The Differences Between the ACT and SAT

These two tests, the ACT and SAT, are the two most common entrance exams preferred by universities in the United States. The school that you are trying to gain admission too will have a preference for one of these tests. Although both are tests designed to attain a general idea of your academic capabilities, they not only measure different types of knowledge, but also go about measuring knowledge in different ways. Most consider the ACT to be a test of facts, or memorized knowledge, and the SAT a test of the ability to put knowledge to use. Let's look at some of the ways these two tests differ.

First, the content that is being tested is not in the same order. For the ACT the order is English (75 questions in 45 minutes), Mathematics (60 questions in 60 minutes), Reading (40 questions is 35 minutes), Science (40 questions in 35 minutes), and an optional Writing (essay, 1 prompt in 30 minutes). The SAT has a total of 10 sections that measures three categories: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The first of these 10 sections will always be a 25 minute essay writing question. The second through the seventh sections will cover various topics and will be 25 minutes each. The last section that is covered will be a 10 minute multiple choice writing test. Somewhere in the mix of the second through ninth sections will be a section that is not scored. This section is used to plan future test, but students will not know which section this is. The ACT would be 3h 25min with the optional writing exams (2h 55min without). The SAT is 3h 45min to test for all ten sections.

There is also a difference in the type of subject areas that are tested. On the ACT Math section the basic mathematical functions are tested as well as trigonometry; on the SAT a more problem solving approach is taken to include items such as exponential growth, estimation, linear functions-most of the mathematics that are covered through the third year of a college preparatory program. For English, the ACT uses reading comprehension that has four passages with 10 questions each; the SAT English section also has reading comprehension, but it is tested via various length passages that need sentence completion. Science is tested on the ACT for an understanding of interpretation, analysis, problem solving, and general knowledge; the SAT does not include a science section. Lastly, the ACT has a writing section that is optional, whereas the SAT has a mandatory writing section.

Another difference in these two tests is the way that they are scored. Each scores the essay at a value of 0-12 points. The ACT is scored a composite of 0-36 based on the average of the four sections that have been scored 0-36 each. The SAT is scored from 600-2400 by combining the scores of the Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing categories that have been scored at a value of 200-800 each. Also, the ACT does not count wrong answers against you-the score you get is based on the number of correct answers. However, the SAT will subtract ¼ of a point for each wrong answer given (except on the grid-in questions for math).

If the university you are applying to accepts both the ACT and SAT, another consideration has to be made. If you take the test more than once (the average is twice) the ACT will allow you to decide which score you would like to send to the institution. With the SAT, your entire history (each score from every time you have taken the test) is sent to the university. The SAT does plan to allow you to choose which score to send starting in 2010, but right now the entire history is submitted.

Regardless of which of these two tests you are required to take, there are a few things to keep in mind before taking them. You should get an adequate amount of rest the night before the test. It would be advisable to dress in layers so that you can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the test. Go to the testing site before the test date to not only see where it is, but also to see how long it will take you to arrive (you should try to be there at least fifteen minutes early). Eat a good, healthy breakfast that is not overloaded with carbohydrates (they can make you drowsey after ingestion).

Congratulations on your decision to continue your education. Good luck on your test taking endeavor.

Sources

"SAT or ACT?" math.com

"ACT FAQ: What is the Difference between the ACT and SAT?" actstudents.org

"ACT vs. SAT" kaptest.com

Justin Dolecki "SAT vs. ACT: What are the Real Differences?" The Princeton Review

"ACT Test Prep" actstudents.org

"SAT Reasoning Test-College Admissions" collegeboard.com