ACT vs. sat

One of the most common questions I get asked is, “should my child take the ACT or SAT?” so I have decided to take the time to highlight a few of the key differences below:

The biggest difference between the two major standardized college admissions tests is time. On the SAT, the test taker has significantly longer to answer each question (varies per section but on average about 20 additional seconds). Because of this, the ACT benefits fast test takers. As the tests are graded on a curve versus the national average, students that are able to work quickly and finish the ACT sections before time is called have an advantage since the majority of test takers are simply guessing on the last few questions of each section. Conversely, slower test takers are better suited to taking the SAT because they have more time to think about and reason through the answers to each question.

Another key distinction between the two tests is that the ACT includes a science section while the SAT does not. However, this section is more of a science specific reading section and students that have a strong grasp of scientific jargon and the scientific method are able to work through this section without too much difficulty. 

Finally, the new SAT is digital and adaptive. Students are given two modules in both the English and Math. The first in each subject is the same for all test takers, but the second is determined by how well they did on the first. The test itself is administered completely online with students having access to the Desmos graphing calculator. This gives students who are familiar with Desmos a tremendous advantage.

There are other smaller distinctions between the two tests (e.g. the SAT provides a basic formula sheet for the math sections while the ACT does not) but these are the most significant differences in terms of predicting a student's potential performance.