High school students are often perplexed with the question: Which is better, SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT serve as measures for colleges and universities to assess aspiring students, but there are significant distinctions between them.
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. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.
The scoring scale also differs for both tests. The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, while the ACT score 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 SAT test format student's individual strengths and choice. Most schools will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, so it's crucial to choose the test that best reflects your abilities. In the end, what matters most is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.