10 Vital Distinctions Between SAT and ACT Exams

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 divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. In contrast, the ACT is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.

Deciding which test is easier between SAT or ACT depends entirely on a student's strengths and weaknesses. 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. For the SAT, scores can range from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.

SAT and Differences in SAT and ACT scores ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. Reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis are the focus of the SAT math section, whereas the ACT math section spans a wide range of topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.

Choosing whether to take SAT or ACT truly depends on an individual's preferences. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, therefore, it's advantageous to select the test where you can best demonstrate your strengths. Ultimately, the selection of the test becomes less crucial than how well students can perform on their chosen test.