SAT vs ACT: What’s Best For Your Future?

SAT vs ACT: Structure

SAT and ACT are claimed to be designed to measure a high school student's readiness for college. Though there are many of us who are skeptical of this college admissions tool, the reality is that most high school students in the US and around the world are faced with the question of whether they should take the SAT or the ACT. Unless you pursue only the colleges that do not require the SAT or ACT, you will inevitably face the dilemma of whether you should write one of the tests or both. If you’re one of those who are wondering between SAT vs ACT, here’re some facts about their structure.

SAT Overview

• Testing Time: 2 hours and 14 minutes
• Sections: Reading and Writing (combined), Math
• Questions: Reading and Writing - 54; Math - 44
• Scoring: 400–1600 (combined score)
• Calculator Policy: Allowed throughout Math section
• Science: No dedicated section; science concepts integrated
• Math Focus: Emphasizes algebra and data analysis
• Essay: Optional; 50 minutes analyzing an argument
• Format: Digital
• Availability: Offered seven times a year
• Acceptance: Accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities

ACT Overview

• Testing Time: 2 hours and 55 minutes (without Writing); 3 hours and 35 minutes (with Writing)
• Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, optional Writing
• Questions: English - 75; Math - 60; Reading - 40; Science - 40; optional Writing - 1 essay
• Scoring: Composite score of 1–36; optional Writing scored 2–12
• Calculator Policy: Allowed only on one of the two Math sections
• Science: Dedicated Science section
• Math Focus: Includes algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
• Essay: Optional; 40 minutes on an issue with perspectives
• Format: Paper-based (transitioning to digital in some areas)
• Availability: Offered seven times a year
• Acceptance: Accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities

Are you wondering if you should take the SAT, ACT, or neither? Check out this video for more expert insight:

Structure of SAT

The SAT, an acronym for the Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test used by colleges and universities as part of their admissions process.

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is split into the SAT Reading Test (which contains 52 multiple choice questions based on passages) and the SAT Writing and Language Test, which focuses on grammar, vocabulary and editing skills .

Meanwhile, the SAT Math section, split into two parts – one allowing calculators and one not – includes multiple-choice questions and student-produced responses. The calculator-free part aims to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, while the calculator-permitted section tests your quantitative problem-solving and arithmetic skills. This part of the exam has a testing time of 80 minutes with 58 questions.

The total score for the SAT falls between 400 and 1600. By examining the cross-test scores and subscores for the various sections, you can accurately identify your strong and weak areas. It's essential to understand that there isn't a "failing" score, as colleges evaluate several other elements besides your SAT score during the admissions process.

Structure of ACT

Now that you’re more familiar with the SAT, let’s review the structure of its competitor, the ACT.

The ACT, which stands for American College Test, is another standardized test popular among colleges and universities to assess high school student's readiness for college-level academics. The ACT is developed and administered by ACT, Inc.

The ACT is a 2-hour 55-minute test + 50-minute optional essay, comprising four sections: ACT English, measuring your proficiency in effective writing and language conventions, ACT Math (60 minutes, 60 questions, all of which allow calculator use), ACT Reading, and ACT Science.

A distinctive aspect of the ACT, as compared to the SAT, is the addition of a Science section. This 35-minute section, consisting of 40 questions, evaluates your abilities to interpret, analyze, evaluate, reason, and solve problems within a natural sciences framework.

The ACT composite scores range from 1–36. For the optional essay portion, writing domain scores are provided on a scale of 2–12.

What Skills Are Tested More on SAT vs ACT?

While both the SAT and ACT assess college readiness, they emphasize different skills. Regardless of which test you ultimately choose, colleges view SAT and ACT scores as part of a larger portfolio that includes your GPA, coursework, college recommendation letters, college essays, and extracurricular for college.

With that said, there are a few differences between the two:

The SAT focuses more on reasoning and contextual problem-solving, with sections testing analytical skills and understanding themes in reading and writing. Its math section assesses applied knowledge in problem-solving.

The ACT, however, is more knowledge-based and straightforward, focusing on what you've learned in school. Its unique Science section tests data interpretation and analysis rather than specific science facts, and the math covers a broader range, including trigonometry and statistics. Generally, the SAT suits students who prefer analytical thinking, while the ACT may appeal to those who prefer content-based assessment.

The choice between SAT and ACT is not just about your preferences or strengths. It may also be influenced by the colleges in the US or around the world that you're targeting. 

SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?

The choice between the SAT and ACT ultimately comes down to you - your strengths, preferences, and the requirements of the universities you aspire to attend. Each test has its unique features and focuses on different aspects of knowledge and skills.

If you find that your strengths align more with reasoning and problem-solving skills, you might want to consider the SAT. If you prefer a straightforward, knowledge-based approach, the ACT might be the better choice for you.

Also, remember to consider the universities you plan to apply to. Most universities accept both tests, but there might be specific programs or scholarships that prefer one test over the other.

Finally, it might be a good idea to take a practice test for both the SAT and ACT to see which one you're more comfortable with. The tests are different, and you might find one more intuitive or easier to navigate than the other. Working with an SAT tutor or an ACT tutor can help you prepare, especially if you’re struggling in a particular subject.

Remember, there's no 'better' test between the SAT vs ACT. It's about which test better showcases your skills and increases your chances of getting into the university of your dreams. You've got this!

What Colleges Accept Both SAT and ACT?

Most colleges accept both SAT and ACT scores, including the Ivy League schools, UC schools, and other renowned institutions.

Here are the top 25 universities that accept both SAT and ACT:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Duke University
3. Georgetown University
4. University of Florida
5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
7. Georgia Institute of Technology
8. Tulane University
9. University of Georgia
10. Florida State University
11. George Washington University
12. Indiana University--Bloomington
13. Stony Brook University--SUNY
14. Elon University
15. New Jersey Institute of Technology
16. University of South Florida
17. Miami University
18. University of Arizona
19. Gallaudet University
20. University of Central Florida
21. Duquesne University
22. Florida International University
23. Quinnipiac University
24. Virginia Commonwealth University
25. University of Arkansas

This practice of accepting both SAT and ACT scores is common among most colleges, as they understand that different students may perform better on different tests due to the different focuses of the SAT and ACT.

Some colleges even go a step further by adopting a "test-optional" policy. This policy allows you to decide whether or not you want to submit your SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. Institutions like the University of Chicago and Bowdoin College fall into this category. They believe that standardized test scores may not fully capture a student's potential or ability, and thus, they offer you the choice.

The key here is to check the admission requirements of each school you're interested in. Most colleges will clearly state on their admissions page whether they accept SAT, ACT, or both, or if they have a test-optional policy. It’s worth noting that the easiest Ivy League school to get into, Cornell University, made the score submission optional.

However, are there schools that only accept one of the tests? Let's explore this in the next section.

Here're some tips for those looking to get into college with a lower GPA:

SAT vs ACT: Which Colleges Only Accept One of Them?

Most colleges in the U.S. and internationally accept both the SAT and ACT, including Ivy League schools, liberal arts colleges, and public universities. While it’s rare, some schools may favor one test for certain programs, scholarships, or international applicants. Certain programs might prefer the ACT due to its Science section. Vocational schools may also have unique requirements, like the TEAS for nursing and teaching programs. Ultimately, it’s essential to research each college’s specific admission requirements to ensure you meet any unique expectations.

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To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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