10 Key Differences Between SAT and ACT Tests

Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT serve as measures for colleges and universities to assess aspiring students, but there are significant distinctions between them.

There's a significant difference between SAT and ACT test format. The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. Conversely, the ACT is divided into English, Math, Reading, and Science sections.

Students' strengths and weaknesses determine which test is easier, the SAT or ACT. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. On the other hand, students with a knack for science may perform better on the ACT.

Each test also uses a different scoring scale. The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, on the other hand, the ACT scores from 1 to 36.

SAT and ACT test subjects also noticeably diverge. The SAT math section emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis, while the ACT math section covers topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.

Deciding which test to take - SAT or ACT - is ultimately a matter of personal choice. Most schools will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, so it's crucial to choose the test that best reflects your abilities. In the end, what matters most is additional resources not which test students take, but how well they do on it.