The Top 10 Differences Between the SAT and ACT Tests

The Top 10 Differences Between the SAT and ACT Tests

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Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests that universities and colleges use to assess prospective students, but there exist some key differences between the two.

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

The question of whether the SAT or ACT is easier varies, depending on the student's personal strengths and deficits. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Science-minded students, on the other hand, may find the ACT to be a better fit.

The scoring scale also differs for both tests. The SAT scoring scale stretches from 400 to 1600, while the ACT score ranges from 1 to 36.

SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math section emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis, on the other hand, the ACT math section tests a wide array of topics from pre-algebra up to trigonometry.

The decision to take the SAT or ACT is ultimately dependent on a student's ACT writing section individual strengths and choice. Most schools will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, therefore, it's advantageous to select the test where you can best demonstrate your strengths. In the end, what matters most is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.

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