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Should You Take the SAT or ACT

  • Scores for both the tests are accepted by colleges across the United States. Make sure to look carefully at admissions preferences and requirements. Make sure to know about scholarships as they relate to highly selective programs.

     

    When it comes down to final decisions, the SAT or ACT question doesn't have to keep you up all night. Understand the basics for each test, your own strengths, and weaknesses.

     

    The SAT focuses on your ability to apply yourself in the real-world. This is one of the reasons why you'll find everyday math formulas during the SAT, whereas the ACT expects you to pull them from memory.

     

     

SAT or ACT: At a Glance

  • FEATURES SAT ACT
    Widely accepted All U.S. colleges All U.S. colleges
         
    Measures What students learn in high school What students learn in high school
      What students need to succeed in college  
         
    Test the vocabulary you will use Yes Yes
         
    Everyday math formulas provided Yes No
         
    Essay is optional Yes Yes
         
    Penalty for guessing No No

SAT or ACT: Test Format

  •   SAT ACT
         
    Testing Time 3 hours + 50 minutes essay (optional 2 hours 55 minutes + 40 minute essay (optional)
         
    Structure 3 test + optional essay 4 test + optional writing test
         
    Number of questions 154 215
         
    Time per question 1 minute, 10 seconds 49 seconds
         
    Number of breaks 3 2
         
    Score range Composite 400-1600 Composite 1-36 ( writing)
      (SAT essay: reported in 3 dimensions, each 2-8)  
         
    Structure & Timing Reading Test Reading Test
      65 minutes - 52 questions 35 minutes - 40 questions
      Writing & Language Test English test
      35 minutes - 44 questions 45 minutes - 75 questions
      Math Test Math Test
      80 minutes - 58 questions 60 minutes - 60 questions
        Science Test
        35 minutes - 40 questions