Before submitting applications to colleges, many students will take an ACT or SAT test. These tests help college admission teams see whether potential students are ready for college coursework.

The issue is, it's sometimes tough to know which test is right for you to take. While each test is similar, each one focuses on different areas of education, and each has a different time limit.

Depending on the college you want to attend, it's important for you to take the right test. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the ACT and SAT to help you decide which test you need to take.

With insights into scoring, test prep, and the best fit for various skills, you’ll find everything you need to make an informed choice. Read on to discover the key differences and similarities to determine whether the SAT or ACT is the right test for you.

What Are the Key Differences Between the ACT and SAT?

The ACT and SAT tests are formatted in different ways. The ACT has four sections that include math, English, reading, and science. The ACT has an optional writing test. The SAT only has math and reading and writing.

The ACT shows your knowledge of high school subjects while the SAT shows how your critical thinking skills are. Essentially, these are the key differences between the SAT vs the ACT. 

For students wondering which test to take, ACT may have questions that seem simple, but the time to take the test is shorter than the SAT time limit.

The SAT math section places a strong focus on algebra, while the ACT math section covers a broader range of math topics, including geometry and trigonometry.

The SAT and ACT are very similar, but you'll need to determine which is the right one for you to take. 

Is the ACT Easier Than the SAT?

Something you may want to know is whether the ACT is easier than the SAT. Both tests can be challenging. The answer really depends on a student’s personal strengths. For instance, students who do well in science may find that taking the ACT is easier for them than the SAT.

Meanwhile, students who excel at analyzing reading passages might find the SAT easier. The test you should take depends on which format feels more comfortable. For students who enjoy straightforward questions, the ACT may be easier, whereas the SAT is often better suited for analytical thinkers.

Ultimately, there is no way to say whether the SAT or ACT is easier.  It depends on the individual test-taker’s strengths. Taking a practice test for each exam can help you determine which test is the one for you.

When comparing the ACT and SAT, it's important to understand whichever test you take will offer insight about your study habits and your readiness for college coursework to the  admissions team.

Ultimately, determining which test is easier will fall back to your personal study habits and if you feel you will do better with the test questions on one than the other. 

SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Score Matters More?

In the past, some colleges had preferences, but today, most schools accept either the SAT or the ACT without preference.

So, choosing between the SAT and ACT score depends on where you’re likely to perform best. The ACT score and SAT score scales differ, but both are equally accepted in college admissions.

Admissions officers look at both SAT and ACT scores as standardized test indicators of a student’s college readiness.

A strong score on either test can boost college applications, but it’s more important to score well on the test you feel most confident about. Comparing scores on practice tests can help in deciding which test will yield a better result.

How Do the ACT and SAT Structure Their Math Sections?

The ACT and SAT both include algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The content from one test to another is a little different. The SAT math section allows students to use a calculator when taking the test.

The ACT does not allow calculators. The questions that you may see on the SAT are focused on problem-solving and data analysis. The ACT has more algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic math statistics.

Students confident in a wide range of math topics may prefer the ACT math section, while those who excel in algebra might feel more comfortable with the SAT.

Does the ACT Have an Edge with Its Science Section?

The science section of the ACT is unique to this test and can be a deciding factor for many students. The ACT science section isn’t a traditional science test but instead tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning. Students interested in science or who have strong analytical skills may find the ACT’s science section to be a natural fit.

In comparison, the SAT includes scientific data in its reading and math sections but lacks a standalone science section. For students who don’t feel comfortable with science, this could make the SAT a better choice. For students who enjoy science, the ACT test offers a good opportunity for those students to demonstrate their scientific skills. 

What’s Included in the Optional Writing Test?

Both the ACT and SAT offer an optional writing test. The ACT writing test asks students to write an essay that analyzes multiple perspectives on an issue. The SAT writing section focuses on grammar, sentence structure, and clarity in context but does not require an essay. Some colleges value the ACT’s writing section for its analysis of multiple perspectives, which can showcase a student’s critical thinking skills.

Deciding to take the writing test depends on the requirements of the colleges you’re interested in. While some schools consider the optional writing test scores, many do not require them, making it an optional but potentially beneficial choice.

ACT vs. SAT: Which One Has the Best Test Prep Resources?

If you need a good resource to study for the SAT or ACT, you'll find that College Board and the ACT website are both great resources for test takers.

College Board, which is the SAT website, offers a wide variety of test prep resources for the SAT. You can find study guides as well as practice tests to take before it's time to take the SAT.

The ACT website also has study guides and practice tests that you can use before you take the real test. Making a decision on which test you need to take can be influenced by the availability of practice resources that match a student’s learning style.

The SAT and ACT also offer online courses, tutoring, and test prep books, giving students a range of options. SAT and ACT prep classes are widely available, so students can choose based on their preferred test.

Taking the ACT vs. SAT: When Should You Start Preparing?

Starting early with SAT prep or ACT study materials can help students become familiar with each test’s style and format. Many students begin preparing in their junior year of high school to allow time to take the SAT or ACT more than once if needed.

Preparing early also gives students the opportunity to take full-length practice tests and determine which test is right for you. 

Setting a study schedule and using a mix of resources, like practice ACT and SAT practice exams, can help students build confidence and improve their scores. Early preparation allows time for additional practice if scores don’t meet expectations.

What’s the Ideal Test for College Admissions?

When you need to choose between the ACT or SAT, it’s important to remember that colleges don’t prefer one test over the other. The college admissions process accepts both tests, and admissions teams see them as equally valuable indicators of college readiness. Therefore, choosing between the SAT or ACT should be based on the test that aligns with your strengths.

Taking a practice SAT and a practice ACT is a good way to compare scores and see which test better suits your skills. Some students do better on the ACT because of its straightforward questions, while others prefer the SAT’s analytical approach. It's up to you to determine which test is a better fit for you. 

How to Decide Which Test to Take

Deciding which test to take depends on personal strengths and goals. Start by taking a full-length practice test for both the SAT and ACT to see which feels easier and yields a higher score.

Once you have a score report, consider your comfort with each test’s sections and question styles. Some students find that the ACT’s straightforward questions make it the easier test, while others appreciate the SAT’s focus on problem-solving.

The test is right for you if it fits your strengths and helps you achieve the highest possible score. Whether the ACT includes your preferred format, or you feel the SAT is easier, focus on preparing well to reach a score that can help with college applications.

When you're ready to get on the right path for your ACT or SAT test prep, be sure to contact us here at Growing Minds. We can help with tutoring and other resources to help ensure you have the tools you need to succeed when it's time to take your test. 

Key Takeaways:

• The ACT and SAT both serve as placement tests for college readiness, but each has unique features, including the ACT’s science section.

• The SAT focuses on problem-solving, while the ACT covers a wider range of math topics and includes a science section.

• The ACT and SAT differ slightly due to the type of math questions, as well as the fact that the ACT offers a science section that the SAT does not offer. 

• Both tests offer optional writing sections, and these can add value to college applications.

• Colleges accept both tests equally. You need to choose the one that best fits your strengths.

• Taking practice tests for each test can help you figure out which test is best for your skills as well as your preferences.

• Start preparing early to allow time to take the SAT or ACT more than once if needed.