SAT vs ACT: How Do You Make the Best Choice for You?

For high school sophomores and juniors, one of the first big questions in the college application process journey is, “Which test should I take?” For years, the choice was SAT vs. ACT, a classic dilemma. But the game has changed.

This is the new era of standardized tests: the Digital SAT from the College Board and the Enhanced ACT.

Both exams are taken at a test center (and some during school test days), and both are critical tools in the college admissions process. While many schools are test-optional, a strong test score can be a game-changer for your college application, unlocking thousands in merit scholarship money and proving your college readiness.

But these two admissions tests are fundamentally different. The Digital SAT is a new, adaptive test built from the ground up. The Enhanced ACT retains its linear, non-adaptive format but has undergone significant structural changes, including a shorter core test and both digital and paper testing options.

So, ACT vs. SAT? Here’s a breakdown of the new choice.

SAT vs ACT: A Comprehensive Overview

When it comes to college admissions, students are inevitably confronted with this question: “Which test should I take? The SAT or the ACT?”. While both exams cover similar subjects and test the same skill sets, each standardized test is unique and stands on its own. This is why students must know what makes each test special and which is best given a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.

The core American College Test (or the ACT) has been streamlined to include three required sections: English, Mathematics, and Reading. The Science and Writing test sections are now optional add-ons. Meanwhile, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is divided into two major test sections: Reading and Writing, and Mathematics. The ACT was originally designed to test a student’s grasp of high school concepts, while the SAT was designed to assess a student’s reasoning and problem-solving skills. These days, though, the lines are blurred. Universities and colleges treat a student’s SAT or ACT score the same.

The ACT Composite score is now based only on the required sections: English, Mathematics, and Reading. The SAT separates the score reports into two scores (Reading & Writing, and Math). Both the SAT and ACT offer a superscore, which combines the highest score from each section across multiple test administrations. The ACT Superscore is also calculated using only the three required section scores.

The table above is a comprehensive guide to the key differences between the SAT and ACT. It summarizes all the key aspects that make each test unique and special. Students can make better decisions by comparing and analyzing the key features of each exam from this guide. Students should choose the one that aligns the most with their strengths and skill-testing abilities. Of course, there is always an option to take both tests!

Understanding the Difference Between the ACT and SAT Structures

Aside from the differences between their contents, the ACT and SAT also differ in how they are structured. The duration for each section also differs for the ACT and SAT. Students choosing between the two tests must know this so they can decide which one suits best for their test-taking capabilities best.

With the enhanced changes, the required core ACT is now significantly shorter. It takes approximately 125 minutes (English, Math, Reading) for the core test, which is much closer to the Digital SAT’s 2 hours and 14 minutes. The test has fewer questions overall, which means students now get more time per question than on the previous ACT format, allowing for slightly improved pacing. The SAT also allows for more pacing per question, but that doesn’t make it an easier test because of that. For the ACT, students still need sharp decision-making, while the SAT requires students to sharpen their time management skills due to the adaptive nature of some questions.

The table above breaks down the difference between ACT and SAT in terms of structure and duration. Students must be aware of these differences so that they can decide which of the two tests will fit their test-taking capabilities. For students who are taking both, it’s essential that they know the difference and prepare strategically for each test.

Weighing in the Difference Between ACT and SAT

This goes to show that when choosing between the ACT and SAT, students have to weigh in on the different factors before making a choice. When making an informed choice, students must consider their academic strengths, test-taking preferences, and of course, the universities that they are applying to. Students should expose themselves to these two tests by taking full-length SAT practice tests and full-length ACT practice tests. By knowing the ins and outs of each exam, students will have an opportunity to determine how they perform when working with each of the practice tests.

There will be students who will find the optional Science section of the ACT exciting. Meanwhile, the SAT’s reading passages and writing questions in the R&W section may keep the interests of some students. The ACT English is separate from the reading, while the SAT combines both subjects. The SAT reading and writing has fewer questions than the ACT, which makes each question count more towards your total score. The ACT also offers an optional Writing section, which may be beneficial based on which schools the student is considering. At the end of the day, the choice depends on one’s interests and preferences.

Some students also find a considerable difference in the math sections between the two tests. The ACT math is generally considered more challenging due to the more advanced math and wider range of topics that could be assessed, while the SAT math section has more algebra and word problems that require critical thinking.

Regardless of choosing between ACT and SAT, students must allot enough time and energy to test prep for the upcoming test dates. Be strategic when preparing for either or both exams. Both the ACT and SAT test similar core material, though they differ in structure and specific content emphasis. Use expert-approved practice books for either ACT or SAT prep. There are also many free ACT and free SAT practice tests available. Identify target areas that need improving and seek expert advice. Students need to familiarize themselves with the new digital test formats and invest in digital platforms like Acely so that they are already familiar with the feeling of taking digital tests.

Navigating the SAT and ACT

There are different factors to consider before one chooses between ACT and SAT. Weigh in on their differences, duration, and skills needed to excel in the two tests. Explore the practice tests for each of them to see the best option. Students should also check if their university prefers one over the other. Determine if it’s important that they get to showcase their science skills or be able to answer complex math questions. If a student has test anxiety, it may be good to try taking one of each in a real test center to see if they achieve a higher SAT score or ACT score under pressure. This all boils down to one’s preferences and test-taking abilities.

Through enough practice and exposure, students can feel confident and well-prepared when taking either the SAT or ACT. Expert resources like Acely help ensure that students are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen exams.