These two standardized college entrance exams share roughly the same goals - to help determine college admissions decisions and merit-based financial aid. But even though the ACT and SAT try to test similar academic concepts, they do so in very different ways. Who would win in an ACT vs SAT showdown? That depends...on you.
The main difference between the ACT and the SAT boils down to four things:
- The overarching style
- The scope of the math sections
- The complexity of the science vs the reading sections
- The essay
In particular, the variation in tone and execution of the test can make all the difference in your confidence on test day and your resulting test scores.
ACT vs SAT
Comparing the content on the ACT with the content on the SAT before you decide which test to take will help ensure you have the best odds of getting your highest possible score.
In this video, Christina shares facts about the differences between the ACT and SAT gleaned from her 10+ years as a test prep tutor as well as her own personal experience taking these tests as an adult.
So... Should I Take The SAT or ACT?
The good news is, nearly all colleges and universities accept both tests and have no preference between the two, so you essentially get to choose which one is best for you.
Whether to take the ACT or the SAT is a critical question to consider before you commit to an ACT prep or SAT prep path because the right choice will ultimately save you time and money.
Let’s compare those four main differences in greater detail so you can determine which one is right for you. In each case, we’ll show you:
- How they contrast
- What the resulting takeaway is, and whether that means one of the two tests might be easier for you
Consideration #1: Style And Tone
ACT vs. SAT
The tone on the ACT is fairly straightforward while the language used on the SAT tends to be more complex.
Is ACT Easier Than SAT?
Since the ACT's tone is more straightforward, it makes the ACT a better fit for students who like to move quickly through an exam or who historically have struggled with reading.
The SAT's complex tone should not be problematic for strong readers or students who are accustomed to reading dense material on a regular basis.
Consideration #2: Math
ACT vs SAT
ACT math covers a wider array of topics but in less detail. SAT math has a narrower focus on strong algebra skills, a heavier emphasis on your facility with word problems, and a section that doesn't allow for the use of a calculator.
Is ACT Easier Than SAT?
The ACT tends to be the better fit for students who struggle with word problems or algebra in general. While the ACT does test algebra, the broader array of concepts tested gives weaker math students or students with quick recall of long-since-memorized concepts an advantage.
The SAT's more rigorous demands for a considerable facility with algebra may put stronger math students at ease so long as they feel comfortable working without a calculator at times.
Consideration #3: Science vs Reading
ACT vs. SAT
The science section on the ACT relies on a student's ability to read charts and graphs rather than relying on outside science knowledge.
On the other hand, the SAT's reading section includes far more complex passages than those found on the ACT and will require students to interpret charts and graphs in a similar manner to the ACT science section.
Is ACT Easier Than SAT?
In this comparison, the ACT is certainly the easier exam.
That said, students who are confident with denser reading passages and are comfortable shifting gears to answer data questions in the middle of verbal sections have the advantage of being able to distinguish themselves on the SAT more readily than on the ACT.
Consideration #4: The Essay
ACT vs. SAT
The ACT essay requires students to state and defend their position on a topic that's usually inspired by current events. The SAT recently removed its essay component.
Is ACT Easier Than SAT?
While we do recommend that all students opt to take the essay if they take the ACT, the essay is absolutely not the most important factor to consider when testing.
Even if you hate writing, don't let it deter you from taking the ACT.
Instead, let the multiple-choice considerations guide your decision regarding whether or not you should take the ACT or SAT.
Should I Take Both The SAT And The ACT?
We don’t usually recommend that students take both tests. You don’t want to divide your resources if you don’t have to.
Most students are busy enough as it is and the goal here is to lighten the load in the smartest and most efficient ways possible.
That being said, if you have the time and the means to do your best on both, go for it.
The truth is that for some students, knowing you don’t have all your eggs in one basket can be a huge psychological relief.
If that’s the case, we’re here to help. Reach out and let us know how we can support you.
But either way, we recommend that all students take at least one of the tests.
Do I Still Have To Take The ACT Or SAT If I’m Only Applying To Test-Optional Colleges?
The easy quick answer is yes, it is a very good idea to take one of the tests anyway.
Once you get your results back, we will be happy to discuss them with you and determine whether or not you should send those results to your prospective schools.
However, if you don’t take the tests at all, you won’t have this option and might miss out on some of these essential opportunities:
- Admissions to your top choice schools: According to CollegeVine.com, students with similar profiles who applied to test-optional colleges were accepted at twice the rate if they submitted their scores compared to those students who did not submit their scores.
- Money: What many test-optional schools fail to tell you (unless you read the fine print) is that if you don’t submit your scores you can still technically get into the school, but often you cannot qualify for merit-based scholarships (as explored in this 2018 NACAC report.)
- Flexibility: If you end up changing your mind or discovering an additional school that you’d like to apply to that is not test-optional or test-blind, you’ll want to have those scores at the ready.
This is the simple answer. For more information about this incredibly complex issue, we have an in-depth article that explores everything you need to know about test-optional college policies.
The Next Best Steps
Now that you have more information, the best thing you can do is try both tests on for size and test out whether your assumptions are correct about which test is right for you.
Take both a practice ACT and a practice SAT to solidify your choice.
This will also give you valuable information regarding where you need to focus your test prep study time so that you can improve your score.
Then go check out our comprehensive online test prep courses. Even if you don’t have a lot of wiggle room in your schedule, we have quick prep courses that can bring your score up in just four hours. Go here for the online ACT courses and go here for the online SAT courses to find out more.
Remember these standardized tests are a tool in your college application belt- just one of them.
If you need help maximizing the effect of the others and winding your way through the often confusing forest of college admissions tasks, pop on over to our sister company, March Consulting, where we help students and families with everything related to getting into college and making sure you can pay for it too.