ACT vs SAT | Which Test is Right for You?

Dated - August 10, 2024

Deciding between both the exams is an important choice for many high school students planning their college applications. Both the tests are accepted by various universities and colleges in the U.S., but they have some differences that may help you select a test that you are comfortable with. :

Let’s discuss some factors of both the tests like:

Test format ,
Scoring criteria ,
Less Challenging ACT or SAT
Scholarship funding
Non-graded

ACT TEST FORMAT:

The ACT is known for its straightforward questions and its focus on curriculum-based skills. The test is mostly paper-based, with limited digital availability

It consists of four sections:

Math
English,
Reading
Science
Writing section (optional essay)

Test Duration: 2 hours and 55 minutes

With Writing: 3 hours and 35 minutes

DIGITAL SAT TEST FORMAT:

SAT is better known for its complex structure and emphasis on reasoning and problem-solving skills. The test is to be taken in a laptop or computer and is totally digital.

It is divided into two main sections:

Reading and Writing ( Module 1 & Module 2)
Mathematics ( Module 1 & Module 2)

Test Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes

SCORING CRITERIA:

ACT Individual Section Scores Breakdown:

English: Scored on a scale of 1-36
Math: Scored on a scale of 1-36
Reading: Scored on a scale of 1-36
Science: Scored on a scale of 1-36

Composite Score:

The composite score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, if your section scores are 28, 30, 27, and 29, your composite score would be 29 (28 + 30 + 27 + 29= 28.5)

Optional Writing Score:

If you take the optional Writing section, it is scored separately on a scale of 2-12. This score does not affect your composite score but is reported alongside it.

SAT Section Wise Scoring:

Reading and Writing: 200-800
Math: 200-800

Section Scores:

Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800

Total Score:

Total SAT score is the sum of your section scores, ranging from 400 to 1600. The raw score is the total number of correct answers in a specific SAT section.

ADAPTIVE TESTING:

The digital SAT uses adaptive testing, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. This helps provide a more accurate measure of your abilities.

RAW SCORE vs SCALED SCORE (SAT):

The raw score is the total number of correct answers in a specific SAT section.

Each correct answer in the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math sections adds one point to that section's raw score.

Raw scores are converted to scaled scores using a statistical process called equating. The scaled scores from the Reading and Writing and Math sections are combined to create the overall SAT score, ranging from 400 to 1600.

THE CHALLENGE - ACT or SAT:

In terms of content, the SAT places more emphasis on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar while the ACT has a stronger focus on science reasoning and math. Students who excel in the sciences may find the ACT better suited to their strengths.

Additionally, some students may find the ACT's more straightforward, curriculum-based format more comfortable compared to the SAT's more abstract reasoning approach.

The ACT does provide a faster turnaround time for score reporting compared to the SAT. ACT scores are typically available online within two weeks after the test date. In contrast, SAT scores are usually released about three weeks after the test date.

Ultimately, there is no universally "better" test - the choice often comes down to the individual student's academic profile and strengths. Many students choose to take both exams and submit the higher score to maximize their college applications. Consulting with school counselors and reviewing test prep materials can help determine which test format aligns better with a student's skills and preferences.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING:

Most colleges in the US accept both the SAT and ACT for admissions. However, there are some institutions that have specific preferences or requirements. Here are a few colleges that traditionally emphasize the SAT. These schools may have specific policies or preferences for the SAT, so it’s always a good idea to check their admissions websites for the most current information.

Georgetown University (Washington, DC)
University of California System (various campuses)
Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)
Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Cambridge, MA)
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Pasadena, CA)

Both the ACT and SAT for scholarship consideration: (US)

(1) Alabama State University:

Presidential Academic Scholarship: Full Ride
Academic Excellence Scholarship: Full Tuition Plus
Academic Incentive Scholarship: Full Tuition Plus

(2) Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University:

George W. Gore: Amount varies
Presidential Special Scholarship: Amount varies

(3) Florida Gulf Coast University:

President’s Gold: $5,000 per year
President’s Silver: $3,000 per year
Blue and Green Scholars (non-residents): $15,000 per year
Blue and Green Directors (non-residents): $10,000 per year

(4) Georgia State University:

Presidential Scholarship: Up to $28,303 per year
Second Century: $3,000 per year
1913 Founders: $2,000 per year
GSU Excellence: $1,000 per year
GSU Achievement: $1,000 one time

(5) University of Alabama:

National Merit Finalists: Full-ride scholarship
National Merit Semifinalists: Full tuition

(6) Troy University:

Scholars Award: Full tuition
James J. Kaminski Scholarship Endowment: $8,000, renewable for up to three years

(7) University of Delaware

B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship: Full tuition, room, board, fees, and books, renewable for four years

(8) State University of New York at Fredonia

SUNY Fredonia
James J. Kaminski Scholarship: $8,000, renewable for up to three years
Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation
Scholarships for Western Washington high school seniors: Amount varies

These scholarships often have specific requirements, such as minimum GPA and test scores, so be sure to check the details on each college’s website.

The 8 IVY LEAGUE COLLEGE in US:

All eight Ivy League colleges accept both the ACT and SAT for admissions and scholarship considerations. Here are the Ivy League schools:

Harvard University
Yale University
Princeton University
Columbia University
University of Pennsylvania
Dartmouth College
Brown University
Cornell University

MIT accepts both the ACT and the SAT for admissions. One can submit scores from either test, and MIT does not have a preference for one over the other. Additionally, MIT does not require the ACT optional essay section.

NON- GRADED

Thousands of candidates struggle for a high score in SAT or ACT. The good news is there are some colleges and universities in the US that have adopted test-optional policies, meaning they don’t require either test (ACT or SAT) for admissions. These colleges allow students to decide whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. This can be beneficial if you feel your test scores don’t accurately reflect your academic abilities.

Here are a few notable colleges that have embraced test-optional policies:

Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME)
Bates College (Lewiston, ME)
Colby College (Waterville, ME)
Smith College (Northampton, MA)
Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT)
Pitzer College (Claremont, CA)
Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, NY)
University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA)

Read Also: How to Score 1600 in SAT Exam