

SAT questions are contesting and evidence-based in an attempt to focus on real-world situations and problem-solving.ĪCT takes 2 hours and 55 minutes without the essay and 3 hours and 35 minutes including the writing essay, while SAT will take three hours without the essay, and 3 hours and 50 minutes including the essay. The ACT tends to be straightforward, and although questions are long, they are less difficult to answer. Test SectionĮnglish (ACT) Writing and Language (SAT) There are 215 questions in the whole ACT and only 154 questions in the SAT. Despite not having a science section, there will be science questions throughout the test. Instead, it has two Math sections, one in which you can use a calculator and the other you cannot. The ACT comprises four sections including, a science section but, the SAT doesn’t have a science section. Interestingly the Science section is in the ACT only, and there is no such test in SAT. ACT has five passages with standard reading levels from 20 th -11 th grade, while SAT has five passages with a reading level ranging from 9 th grade. The Reading section differs in passage complexity and number of passages. The questions are multiple choices in ACT, but 80% will be multiple-choice in SAT, and 20% will be grid in. Also, ACT allows the use of a calculator on each question but, SAT has a 25 minute no calculator section of 20 questions. In Math, ACT has questions on basic math including, algebra and trigonometry but, SATs test advanced math skills. But, in the SAT, there are graphs and table questions related to the text. In the ACT, all questions are about the text. In the ACT, passages are easy reading, usually up to 9 th grade but, for the ACT, the difficulty level varies from high school to early college. But, there are some differences in reading level and informational graphic questions. The English section in the ACT, equivalent to Writing and Language in SAT, tests the same concepts. SAT vs ACT Comparison Chart ACT Test Subjects

However, the SAT has four sections minus the science section, and they include Reading, Writing, Math (no calculator), Math (calc), and the optional essay. The ACT has four sections: English, Maths, Science, Reading, and the optional writing essay. But despite the similarities, the tests have differences, with the SAT being longer than the ACT.

Most importantly, there is no penalty for a wrong answer. There is the optional essay writing section in both ACT and SAT, which doesn’t count to the total score, and the English section in ACT is referred to as the Writing and Language section in SAT. Currently, both tests have similar sections in a predetermined sequence, with each section appearing once. Test sections include Math, evidence-based Reading and Writing, and optional essay writing.Īlthough the tests are not identical, they are closely related in content following the 2016 redesign of SAT. The test has been designed to evaluate the verbal, written, and mathematical skills of high school students aspiring to join college. SAT is also a standardized exam overseen by the College Board that students have to take to join undergraduate schools. Test subjects include English, Math, Reading, and Science and an optional writing section. It offers colleges a common data point for applicants’ comparison alongside other qualifications such as GPA and extracurricular activities. It is a multiple-choice test that high school juniors and seniors take in readiness for college. In this guide, we will compare the ACT vs SAT tests and review their differences, so you can figure out which one to take to get into the college of your choice.ĪCT is a standardized college entrance exam used in evaluating students to make admission decisions. Students should understand what each test entails to help guide them choose the ideal test. Most importantly, there is no preference for either test since universities and colleges accept SAT and ACT scores, and neither test is difficult than the other.

The tests usually evaluate the student on the same topics, and their scores are vital in awarding college scholarships and admissions. Students thinking of joining college begin the journey by comparing college readiness tests include the SAT and ACT. What Are The Differences Between ACT and SAT In Score, Format, Sections, and Cost?
