SAT includes questions that ask students to select passages from the reading which best support your answer to a previous question. These questions prove difficult for some students, as getting the second question correct depends on the first question being correct as well. As with the SAT math section, many students like these types of questions and thrive on the SAT reading.
Timing
A difference between these tests that is often hard to quantify is timing. Many students report that they feel “rushed” when they first take the ACT, while this experience is less common for SAT test takers. That being said, this feeling of being rushed oftentimes goes away after direct instruction is followed up by a couple of practice tests. However, if timing is a serious issue, the SAT may be a slightly better option. This difference in timing is hard to quantify, however, and some students have even had opposite experiences with the two tests when it comes to timing.
Which One Is Right For You?
As you have probably gathered, deciding which test to take comes down to the individual student. The differences between the two tests are subtle. However, they are pronounced enough to sometimes make a difference in a student’s score. If one test is persistently proving to be difficult, then it is worth exploring the other test as a potential option. A switch to a new test can help a student find new confidence in their test taking, and the time spent preparing for the other test is not at all wasted as there is a lot of crossover.
Matt has been teaching and tutoring since 2012. He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina and an M.A. from George Washington University.
SAT or ACT: Which Test Is Right For You?
When choosing between the SAT and the ACT, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the two tests are ultimately quite similar. In general, preparing for one test will directly benefit the preparation for the other test because, in terms of content, the core concepts are essentially the same. Both math sections focus most heavily on skills from algebra, pre-algebra, and, to a lesser extent, geometry. Both then sprinkle in some more advanced areas such as trigonometry, pre-calculus, and statistics less frequently. The reading sections are also quite similar, and the ACT English section is nearly indistinguishable from the SAT’s writing and language section.
The ACT’s Science Section
So what are the differences? To begin with, the biggest difference between the two tests is that the ACT has a fourth science section while the SAT works scientific thinking into the longer math section. The science section of the ACT can in many ways be thought of as a more visual reading section as a lot of the skills used for the reading section (such as how to research an answer and how to efficiently gather the main idea of a passage) are applicable to the science section. So, if you like the reading section and are inclined to scientific thinking, you may lean toward the ACT.
The science section does not require a student to have a lot of outside knowledge of scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics, but rather to be ready to apply analytical skills to scientific data and and summaries of experiments and research. Within the math section of the SAT, you will also be asked to analyze charts, graphs, and tables, but these questions do tend to be a bit less “scientific” in the classical sense of the word. If you strongly dislike science, you will be able to avoid it a bit more on the SAT.
SAT Math: Bubble In Answers and a No Calculator Section
One of the biggest deciders for many students choosing between the two tests comes down to the fact that you can use your calculator on the entire ACT math section while the SAT has a no-calculator section. If you are addicted to your calculator, you may want to stick with the ACT. The SAT also has answers at the end of both the calculator and no-calculator sections, which require you to bubble in specific number answers. The ACT, on the other hand, is all multiple choice. Many students also prefer the ACT math section because of this difference, though many other students do not mind the bubble in answers.
SAT Reading: Command of Evidence
As mentioned, the two reading sections are quite similar. However, the biggest difference between the two is that the SAT includes questions that ask students to select passages from the reading which best support your answer to a previous question. These questions prove difficult for some students, as getting the second question correct depends on the first question being correct as well. As with the SAT math section, many students like these types of questions and thrive on the SAT reading.
Timing
A difference between these tests that is often hard to quantify is timing. Many students report that they feel “rushed” when they first take the ACT, while this experience is less common for SAT test takers. That being said, this feeling of being rushed oftentimes goes away after direct instruction is followed up by a couple of practice tests. However, if timing is a serious issue, the SAT may be a slightly better option. This difference in timing is hard to quantify, however, and some students have even had opposite experiences with the two tests when it comes to timing.
Which One Is Right For You?
As you have probably gathered, deciding which test to take comes down to the individual student. The differences between the two tests are subtle. However, they are pronounced enough to sometimes make a difference in a student’s score. If one test is persistently proving to be difficult, then it is worth exploring the other test as a potential option. A switch to a new test can help a student find new confidence in their test taking, and the time spent preparing for the other test is not at all wasted as there is a lot of crossover.
Matt has been teaching and tutoring since 2012. He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina and an M.A. from George Washington University.
More Articles
How Individualized Education Can Boost Confidence and Inspire a Love of Learning
A student's lack of confidence often has less to do with their actual abilities than with being taught in a way that does not match their individual learning style. Private tutors can adapt their teaching styles to the needs of individual students, thereby boosting confidence and even inspiring a new love of learning.
SAT or ACT: Which Test Is Right For You?
When choosing between the SAT and the ACT, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the two tests are ultimately quite similar.
The Benefits of Virtual Education
In the last few years, virtual education has become more common across all grade levels. Ten years ago, however, we only saw virtual instruction on college or very select high school campuses.
Get Social