SAT or ACT

Students always ask which test is best for me SAT or ACT and if they take both they then wonder which scores to send.  Colleges that require standardized testing will take either the SAT or ACT.  Here is some information on the difference between the two tests and a score comparison table that should help determine which score to send.

 

 

Differences in Testing Philosophy
ACT	SAT
The ACT is an achievement-based test that is similar to our general curriculum. The questions on the ACT are directly related to what you learned in high school.	The SAT is a measure of critical thinking skills. It assesses how well you analyze and solve problems.

 

 

 

Other Differences to Consider
	ACT	SAT
Length	3 hours 25 minutes	3 hours 45 Minutes
Sections	4 Test sections (5 with the optional writing test): English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing	10 Sections: 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing (including the Essay), 1 Experimental (unscored)
Areas Tested	English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing	Critical Reading, Math, Writing (includes the Essay)
Science	Science (analysis, interpretation, evaluation, basic content and problem solving skills in Biology, Earth/Space Sciences, Chemistry and Physics)	Science Not Included
Math	Math account for a quarter of overall score. Topics Covered: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry	Math accounts for a third of overall score. Topics Covered: Arithmetic, geometry and algebra.
Essay	Last thing you do (optional): 30 minutes *Not included in composite score *Address counterarguments **Please not that the essay is optional in that schools have the option of requiring it. It is best to complete the essay.	First thing you do: 25 minutes *Factored into overall score *Offers a more abstract topic as compared to ACT *Pick a side and stick to it
Scoring	Total composite score of 1-36 (based on average of 4 section tests)	Highest combined score 2400. -based on 3 sections with scores from 200-800
Wrong Answer Penalty	Must answer every question.	Can omit questions without penalty.