What's the difference between the ACT and the SAT?
Both the ACT and the SAT are nationally administered
standardized tests that help colleges evaluate candidates. Most
colleges and universities accept either test. So as you begin to
think about college and creating the best application package
possible, your admissions plan should begin with the question,
"Which test should I take?" When weighing your options, keep in
mind that there are differences in test structure and the type of
content assessed. Use the chart below to see which test makes the
most of your strengths to help you determine which test might be
best for you.
| 3
hours, 25 minutes (including the 30-minute optional Writing
Test) |
3 hours, 45 minutes |
4 test
sections (5 with the optional Writing Test):
English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (Optional) |
10 Sections: 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing (incl. the Essay), 1 Experimental (unscored) |
|
English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional) |
Critical Reading, Math, Writing (includes the
Essay), Experimental (unscored) |
| 4
Reading Comprehension passages, 10 questions per passage |
Reading comprehension passages and questions, and sentence completion questions |
|
Science (analysis, interpretation, evaluation,
basic content, and problem solving) |
Science not included |
Math
accounts for 1/4 of overall score
Topics Covered: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry |
Math accounts for 1/3 of overall score
Topics Covered: Arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and algebra
II |
Last
thing you do (optional); 30 minutes
- Not included in composite score
- Topic of importance to high school students
- Address counterarguments
|
First thing you do; 25 minutes- Factored into overall score
- More abstract topic (vs. the ACT)
- Pick a side and stick to it
|
Total
composite score of 1-36 (based on average of 4 tests)- 4 scores of 1-36 for each test
- Score of 0-12 for the optional Essay
|
Total score out of 2400- 3 scores of 200-800 for each section
- Score of 0-12 for the Essay
|
| No
wrong answer penalty |
1/4 point subtracted per wrong answer (except for Math
Grid-in questions) |
ACT, Inc.
(319) 337-1000
www.actstudent.org |
The College Board
1-866-756-7346
www.collegeboard.com |
| You
decide which score is sent |
Your entire score history will be sent
automatically |
How can I find out if a school accepts the ACT, SAT or
both?
You should be able to find this information by visiting the
school's website or by calling their admissions office.
How can I figure out which test I might score better on?
Learning about the differences between the two tests is one
thing, knowing how you actually might score is another. The only
way to know for sure is to take a practice test. Kaplan offers
practice ACT, SAT, or SAT/ACT Combo Tests to help you identify
which test could best showcase your strengths during the
admission process.
We offer these tests online and at our centers.
