To SAT or ACT: that is the question: Whether it’s best to subject the mind to the 3-hour-45-minute SAT Reasoning Test’s three sections in Writing, Critical Reading and Math to achieve the desirable 2400 or to take masterful control over the ACT and its 4 parts, based on the curricula of English, Math, Reading and Science, in 3 hours and 30 minutes (excluding the essay) to attain the elusive composite score of 36 (plus 12 for writing).
Some quick pointers to help you decide are as follows:
- SAT questions are generally multiple-choice in format and require student-produced responses. ACT questions seem to be easier and straightforward to understand compared to SAT questions, which test reasoning and solving-problems skills. The SAT is a punitive exam taking away a quarter point for each wrong answer. ACT does not take points away for wrong answers.
- The SAT has 3 main content areas that are divided into 10 smaller sections. Some might find it harder to shift from Critical Reading, to Math and to Writing and back to Reading in short 20 or 25-minute segments. The ACT has 5 sections that include Science and therefore, tests more subject areas of the curriculum. The ACT tests reading comprehension and reasoning skills in science passages, which might be more suited for students who like science.
- The SAT Math includes data analysis, statistics and probability. The ACT tests trigonometry in addition to algebra and geometry.
- The ACT Reading passages are from subject fields in social studies, the natural sciences, prose fiction and the humanities. The SAT has a greater emphasis on vocabulary, while the ACT focuses more on rhetoric.
- The 30-minute SAT Essay is required while the 25-minute ACT writing is optional. Most universities require students to take the ACT writing section.
The majority of US four-year colleges and universities require the SAT or the ACT for admissions and placement. Start early – join our SAT or ACT prep sessions today!
