10 Key Differences Between SAT and ACT Tests

One of the common questions many high school students ask is: SAT vs ACT, which one is superior? Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests that universities and colleges use to assess prospective students, but there exist some key differences between the two.

There's a significant difference between SAT and ACT test format. The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. Conversely, the ACT practice tests ACT is divided into English, Math, Reading, and Science sections.

The question of whether the SAT or ACT is easier varies, depending on the student's personal strengths and deficits. The SAT may be more suitable for students with strong reading and writing skills. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.

The scoring scale also differs for both tests. The SAT scoring scale stretches from 400 to 1600, on the other hand, the ACT scores from 1 to 36.

SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math section emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis, whereas the ACT math section spans a wide range of topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.

Deciding which test to take - SAT or ACT - is ultimately a matter of personal choice. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, therefore, it's advantageous to select the test where you can best demonstrate your strengths. In the end, what matters most is not which test students take, but how well they do on it.