High school students are often perplexed with the question: Which is better, SAT or ACT? Universities and colleges use both SAT and ACT to evaluate potential students, but there exist some key differences between the two.
There's a significant difference between SAT and ACT test format. The SAT is partitioned into two segments: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, as well as Math. On the other hand, the ACT incorporates English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Students' strengths and weaknesses determine which test is easier, the SAT or ACT. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.
The scoring scale also differs for both tests. For the SAT, scores can range from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math focuses greatly on reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis abilities, while the ACT math section covers topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.
Choosing whether to take SAT or read reports ACT truly depends on an individual's preferences. Most colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT scores, 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.