A Horse of a Different Color: ACT vs. SAT

Posted by Amy Dulan & Steven Dulan.

Not sure which test is best for you? Don’t worry… you’re not alone! Both the ACT and the SAT are standardized tests of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Each test measures a certain knowledge base and skill set. The tests are “trainable,” meaning that you can do better on your ACT or SAT if you work on learning the knowledge and gaining the skills that are tested. However, the resemblance pretty much ends there. We’ve broken down the format, design, and content of each test to help you make a smart choice about which test to take.

Whichever test you decide will give you the best score, it pays to plan ahead and get started with your preparation several weeks before the test.

The ACT: The ACT is broken up into 4 multiple-choice tests and one essay. The multiple-choice tests are called English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, respectively. They are always given in the same order. In fact, there is a lot of predictability when it comes to the ACT. This often works to a student’s advantage and can take some of the randomness out of the testing experience.

Each of the 4 multiple-choice tests is given a score on a scale of 1-36. These four “scaled scores” are then averaged and rounded according to normal rounding rules to yield a Composite Score. It is this Composite Score that is most often meant when someone refers to your ACT score.

Note that he ACT only has a few vocabulary questions, as such. You will be tested on vocabulary only within the context of a Reading test passage. However, a solid vocabulary can really help you to understand the passages and questions on the ACT.

Following is the format of the ACT, including number of questions, question type, and content area covered:

The SAT: The SAT is a longer exam overall and includes an “experimental” section that does not count toward your score. The SAT assigns scores in Writing, Math, and Critical Reading on a 200-800 scale. The Composite SAT score is the total of the three scores in Writing, Math, and Critical Reading. There are a total of 10 sections on the SAT, including the Essay, which is always first. The SAT math section doesn’t have any Trig questions at all, whereas the ACT does include 4 Trig questions. The SAT also tests vocabulary directly.

Perhaps the most significant difference between the ACT and the SAT is the fact that the SAT has a “guessing penalty.” This means that SAT takers lose an extra fraction of a point when they mark a question incorrectly. If you leave a question blank on the SAT, you basically lose one raw point, so you have to worry about whether to guess.

Following is the format of the SAT, including number of questions, question type, and content area covered:

The vast majority of colleges and universities will accept either an SAT score or an ACT score. There are persistent myths that say that schools in certain states either all require the ACT or all require the SAT. This is simply not true. Rather than relying upon generalities, you should investigate the colleges that you are interested in and find out for yourself which entrance exams they will accept and whether they have a preference for one or the other.

Follow the links below to download full-length tests. After taking these tests, decide which one you like best, and schedule your tutoring sessions to maximize your score!

1. Full length ACT practice test with answers: http://cty.jhu.edu/talent/docs/ACTtestprepbook2013-14.pdf
2. Full length SAT: https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.org/SR/digital_assets/assessment/pdf/F4D31AB0-66B4-CE32-00F7-F5405701F413-F.pdf

Answers to above SAT: https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.org/SR/digital_assets/pdfs/eri/scoring_2013-2014.pdf