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, despite the resemblances, a few critical variations exist between them.
The SAT test format vastly differs from the ACT test format. The SAT is split into two parts: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, along with Math. In contrast, the ACT is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
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. On the other hand, students with a knack for science may perform better on the ACT.
Each test also uses a different scoring scale. The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, while the ACT score ranges from 1 to 36.
The subjects tested differ between SAT and ACT. 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. Most colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT scores, therefore, it's advantageous to select the test where you can best demonstrate your strengths. Ultimately, what's most important isn't the test see highlights you take, but your performance on your chosen examination.