ACT VS SAT Which test is right for

ACT VS. SAT Which test is right for you?

Scores from the ACT and SAT are crucial parts of a college application, and both are accepted by colleges. However, how do you decide which test will best highlight your academic skills? The following details some of the similarities and differences of the ACT and SAT so you can decide which is right for you.

WHO OFFERS EACH TEST? ACT SAT The ACT is offered by ACT, a non-profit organization. The SAT is offered by College Board, a nonprofit organization.

WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF THE TEST? ACT SAT The ACT includes sections for English, Reading, Math, and Science. The SAT includes sections for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.

HOW LONG DOES THE TEST TAKE? ACT SAT The ACT takes 2 hours and 55 minutes plus optional 40 -minute writing test. The SAT takes 3 hours plus optional 50 -minute writing test.

HOW MANY QUESTIONS? ACT SAT The ACT has 215 questions. The SAT has 154 questions.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ACT SAT The ACT costs approximately $50. The SAT costs approximately $65.

WHICH TEST WILL BEST SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS? ACT SAT According to News and World Report, the ACT puts more emphasis on the verbal portion of the test, which may appeal to students stronger in English. According to News and World Report, the SAT puts more emphasis on the math portion of the test, which may appeal to students stronger in math.

THE ESSAY TEST Both the ACT and SAT offer optional essay portions. Here some factors to consider when deciding whether or not to take the essay portion of the exam. Consider college requirements. Some colleges require the essay test, and some do not. If you’re not sure if the college(s) you’re applying to require it, err on the side of caution and take the test. Consider your writing skills. If you’re a strong writer, it’s a good idea to take the essay test so colleges can have an additional way to assess your academic skills, even if they don’t require the essay. If your writing needs work, you might consider skipping the essay test. Be sure to get your counselor’s opinion as well.

SUBJECT TESTS In addition to the Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and optional essay test, the SAT offers subject tests in specific areas not assessed by the general ACT or SAT, such as History, Chemistry, Spanish, and more. If you are very strong in a particular subject, you might consider taking the corresponding SAT Subject Test. For information on SAT Subject Tests, visit collegeboard. org or talk to your counselor.

SHOULD YOU TAKE BOTH TESTS? Some students decide to take both the ACT and the SAT. Submitting scores from both tests can provide colleges more information about you, but you will have to dedicate the time to studying for and taking both tests. Like other decisions regarding the ACT and SAT, discuss with your counselor.

Remember: The best way to figure out which test is best for you is to take a practice test for each and see how you do. You can find practice tests for the ACT at act. org and for the SAT at collegeboard. org.

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