When choosing between the two college admission tests, the first thing to remember is that neither is better than the other, and neither is favoured by college admissions authorities. When looking at the differences between the ACT and the SAT, you’ll notice that they’re more alike than they are different.
Standardised high-stakes achievement exams have a very organised structure, with strict time limitations, a speed component and many questions, many of which are multiple-choice, and implications linked to the test result. Both the ACT and the SAT do not vary from this format.
However, there are some minor differences between the two college admissions tests. When taking both tests isn’t an option, this post can assist you in deciding which one to take.
ACT Vs. SAT: The Key Differences
The ACT and the SAT both feature maths, reading and writing sections and an optional essay portion, and both use rights-only scoring, which means there are no penalties for incorrect answers. And, while there used to be a clear difference between the ACT and SAT test-takers by region—generally, more students take the SAT on the east and west coasts, while more take the ACT in the Midwest—that gap has begun to blur. The SAT was taken by 2.2 million students in 2019, while the ACT was taken by 1.8 million, a 10% difference. The bright side is that a large percentage of students took both tests.
Still, because college admission test scores have an influence on one’s chances of getting into a preferred higher learning institution, with 88 per cent of four-year colleges and universities giving them moderate or significant weight, whatever perceived benefit you think you can get from one test over the other is always good mind leverage, if only to improve your test score.
| ACT – American College Testing | SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test | |
| Testing Time | 2 Hours and 55 Minutes | 3 Hours |
| No of Tests | 4 | 3 |
| Total No of Questions | 215 | 154 |
| Time per question | 49 Seconds | 70 Seconds |
| Scoring | Composite 1 to 36 | Composite 400 to 1600 |
| Test Content | Reading: Fiction and Literary Narrative Writing: Sentence Structure, Grammar, Punctuation, Rhetorical Skills and Strategy Math: Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry Science: Natural Sciences and Social Sciences | Reading: US or World Literature, Social Science&Humanities Writing: Conventions of Usage, Conventions of Punctuation and Expression of Ideas. Math: Algebra, Problem Solving, Data Analysis and Advance Maths |
How to Decide Which Test is Right for You?
Ultimately, you must decide whether the ACT or Digital SAT is the better test for you based on your academic strengths, learning styles, and test anxiety. A few ideas to help you make the decision as part of your college planning are given below:
Method 1: Attempt Official Practice Tests.
Rather than assuming whether you'll do better on the ACT or the Digital SAT, the easiest approach to find out is to take both tests and compare your results. You'll need to find an official practice exam for both the tests to do this. Official practice tests are the most accurate descriptions of reality and can help you determine what is the Digital SAT and ACT. This will give you a sense of the test format, test sections, and exam strategies for each. Comparing your score ranges can help inform your decision about which undergraduate entrance exam is best for you.
Method 2: Take a Quiz to Compare the SAT with the ACT.
Generally speaking, the ACT is more based on high school course concepts but is fast-paced than the SAT. The ACT is also less dependent on English vocabulary than the Digital SAT, which may be better for non-native speakers and English language learners looking to demonstrate English proficiency. If time management is your issue, the Digital SAT could be a better fit for you as it allows more time per question. Understanding the Digital SAT exam purpose can help you decide if it aligns with your college goals.
Final Words
With the ACT vs Digital SAT differences in mind, is it advisable to take both tests? No, because taking either the ACT and Digital SAT exam showcases more competency to college admissions officers. Most colleges have test-optional or test-blind policies now, so admission requirements vary. Be sure to check test policies, test dates, test registration deadlines, test fees, accommodations policies, and score reporting timelines as you plan for these undergraduate entrance exams.
Moreover, and maybe more importantly, both college entrance exams will cut into one's study time, spreading it out instead of focusing on one test alone. However, the option should be left to the student, who should consider the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. If you need expert advice for the same, it is time to connect with the academic consultants at UniVisory. We will provide you with the top suggestions that will pave the way for a better future, including test preparation, college search, application timelines, and admissions counseling to showcase your academic potential in your college applications!