10 Vital Distinctions Between SAT and ACT Exams

Many high school students often Test-optional colleges and SAT/ACT ask: Should I take the 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 partitioned into two segments: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, as well as 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. The SAT may be more suitable for students with strong reading and writing skills. 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, whereas the ACT math section spans a wide range of topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.

Deciding which test to take - SAT or ACT - is ultimately a matter of personal choice. Most schools will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, therefore, it's advantageous to select the test where you can best demonstrate your strengths. Ultimately, what's most important isn't the test you take, but your performance on your chosen examination.