One of the common questions many high school students ask is: SAT vs ACT, which one is superior? Universities and colleges use both SAT and ACT to evaluate potential students, but there exist some key differences between the two.
The SAT test format vastly differs from the ACT test format. The SAT is partitioned into two segments: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, as well as 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. The SAT may be more suitable for students with strong reading and writing skills. Science-minded students, on the other hand, may find the ACT to be a better fit.
Each test also uses a different scoring scale. The SAT scoring scale stretches from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
The subjects tested differ between SAT and ACT. 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 individual strengths and choice. Most colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT scores, therefore, it's advantageous to select the test where you can best demonstrate your SAT practice tests strengths. Ultimately, the selection of the test becomes less crucial than how well students can perform on their chosen test.