10 Vital Distinctions Between SAT and ACT Exams

Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT serve as measures for colleges and universities to assess aspiring students, but there are significant distinctions between them.

The structure of the SAT test differs markedly from that of the ACT. The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. Conversely, the ACT is divided into English, Math, Reading, and Science sections.

Students' strengths and weaknesses determine which test is easier, the SAT or ACT. The SAT may be more suitable for students with strong reading and writing skills. On the other hand, students with a knack for science may perform better on the ACT.

The SAT and ACT also diverge in terms of scoring scales. The SAT scoring scale stretches from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.

The subjects tested differ between SAT and ACT. The SAT math focuses greatly on reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis abilities, whereas the ACT math section spans a wide range of topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.

The decision to take the SAT or ACT is ultimately dependent on a student's individual strengths and choice. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, so it's crucial to choose the test that best reflects your abilities. In the end, what matters most read reports is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.