ACT versus SAT difficulty

Hey community, I'm planning on taking standardized tests next year but I'm not sure which one to pick. Is the ACT harder than the SAT? Could use some advice on this!

The difficulty of the SAT and ACT can vary based on individual strengths and weaknesses. Here's a brief rundown of their differences:

1. Structure: The SAT is now fully digital, and contains 98 questions that you'll answer in 134 minutes. The ACT, on the other hand, contains 215 questions to be answered in 175 minutes. So you may find the SAT gives you a bit more time per question, which can be helpful if you prefer not feeling rushed, while the ACT may prove a better fit if you're prone to overthinking, and want to just trust your gut.

2. Content: The ACT includes a science section, whereas the SAT does not. If you're strong in science, the ACT might be a better fit, although do note that your general data analysis is what's tested, not your specific knowledge in any scientific area.

3. Math: Both Math sections cover similar concepts, and the SAT, like the ACT, now allows you to use your calculator throughout the Math section (in the past, the SAT had a no-calculator Math section).

4. Scoring: The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, whereas the ACT is scored on a 1-36 point scale. The scales don't reflect any inherent difference in difficulty between the two tests, but showing marginal improvements on the SAT can be easier, since the range is wider, which could be good to keep in mind if you think you may do a retake.

5. Policy: Lastly, in general, do consider the test policies of the colleges you're aiming for. Some colleges still require standardized test scores, while others have transitioned to test-optional status. If you'd like to learn more about test-optional policies and how to navigate them, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

It's generally advised to attempt a practice test of each type under timed conditions to see which one plays to your strengths more. CollegeBoard and ACT provide free official practice tests which mimic the real testing experience.

CollegeVine's blog also contains a more extensive series of posts focused on breaking down different aspects of the SAT and ACT. You can check them out at the following links:

- SAT: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/sat/

- ACT: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/act/

Remember that neither test is inherently "harder" than the other – it really depends on your personal strengths, weaknesses, and preferences!