SAT or ACT: Which test is best

The Island Now

By Dr. Joan Levy

With a choice of two major exams, tests which have a very important role in college admissions, students and their parents often worry: Which exam is best? Which exam is easier?

However, a far better question is: Which test is best for ME? Which test allows me to show my abilities to the greatest advantage? And the answer to that question is not the same for everyone.
While the two tests have some overlapping skills, they are sufficiently different in content, format & scoring to merit a much closer examination.
The SAT is the exam that most of you are familiar with.

Your sister, brother, cousin or parents probably took the SAT for their own college admissions.

However, the test has changed dramatically in recent times.

The current SAT has four sections and an optional essay (which many colleges want to see). The exam includes: Writing & Language, Reading and two sections of Mathematics. Scores range from 200 to 800 on the combined English and Reading sections and 200 to 800 on the combined Mathematics sections, with a separate score for the essay.

So your total score on the SAT ranges from 400 to 1600 + your essay score.
The ACT is a different exam.

It contains four sections with an optional essay. These sections are the following: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science.

Unlike the SAT, each section is scored separately and ranges from 1 to 36 per section, with a separate score for the essay. The composite (the average of the 4 subtests) also ranges from 1 to 36 + your essay score.
The major differences between the two tests lie mainly in the Mathematics, Reading and Science sections.

The Writing and Language section on the SAT is similar to the English section on the ACT. The two Mathematics sections on the SAT present more difficult questions than the Mathematics section on the ACT.

In addition, the SAT Mathematics section presents a portion of the test where calculator use is not allowed and a portion of the test that is not multiple choice — you must write in your own answers for these questions.

These factors make the SAT Mathematics considerably harder.

The ACT Mathematics, on the other hand, is a completely multiple-choice section where the calculator is permitted. The Reading section of the SAT also presents more difficult questions but the timing is more lenient (52 questions in 65 minutes).

The ACT Reading section has more straightforward questions, but the timing is much more difficult (40 questions in 35 minutes).

In addition, the ACT has a Science section which tests science reasoning, not knowledge of scientific facts. The timing on the Science section is also tight — 40 questions in 35 minutes.

Lastly, the essays on the two tests have different formats. The SAT essay asks for analysis of a written work that is presented, while the ACT essay is a persuasive piece of writing that asks you to take a position and defend it.
So which test should you take? I advise you to go through each exam and discuss the two tests with people who are familiar with both exams and can evaluate your skills—professionals who specialize in SAT and ACT preparation.

I recommend separate teachers: 1 for the math and science sections and 1 for the English and reading sections.

After all, you would not see a cardiologist for a vision problem, so don’t see a math tutor for grammar. You might try a practice SAT and ACT — available from the makers of each test.

I prefer actual exams, not simulated tests with questions that may or may not be comparable to the real exams.
Use the summer months!

You don’t have the stresses of schoolwork and extracurricular activities to distract you and eat up your time during the summer, so you will be able to dedicate more time and energy to the exams.

Find experienced professionals who are knowledgeable in test preparation and work with them consistently.

Summer is a great time to work on SAT and ACT skills for the coming year!

Joan Levy is director of NJL College Preparation

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