ACT vs. SAT: Navigating the Standardized Testing Landscape

Applying to colleges is a multifaceted process, and standardized tests like the ACT and SAT often play a significant role. Both exams assess skills and knowledge acquired in high school, covering math, reading, and grammar. However, their approaches and content differ, and understanding these nuances is crucial for students aiming to maximize their potential.

Core Similarities

The ACT and SAT share fundamental similarities. Both tests include math sections, reading sections, and sections testing grammar and sentence construction (English and Writing, respectively). They both test a similar range of reading and English grammar and construction skills, featuring multiple-choice questions that focus on grammar and construction, including reading comprehension questions.

Key Differences

Despite the overlap, significant differences exist between the ACT and SAT, influencing which test might be a better fit for individual students.

The Science Section (ACT)

The most prominent distinction is the ACT's inclusion of a Science section, absent on the SAT. This section presents short passages accompanied by charts and graphs, often within the context of experimental results. Questions assess the ability to comprehend the material, understand experimental objectives and methods, and draw inferences.

While labeled as a "Science" test, the skills it demands are largely verbal. Strong reading comprehension and the ability to quickly extract information from passages, graphs, and charts are essential for success. The Science test tends to dilute the contribution of the math test to one’s overall score. Therefore, a student who is exceptionally strong at math but less strong in verbal areas might prefer the SAT, since she will have a third of her score determined by the math test on the SAT but only a quarter of it determined by the math test of the ACT.

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Math Content and Approach

While there is considerable overlap regarding the math subjects tested, the ACT contains questions involving subjects not tested on the SAT. So, the math tested by the ACT is slightly more advanced than that tested by the SAT. On the other hand, SAT problems are more likely to involve clever problem solving techniques that stress critical thinking as much as the math content itself. So the upshot is that, to the extent you prefer more straight-ahead math questions, and are prepared to answer questions through basic trig, you may prefer the ACT math test.

The ACT and SAT both have a considerable emphasis on algebra, buy the ACT also tests geometry - which makes up 30 to 45 percent of the math section - and matrices, graphs of trig functions, and logarithms. In contrast, geometry figures into less than 10 percent of the SAT math section. Trigonometry accounts for about 7 percent of the ACT but less than 5 percent of the SAT. The ACT also allows you to use a calculator for the entire test, whereas the SAT only allows a calculator for specific sections.

Testing Format

The SAT uses the adaptive testing model, meaning as you take the test, your answers determine what questions will be presented in the next module, with the level of difficulty matched to your ability for a truer assessment of your understanding of the subject matter. On the other hand, the SAT primarily focuses on reasoning, in-depth problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. The SAT is digital everywhere. You can take the digital SAT on the device you’re most familiar with-your own laptop, tablet, or school-issued Chromebook. When taking the ACT on a weekend, it’s still paper and pencil in most places. If you do take the ACT digitally on the weekend, you’ll be assigned a device you may not be familiar with.

The SAT is shorter, with more time per question. The SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes. The SAT gives you between 41% and 44% more time per question than the ACT-depending on whether or not you take the Science section-so you can show what you know, not how fast you are. The reading passages on the SAT are typically short, and each has one question. The reading passages on the ACT are always long, and each has 9 questions. The math section on the SAT gives you a built-in graphing calculator plus all necessary formulas. ACT encourages students to bring their own calculator, but it restricts which calculators may be used.

Scoring

The SAT breaks down the score into two sections: math (200 to 800) and evidence-based reading and writing (200 to 800). The ACT score is the average of four sections of English, math, reading, and science, with 36 being the highest score. The optional essay is scored separately.

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Test Preparation

College Board has partnered with Khan Academy®-a not-for-profit-to offer Official SAT Prep, where you can further develop the knowledge and skills that are tested on the SAT. Students can also join free peer-to-peer SAT tutoring through Schoolhouse.world, where small groups of students learn together with guidance from top-scoring peers. By comparison, ACT practice materials are on different platforms than the ones used during the actual test. The ACT offers only 1 free downloadable practice test and 2 web-based practice tests (1 timed and 1 untimed). ACT also partners with various for-profit test prep companies to offer self-paced, live online, and in-person tutoring up to $4,140.

Choosing the Right Test

The decision between the ACT and SAT should be based on individual strengths, preferences, and college goals. Consider the following:

Academic Strengths: Students strong in science and comfortable with charts and graphs may favor the ACT. Those with exceptional math skills but weaker verbal abilities might prefer the SAT.
Testing Preferences: Some students thrive under the time pressure of the ACT, while others prefer the more relaxed pace of the SAT.
STEM Aspirations: If you’re interested in studying a STEM field, the ACT may be a better fit for you.

Of course, the best way to choose is to try each test for yourself, and compare your performance.

The Evolving Landscape of Standardized Testing

The college admissions landscape is constantly changing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions adopted test-optional or test-blind policies.

Test-Optional vs. Test-Blind

A test-optional policy typically allows students to decide whether to submit their SAT or ACT scores. Test-blind policies mean that even if a student submits scores, the school won't consider them. Some test-optional schools consider test scores when determining merit scholarship recipients.

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It is important to research each school's specific policy to understand how it might impact your application. Students can also reach out to admission officers at institutions of interest with application-related questions, including about test policies. Communicating with admissions officers "helps demonstrate interest in an institution," she says. "It helps them start a conversation with the person who may or may not be in a position to actually make a decision for them. So reaching out with legitimate and important questions is always a good step in the process to connect with the admission team."

Holistic Review

Colleges generally look at applications holistically, considering extracurricular activities, class rigor, recommendation letters, and essays.

Transcripts are evaluated on case by case, since some high schools offer varying types of advanced classes. This means that if your high school didn't have Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, it won't be held against you. "I would rather see students, during the course of the school year, focusing their time on making sure that their transcript is tended to, that they're taking rigorous courses, that they're putting their energy there rather than diverting energy that should go into their class performance toward test preparation," Corner says. "That's a time suck away from the actual learning and preparation that they should be laying."

Should You Still Submit Scores?

College admissions experts encourage students to take a practice SAT or ACT, and Fraser suggests doing so " once they've had the curriculum to support those practice tests.""That usually happens for students either at the end of sophomore year or toward the spring of junior year," she says. "It's usually really their math curriculum that sets the timeline. We usually have our students try the tests and see where their scores come in at a baseline before advising whether they embark upon test prep or even take the tests."

For those who decide to take an official test - which experts often recommend, barring significant access barriers or test anxiety - fee waivers are available for eligible students. Those who qualify may also receive waived application fees at certain colleges. "We definitely don't advise students to pursue both tests, but to pick the one that's going to best display their potential," says Lindsay Tanne Howe, founder and CEO of LogicPrep, a global college admissions consultancy. Based on how well you perform, you can decide whether to submit your scores.

Both the SAT and ACT have an option to cancel scores if the test didn't go well, such as if the student filled out the answer sheet incorrectly or didn't finish the exam. If a student takes the SAT or ACT more than once, some colleges require all of the results on the respective test to be submitted. Others automatically superscore, meaning that a student's highest scores from each section on all test attempts are combined to create a new composite score. "If the score falls in that range, for the most part, we encourage our students to share those scores," Howe says. "But like so much else in the college application process, it's highly contextual. We're looking at the broader applicant and their story, their curriculum, their grading system, their extracurricular profile to determine whether testing should be submitted."

The Enduring Importance of Standardized Tests

Even with the rise of test-optional policies, ACT/SAT scores still matter for college admissions! In general, higher ACT/SAT scores mean you're more likely to gain an acceptance letter.

Key Reasons Why Tests Still Matter:

Most colleges and universities in the United States still require SAT and ACT scores from applicants. Several schools that were previously test-optional have recently returned to requiring the exams.
Colleges might not require your SAT/ACT results - but schools may recommend or at least consider them.
Submitting your test scores is only half the battle - you also need to score high enough. Colleges are looking for students with competitive results. Colleges typically don't have "minimum" SAT/ACT scores, but applicants who have scores within a specific range are more likely to be accepted.
Your SAT/ACT test results can also impact your first year classes. The scores give colleges insight into your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. As a result, high SAT/ACT scores could mean you "test out" of certain courses and the school waives these requirements. For example, a student who did well on the English portion of one of the exams might be placed in an advanced or honors English course.
Some organizations and schools offer merit scholarships and grants to students who score high enough on the SAT, ACT, or other standardized test.
Have you ever received information from colleges you don't remember signing up for? That's because you probably didn't. Colleges work with the College Board (SAT) and ACT.org to connect with students whose test scores on the SAT, ACT, or PSAT meet the scores that the schools are looking for in prospective students.
Scores on your standardized tests could indicate inherent strengths (or weaknesses) in different areas which could help guide your major and career direction.

Yes, you should take the ACT or SAT, even if you're not sure you're going to college. While some students skip the exam and apply only to test-optional colleges, we don't recommend this route. Schools in general don't prefer one test over the other. Taking the SAT/ACT can bolster your chances of admission. Plus, if you don't want to show a school your results for any reason, you don't have to.

Preparing for Success

Regardless of which test you choose, preparation is key. Here's a general roadmap:

Register: Sign up for the test well in advance of application deadlines.
Get Oriented: Familiarize yourself with the content and format of the exam.
Pinpoint Weaknesses: Take a timed practice test and use the scoring guidelines to identify areas for improvement.
Set a Score Goal: Determine a target score based on the requirements of your desired colleges.
Make a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times for studying and practice.
Review Important Content: Refresh your knowledge of key concepts in math, reading, and grammar.
Learn Test Strategies: Develop effective strategies for answering different types of questions and managing time.
Master time management: Use a timer to practice pacing for each section.
Practice regularly: Consistent practice is crucial for building confidence and improving performance.
Focus on content review: Review grammar rules, sentence structure, and rhetoric. Brush up on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and problem-solving.
Build endurance: Take full-length practice tests to build stamina.
Track progress: Monitor your scores on practice tests to identify areas where you're improving and areas that still need work.
Stay healthy: Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly to maintain focus and energy.

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