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. In contrast, the ACT is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
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. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.
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.
There's a clear difference between subjects tested in SAT and ACT. The SAT math section emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis, while the ACT math section covers topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.
Deciding which test to take - SAT or ACT - is ultimately a matter of personal choice. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, so pick the exam that best SAT test strategies represents your abilities. In the end, what matters most is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.