High school students are often perplexed with the question: Which is better, SAT or ACT? Universities and colleges use both SAT and ACT to evaluate potential students, but there are significant distinctions between them.
There's a significant difference between SAT and ACT test format. The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. In contrast, the ACT is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Students' strengths and weaknesses determine which test is easier, the SAT or ACT. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Science-minded students, on the other hand, may find the ACT to be a better fit.
The scoring scale also differs for both tests. The SAT scoring scale stretches from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores visit resources ranges from 1 to 36.
SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math section emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis, on the other hand, the ACT math section tests a wide array of topics from pre-algebra up 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. Ultimately, what's most important isn't the test you take, but your performance on your chosen examination.