ACT vs. SAT
Whether to take the ACT or SAT is an important choice that most high school students will have to make in their high school careers. Both the ACT and SAT are accepted by all U.S. colleges. However, only one is needed for college applications.* Neither test penalizes for wrong answers. Both tests include critical sections in reading, writing, and math. The ACT and SAT are taken by millions of students every year, and whichever one you choose should be the one that best displays your strengths. Here is a full length chart to guide you.
THE NEW SAT
3 hours + 50-minute SAT essay (optional)
3 tests + optional SAT essay
Scoring: Composite 400–1600 (SAT Essay: reported in 3 dimensions, each 2–8)
Number of questions: 154
Time per question: 1:10
ACT
2 hours 55 minutes + 40-minute essay (optional)
4 tests + optional writing test
Scoring: Composite 1–36 (writing domain scores: 2–12)
Number of questions: 215
Time per question: 0:49
Reading Test 35 Minutes 40 Questions
English Test 45 Minutes 75 Questions
Math Test 60 Minutes 60 Questions (Use of a calculator on some problems)
Science Test 35 Minutes 40 Questions
While some of you may want to take an actual class or receive one-to-one tutoring, there are other free or cheaper options. Khan Academy provides full length SAT and ACT courses with thousands of practice questions– for free. CollegeBoard also provides free practice and printable full length tests. Good luck on your studies!
@raisinbread
Thanks for sharing this amazing post! I want to add that if you are wanting to get into a more technical field or school, you should probably consider taking the ACT. If you do not plan on going into a technical field or focus on science, I recommend that you take the SAT! I took the SAT myself 4 years or so ago! (God! So long ago lol)
@BurningEmber Thanks!
@BurningEmber I actually heard differently from my counselor back in high school. I think it depends on where you plan to go to school since the east coast is more focused on the ACT but the west coast uses the SAT more. (I'm in California). If in doubt, as for help from your school and do research! :)
@stillfriends
Hmmmm actually, I heard directly from different colleges. The colleges that are more technical prefer ACT for the science and the ones that are more liberal prefer SAT for the essay. But I am sure that you know what is best for you!
@raisinbread
Great info. Thanks!
Almost all colleges and universities in the U.S. recognize the ACT and the SAT for admissions in their institutions. However, whichever one chooses to take basically depend on their schooling and career goals in the future. Nonetheless, when it comes to these tests, a high score is a major and plus factor, that's why it's worth it to study thoroughly for these exams.
Test prep for a standardized test should be given ample time. But doing it online can make one's studying faster and easier. In Test Prep Toolkit, for instance, one can avail of free practice tests and join online classes without having to spend money. The ACT and the SAT will open new doors for an aspiring student, that's why its worth it to earnestly prepare for them.
@raisinbread
Hey just letting you know I moved your thread. I am doing some reorganization!
