When deciding which college admissions test to prepare for, you should know that there are more than just differences in test content between the SAT and ACT. Some other aspects that students and parents tend to gloss over—such as each test’s protocol on extra time or super scoring—are just as important as brushing up on academic skills. To help you get a sense for which test suits you best, we put together the chart below, highlighting exactly what to expect from both the SAT and ACT. Note: This chart compares the current SAT with the ACT. The current SAT will be administered through January 2016.
The SAT vs. the ACT: Which Test Should You Take?
SAT
Math
- Covers statistics, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
- Designed to test whether a student can identify which math concepts and formulas to use
- Provides commonly used formulas (e.g. Pythagorean theorem, special right triangles, and area) for students
- Tests recognition of Math concepts
ACT
Math
- Tests same concepts as the SAT with the addition of trigonometry
- Math concepts and formulas are usually obvious
- Does NOT provide commonly used formulas for students
- Tests ability to apply Math concepts
Reading
- Tests ability to draw inferences and conclusions from evidence
- Questions include line numbers and appear in order in the passage, so students can easily navigate
- Includes vocabulary section
Reading
- Tests speed and instant recall
- Most questions do NOT include line numbers, so students must remember what they read
- Does NOT include vocabulary section
Writing
- Tests grammar rules related to verbs, pronouns, idioms, and sentence structure
- Questions ask about stand-alone sentences with no context
English
- Tests same concepts as SAT with the addition of punctuation
- Includes reading comprehension questions
- Questions ask about sentences within a passage
Essay
- Tests ability to form a persuasive argument in response to a prompt about general topics (e.g. defining heroism, overcoming obstacles, challenging conformity)
- Essay score is included in student’s total SAT score
- Essay is required
Essay
- Tests ability to write a persuasive argument in response to a specific, modern-day issue (e.g. cell phones in schools, requiring community service, taxes on junk food)
- Essay score is NOT included in student’s ACT composite score
- Essay is optional
No
Science
Section
Science
- Tests ability to analyze charts/graphs and draw conclusions
- Focuses more on logic and scientific thinking, not on actual scientific knowledge
Scoring
- 3 sections, 800 points each
- Total Score is sum of 3 sections = 2400 points
- Good score increase is 200 points
- Guessing penalty: penalizes students 1/4 of a point for each wrong answer
Scoring
- 4 sections, 36 points each
- Total Score is average of 4 sections = 36 points
- Good score increase is 3 points
- No guessing penalty
Extra Time
Students who receive extra time for a learning difference are held to a strict schedule for each section
Extra Time
Students who receive extra time are awarded extra time for the entire exam as a large chunk: they can divide up the time per section in any way they desire
International Students
- More commonly accepted by international universities
- Given in more international locations and more often throughout the year
International Students
- Not always accepted by international universities (although accepted by all US universities)
- Fewer international test sites and offered less often throughout the year
Super Scoring*
Most universities super score the SAT
Super Scoring*
Most universities do NOT super score the ACT
Scheduling
Offered the same day as SAT Subject Tests and may conflict with students’ plans to take those exams
Scheduling
Offered on days different from SAT Subject Tests and will not conflict
*Super scoring is the process of taking the highest section scores from multiple test sittings to create a new composite score.
Have more questions? The test prep experts at ArborBridge are always happy to help.
Contact us at [email protected] or call (+1) 917.525.2548 to learn more.
