ACT vs. SAT: Seven Major Differences
- ACT math includes a few questions on trigonometry and "pre-calculus" topics such as logarithms, matrices, radians, and unreal numbers. SAT math does not. Thus, SAT is more accessible to students who have only taken algebra and geometry.
- ACT includes "science reasoning", which is logical reasoning based on data and scientific terms, but not based on classroom science.
- SAT deducts points for wrong answers. However, with a little coaching, students can actually use this to their ADVANTAGE.
- SAT Math demands scrutinizing the ENGLISH aspect of math
questions. ACT is more straightforward, making it a more COMFORTABLE
test, but not necessarily easier.
- SAT directly tests high level vocabulary. This rewards students who are big readers or are good vocabulary absorbers.
- SAT Reading is generally less interesting and the answers rely more on nuance.
- SAT Writing includes a written 25 minute essay. Although ACT's 30-minute essay is "optional", many colleges require it nonetheless. SAT essay prompts are typically broad in nature, while ACT essay prompts are typically more specific and "school-related".
- Several schools USE the two tests differently. Almost all colleges "cherry-pick" the best Math, CR, and Writing scores across all SAT test sittings. In contrast, only a minority of the "most competitive" colleges do the same with the ACT's Math, Reading, Writing, and Science scores and instead look at the "composite" score (the average of the four subscores). Thus, a student who does not perform strongly on all sections on a single day will be at a disadvantage on the ACT.
What do we suggest? Make an early comparison. Purchase both The Official SAT Study Guide and The Real ACT Prep Guide, and do the first one or two practice tests in each book under timed conditions. If time is short, you can download a practice SAT here and a practice ACT here. Use this chart to compare the two scores. If you perform similarly on the two tests and are capable of absorbing vocabulary, we recommend that you opt for the SAT. We find that it's more "preppable".
Our equally important suggestion: START EARLY. Colleges credit the best score, so it's important to have three or more opportunities to take these tests. With vacations, proms, and graduations, that means the students who plan in advance will have the best opportunities. This is especially true for families that want to take advantage of Early Decision. For students who've had a semester each of Algebra and Geometry by the end of sophomore year, the late summer before junior year and/or the fall of junior year are the best times to prep.