High school students are often perplexed with the question: Which is better, SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests that universities and colleges use to assess prospective students, despite the resemblances, a few critical variations exist between them.
The SAT test format vastly differs from the ACT test format. The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. On the other hand, the ACT incorporates English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Deciding which test is easier between SAT or ACT depends entirely on a student's strengths and weaknesses. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.
The SAT and ACT also diverge in terms of scoring scales. The SAT scoring scale stretches from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
The subjects tested differ between SAT and ACT. The SAT math focuses greatly on reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis abilities, while the ACT math section covers topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry.
Choosing whether to take SAT or ACT truly depends on an individual's preferences. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, so it's crucial to choose the test that best reflects your abilities. Ultimately, the selection of the test SAT reading section becomes less crucial than how well students can perform on their chosen test.