Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Olivia, one of my students, is fretting about whether to prep for the SAT or the ACT when she starts tenth grade this fall. “Which is easier?” “Which harder?”
Both. “Easier” or “harder” depends, not just on the test, but on Olivia herself – the match between her skills and the characteristics of the tests. Now, when she asks me again what test to take, I will tell her:
OVERALL: The two tests are roughly the same length, about 3 hours (without the ACT essay). However, Olivia, there are some differences to consider in relation to your skills.
Time allowed for each question: You’ll have more time per question on the SAT than on the ACT. The ACT requires you to work more quickly on every section. If you don’t have accommodation for extended time, the SAT may be better for you.
The SAT, however, requires more complex reading and logical problem solving. So, if you are good at logical reasoning, you may prefer the SAT, but if you read quickly and are better at reading comprehension than logical thinking, the ACT may be easier.
Neither test penalizes for wrong answers. However, the ACT has 5 choices and the SAT only 4. On the ACT, you have a 20% chance of being right, on the SAT, a 25% chance. You have a better chance with guesses on the SAT.
The SAT will be entirely digital by March, 2024. The ACT, however, will still offer pen-and-pencil tests in 2024 though they are planning to develop a digital offering during that time. Will you work better with a digital or a pen-and-paper test?
The SAT has no essay; the ACT has an optional essay.
READING SECTION: Much of the SAT reading section is similar to the ACT: the passages will be under 750 words and will come from literature, social science, humanities, and science. Some of the types of questions will be similar. For example, both the SAT and the ACT will give you “words in context” questions throughout the reading.
The SAT, though, will have one reading passage taken from a United States “founding document” or from the “Great Global Conversation,” that is, a document such as the Constitution or a speech or publication related to some great historical moment. If you’re not familiar with history, this passage may be difficult for you.
The SAT has evidence-based questions. For each passage, at least one question will ask you to choose a quote from the text that best supports the answer you have chosen for the preceding question. The ACT does not require these questions focused on evidence.
Charts, graphs and figures: The SAT doesn’t have a science section. However, a reading passage will include questions similar to those in the science section of the ACT. There will still be less science on the SAT than on the ACT, but there is some. The SAT may be better for students who are weak in science and mathematical charts, graphs and figures.
THE WRITING MULTIPLE CHOICE SECTION: Both the SAT and ACT provide coherent essays with errors. The differences?
Organization and logic based questions: Students will be asked to analyze sequences of paragraphs to make sure they are correct in their meaning as well as their usage. These questions focus on the logic in writing. If you’re good at logical thinking, these questions may be an advantage to you.
THE MATH SECTION: The actual subject matter and level of the SAT is similar to the ACT. The differences between the two tests that may make the SAT more challenging than the ACT include:
Types of questions: The SAT math questions focus more on logically figuring out the question. So the SAT asks questions that prevent you from using test-taking strategies such as working backwards from the answers. The SAT also asks many more word problems.
Number of math sections: The SAT has two math sections; the ACT only one.
The SAT does not allow calculators on one of the two math sections. The ACT allows calculators on the one math section.
Type of math: Both the ACT and the SAT emphasize algebra, but the ACT has more geometry and trigonometry.
The SAT provides a reference guide for formulas; the ACT does not.
The SAT math score counts for half the total score on the test; the math score on the ACT is only about a fourth. If you are good at math but not science, the SAT may work better for your score.
THE SCIENCE SECTION OF THE ACT AND THE SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONS ON THE SAT: The ACT has a science section while the SAT does not. However, the SAT does have scientific charts and graphs in the writing multiple choice section: some questions will require you to interpret graphics and edit the passages so that they accurately convey the information in the graphics. There are fewer science questions on the SAT.
Finally, Olivia, in answer to your question about which test will be easier, I will say you should take a couple of practice tests. You can then figure out, based on your scores, your understanding of the differences between the tests and your own test skills and knowledge which one will be best for you,
If you want more information, take the PreACT or the PSAT in 10th grade.
Many students decide to take both tests. Don’t prep both tests, Olivia. It’s best to decide early in 10th grade which test is better and prepare thoroughly for that one.
And, finally, have fun prepping for whichever test you choose. Learn from your mistakes. Start early and work hard. You can, with effort, become a great, and satisfied, SAT or ACT test taker.