The SAT vs. ACT: Differences Between the College Entrance Exams

The ACT and SAT are college entrance exams that test your knowledge on an array of subjects. The SAT is required by most colleges; however, some schools allow you to substitute the SAT for the ACT. It is important to know the differences in these exams so you can determine which the better fit is for you and how to prepare yourself. Your SAT or ACT score along with your high school GPA are the main components colleges focus on when determining who gets admitted. So let's dive into some of the key elements of each test.

Test Layout

The SAT is made up of three major categories with three sections in each category. The three sections within the major category range between 20-25 minutes each. There is also an experimental section in one of the categories. This is used by the College Board to determine if it should be used in future exams. The experimental section is unknown to the test taker and does not count for or against your score. This all adds up to 10 sections in the SAT. Including breaks this exam usually takes a total of four and a half hours to complete.

The ACT consists of four major categories and one optional writing portion. All questions are multiple-choice except the writing section. The reading and science sections are 35 minutes, math is 60 minutes and English is 45 minutes. The writing portion, if you choose to do it, is 30 minutes.

Subject Areas

Three major categories make up the SAT: Mathematics, Critical Reading, and Writing. The subcategories are as follows, Math: 20 multiple choice questions (25 min.), 8 multiple choice questions based on grids (25 min.), and 16 multiple choice questions (20 min.) The Critical Reading section consists of reading passages and answering questions as well as sentence completion. The Writing section includes an essay and some multiple choice questions.

The ACT's categories are: Mathematics, English, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Writing (optional). Be sure to check with the school's website to which your applying because some colleges require the writing portion of the ACT is taken. The Math section is 60 multiple choice questions (60 min.) covering algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. You can use a calculator. The English portion is 75 questions (45 min.) testing your vocabulary and grammar. The Reading section is 40 questions (35 min.) testing your comprehension skills. The Science Reasoning section is 40 questions (35 min.).

Scoring

It is very important to know the differences in the SAT and ACT scoring systems as both are calculated in a different manner. Each category of the SAT is worth up to 800 points and a low of 200. The total possible score for the SAT is between 600-2400. The ACT gives you a "composite score", averaging your score of the four major categories. A score of up to 36 is possible. A score of 2-12 is given for the optional writing portion.

Cost

The SAT is administered seven times a year and costs $50. Late fees may be applied so register early. The ACT is given six times a year and costs $31 for the basic assessment or $46 if you choose the assessment plus the writing portion.

College Application Process

Though the SAT is the more popular of the two tests, all U.S. four-year colleges accept the ACT. Be sure to check your college website and application to determine what tests need to be taken. The SAT can be taken in your junior or senior year of high school. It is advised to take the test as early as possible because the tests can be retaken. Practice exams are a very useful tool to help prepare for either test. The home page of the College Board website can help you find a practice exam. Preparation classes are also available. Check with your high school for dates and times of these classes.

Information provided by College Board - Inspiring Minds