Pepsi versus Coke
Cowboys versus Indians
Disney versus
Nickelodeon
SAT versus
ACT
As College Success Coaches, we often
get asked which is better, the SAT (Standardized Achievement Test) or the ACT
(American College Testing) for college admissions? Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT.
So which should you take? Below is
advice from test prep aficionado, the Princeton Review:
It's all about the numbers. Some
students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on
the ACT. In lieu of a crystal ball, we created The Princeton Review Assessment
(PRA) designed to help you determine which test is better fit with your
abilities.
To help you zero in on the right
exam, here are seven key differences:
1. ACT questions tend
to be more straightforward
ACT questions are often easier to
understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out
what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example,
here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their
name for the essay):
SAT: What is your view of the claim
that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
2. The SAT has a stronger
emphasis on vocabulary
If you're an ardent wordsmith,
you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.
3. The ACT has a
Science section, while the SAT does not
You don't need to know anything
about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to
test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if
you're a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.
4. The ACT tests
more advanced math concepts
In addition to basic arithmetic,
algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry,
too. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many
students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.
5. The ACT Writing
Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools
The 25-minute SAT essay is required
and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing test is
optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score
— schools will see it listed separately. Many colleges require the writing
section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying
before opting out.
6. The SAT is
broken up into more sections
On the ACT, you tackle each content
area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional
writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math
and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the
beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a
little more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if
moving back and forth between content areas confuse you or keep you energized?
7. The ACT is more
of a "big picture" exam
College admissions officers care
about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most
concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but
strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus
make a strong impression with the admissions committee.
