ACT vs. SAT: What are the main differences?

Hey y'all, I'm starting to think about college admissions and I'm a bit confused about the differences between the ACT and SAT. I know colleges accept both, but can anyone break down the main differences between the two exams so I can decide which one I should take?

Certainly! The ACT and SAT are both standardized tests used for college admissions, but they have a few key differences in terms of structure, content, and scoring.

Structure:

1. ACT: The ACT has four sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—and an optional Writing (Essay) section. The total duration of the ACT without the writing section is 2 hours and 55 minutes. If you take it with the Writing section, it is 3 hours and 35 minutes long.

2. SAT: The SAT has two main sections—Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. The total duration of the SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Content:

1. ACT: The ACT English section tests grammar and usage, sentence construction, and rhetorical skills. The Math section covers Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Trigonometry. The Reading section focuses on reading comprehension. The Science section covers data interpretation, analysis, and experimental design. The optional Writing section asks you to respond to a prompt and analyze different viewpoints.

2. SAT: The Reading section on the SAT tests reading comprehension and vocabulary. The Writing and Language section evaluates grammar, usage, and editing skills. The Math section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, plus some basic pre-calculus concepts.

Scoring:

1. ACT: The ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 scale. Each of the four sections is scored separately, and then they are averaged to create a composite score. The Writing section is scored separately and does not impact your composite score.

2. SAT: The SAT is scored on a 400 to 1600 scale, with each of the two main sections (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) receiving a score between 200 and 800.

While the content and structure differ, it's important to note that colleges usually do not favor one over the other. It's recommended that you try a practice test for each exam to see which one suits your strengths better and focus on preparing for that test. Good luck!