Comparison: ACT vs. SAT

Should I take the ACT or the SAT? Not sure which one is better?

Here’s a comparison of the two tests:

Note: On January 19, 2021, the College Board announced plans to discontinue the optional SAT essay following the June 2021 administration. Due to the Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, the College Board also announced the immediate discontinuation of SAT Subject Tests in the United States, and the elimination of Subject Tests internationally after the June 2021 administration.

ACT SAT
Time without writing/essay 2 hours, 55 minutes 3 hours
Time with writing/essay 3 hours, 35 minutes 3 hours, 50 minutes
Number of  Required Sections 4 4 (3 actual sections with math divided into 2 sections)
Subject Material: English/Writing & Language Yes, 45 minutes, 75 ?s Yes, 35 minutes, 44 ?s
Subject Material: Reading Yes, 35 minutes, 40 ?s Yes, 65 minutes, 52 ?s
Subject Material: Math Yes, 60 minutes, 60 ?s Yes, 80 minutes, 58 ?s
Format of Math Questions All multiple choice 45 multiple choice, 13 grid-in
Calculator allowed for Math Yes, for all of math Yes, for Math-Calculator section; No, for Math-No calculator section
Math Topics covered Numbers, algebra, functions, geometry, prob/stat, rates/percents, area, volume, word problems, models Numbers, algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, advanced math, word problems, models
Subject Material: Science Yes, 35 minutes, 40 ?s No
Optional (but recommended) Essay Yes, 40 minutes Yes, 50 minutes
Critical thinking and analysis Yes Yes
Score range 1-36 400-1600
Penalty for guessing No No

There are a few minor differences, such as the SAT having 2 math sections with one section without calculator use and several math questions that are not multiple choice and require bubbling or “gridding” in the answer. The SAT math sections also include basic trigonometry while the ACT usually does not cover trig. Calculator use is permitted throughout the entire ACT math section while it is not on one of the SAT math sections. Overall, the SAT takes a little bit more time than the ACT because there is usually more time given per question. The scoring also differs with a different point scale used.

The most notable difference is the inclusion of the science section on the ACT and the exclusion of the science section on the SAT.

Because the two tests are mostly similar now, it really comes down to personal preference, what types of strategies work for you, and what kind of test-taker you are. If you really need help with deciding though, Princeton Review has a short quiz that you can take to determine which of the two tests would be better for you: https://www.princetonreview.com/college/should-i-take-the-act-or-sat-quiz

However, if you want to become a Finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, you MUST take the SAT! More info about that here: http://college-prep-guide.com/psat-nmsqt/

Regardless of your decision to take the ACT or the SAT (or both, but really, only one is necessary), prepare well and do well!