Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT serve get involved as measures for colleges and universities to assess aspiring students, but there are significant distinctions between them.
The structure of the SAT test differs markedly from that of the ACT. The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. Conversely, the ACT is divided into English, Math, Reading, and Science sections.
Deciding which test is easier between SAT or ACT depends entirely on a student's strengths and weaknesses. 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.
Each test also uses a different scoring scale. The SAT scoring scale stretches from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
The subjects tested differ between SAT and ACT. 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.
Choosing whether to take SAT or ACT truly depends on an individual's preferences. Most schools will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, 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.