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    SAT Vs ACT: Everything You Need To Know: What Do The Tests Measure? Which Test Is Easier?

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    Rajalakshmi Gajapathy
    This document provides an overview of the key differences between the SAT and ACT standardized tests. It discusses that while most colleges accept either test, students should choose one test to focus on. The main differences covered are the content and format of each test, including that the ACT has a science section while the SAT does not, and the ACT is slightly longer but requires faster pacing. The essay components also differ, with the SAT focusing on source text evaluation and the ACT requiring original analysis. Regional popularity of each test is also addressed.

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    SAT Vs ACT: Everything You Need To Know: What Do The Tests Measure? Which Test Is Easier?

    Uploaded by

    Rajalakshmi Gajapathy
    144 views6 pages
    This document provides an overview of the key differences between the SAT and ACT standardized tests. It discusses that while most colleges accept either test, students should choose one test to focus on. The main differences covered are the content and format of each test, including that the ACT has a science section while the SAT does not, and the ACT is slightly longer but requires faster pacing. The essay components also differ, with the SAT focusing on source text evaluation and the ACT requiring original analysis. Regional popularity of each test is also addressed.

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    SAT vs ACT

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    This document provides an overview of the key differences between the SAT and ACT standardized tests. It discusses that while most colleges accept either test, students should choose one test to focus on. The main differences covered are the content and format of each test, including that the ACT has a science section while the SAT does not, and the ACT is slightly longer but requires faster pacing. The essay components also differ, with the SAT focusing on source text evaluation and the ACT requiring original analysis. Regional popularity of each test is also addressed.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    144 views6 pages

    SAT Vs ACT: Everything You Need To Know: What Do The Tests Measure? Which Test Is Easier?

    Uploaded by

    Rajalakshmi Gajapathy
    This document provides an overview of the key differences between the SAT and ACT standardized tests. It discusses that while most colleges accept either test, students should choose one test to focus on. The main differences covered are the content and format of each test, including that the ACT has a science section while the SAT does not, and the ACT is slightly longer but requires faster pacing. The essay components also differ, with the SAT focusing on source text evaluation and the ACT requiring original analysis. Regional popularity of each test is also addressed.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 6

    SAT vs ACT: Everything You Need to

    Know
    Stay organized with our free SAT checklist.   Download your copy here.

    At some point in your high school career, if you intend to apply to colleges, you’ll most
    likely need to take a standardized test. Though not all colleges require them for
    admissions, most colleges still do require that you submit either SAT or ACT scores, but
    which test you take is completely up to you.
     
    Some students might be tempted to take both tests and then submit whichever score is
    relatively higher, but we at CollegeVine aren’t big fans of this strategy. Because we
    know how different these tests are, we always encourage our students to choose one
    and focus on it explicitly. This gives you more time to learn the test and the appropriate
    content and strategy for it, ensuring that you get the highest score possible.
     
    If you’re deciding which standardized test to take, it may feel like a shot in the dark. This
    doesn’t have to be the case, though. In this post, we break down the key points to
    consider when choosing between the SAT and ACT.
     

    What Do the Tests Measure? Which Test is Easier?


     
    If the answer were this simple, everyone would already know. The reality is that different
    tests are easier for different students. Instead of asking which is easier, it might be more
    helpful to think about the components of each and which is better suited to you
    personally.
     
    The ACT consists of five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and an
    optional Essay. In comparison, the SAT consists only of four sections: Reading, Writing
    and Language, Math, and an optional Essay.
     
    Much of the content on the two tests is quite similar. Although the ACT is often referred
    to as an achievement test and the SAT is often referred to as an aptitude test, test
    experts generally agree that neither test measures more content-specific knowledge
    over the other.
     
    Two primary differences to consider are the Math and Science components. The SAT
    has no science section, so if science is your jam, the ACT may be better suited to your
    strengths. That said, the ACT science section does not measure science content
    knowledge but instead the thinking skills relevant to science, like data analysis and
    critical thinking.
     
    On the other hand, one section of the SAT math does not allow use of a calculator so if
    you tend to rely heavily on yours, you might consider the ACT a better alternative.
     

    Which Test is Longer?


     
    The time you need to spend on each test is remarkably similar. Without the essay
    component, the SAT takes three hours to complete. If you complete the optional essay
    (which we recommend you do), the test will take you three hours and 50 minutes to
    complete.
     
    In comparison, the ACT without the optional essay takes two hours and 55 minutes to
    complete. If you complete the optional essay, your time will be extended to three hours
    and 40 minutes, only negligibly shorter than its SAT counterpart.  
     
    This being said, the ACT has significantly more questions on it, thereby requiring you to
    move at a much faster pace. If you need time to consider answers or you’re the type of
    student who finds that your first hunch on a question is not often accurate, the SAT may
    be better suited to your pacing and strengths.
     

    Are the Essays Similar?


     
    The essays are another divergent point between the two tests. The ACT optional essay
    asks you to evaluate and analyze a complex issue. In short, you need to come up with
    your own unique argument and support it.
     
    The SAT essay, though, focuses more on evaluating your comprehension of a source
    text. In other words, you need to evaluate the strength of someone else’s argument.
    Neither is easier than the other, but your personal preference may make one seemingly
    better suited for you. The SAT essay is better suited for those who excel in reading
    comprehension while the ACT essay is better suited for those who excel at critical
    thinking and analysis.

    Want to increase your SAT score?


    Our students see an average increase of 250 points on their SAT scores.

    Learn more about our SAT Tutoring


     

    Who Are You Competing Against?


     
    It’s important to know who your competition is. Although the tests are not graded on a
    traditional curve, colleges will be evaluating your performance in comparison to that of
    other applicants. For this reason, you’ll want to take the test which better sets you up to
    perform well against others who are taking the same test.
     
    Although both tests are now accepted at every four-year college in the country, there
    are regional differences regarding which tests are most popular where. In general, the
    ACT is more popular with students in the midwest and in public schools. On the other
    hand, the SAT is generally more popular with students on the east and west coasts and
    in private schools.
     
    To learn more about regional test preferences and how each test is scored, check out
    these posts:
     
    How the ACT Is Graded: A Breakdown
    ACT Statistics: Participation and Rankings By State
    Here are the Average SAT Scores by State
    The CollegeVine Guide to SAT Scores: All Your Questions Answered
    How the New SAT is Scored
    What is a Good SAT Score?
    How Does the Curve Work for the SAT?
    The Complete Guide to the ACT Score Report
    How Does the Scoring Curve Work for the ACT?
     

    How To Choose Which Test to Take


     
    Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for which test you should take. You’ll
    need to make your own decision based on your personal strengths and preferences. To
    get started in the right direction, consider these questions:
     
    Do you excel under pressure or do you need more time to consider each
    question carefully?
     
    Students who excel under the pressure of time might do better on the ACT, while those
    who prefer more time for each question may do better on the SAT.
     
    Do you do well with data analysis and critical thinking?
     
    The ACT is slightly more favored towards data analysis and critical thinking, since the
    science section tests these skills extensively. In addition, the ACT essay is driven by
    critical thinking.
     
    Are you good at mental math and reasoning?
     
    The SAT contains a math section on which no calculator is allowed. For students who
    do well with mental math and reasoning, this section can provide an edge.
     
    Are there test centers for each test that are convenient for you?
     
    Although there are test centers for each test located throughout the country, some are
    further apart than others. If there are no test centers located without a reasonable
    distance of your home, you might need to consider the other test or think about whether
    it’s possible to get a hotel room nearby, even for multiple test dates.
     
    For more help preparing for the ACT, check out these tips and study strategies:
     
    10 Tips to Improve Your ACT Score
    A Guide to the English Section of the ACT
    Four Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your English ACT
    Three Grammar Rules Every Student Messes Up on the ACT
    Five ACT Math Mistakes to Avoid
    A Guide to the Reading Section of the ACT
    The Four Types of Passages You’ll See on ACT Reading
    A Guide to the Science Section of the ACT
     
    For more help preparing for the SAT, check out these tips and study strategies:
     
    Tips to Prepare Yourself for Your SAT Test Day
    How to Pace Yourself on Every Section of the SAT
    Five SAT Strategies You Should Know
    10 Tips to Prepare for the SAT
    How Many SAT or ACT Practice Tests Should You Take?
    What Parents Need to Know about ACT and SAT Studying Prep
     
    If you still have questions about SAT scores or you are interested in our full service,
    customized SAT tutoring, head over to CollegeVine’s SAT Tutoring Program, where the
    brightest and most qualified tutors in the industry guide students to an average score
    increase of 140 points.

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