During COVID, several high-profile schools jumped on the “Test Optional” bandwagon. With COVID normalized and the SAT revamped, that trend is now over. However, this doesn’t mean that Test Optional will disappear either. Approximately 2,000 colleges remain Test Optional and another 85 do not require any admissions exam whatsoever (“Test Blind”), according to Fair Test which lists Test Optional and Test Blind schools here.
While some colleges may not require the ACT or the SAT for admissions, these exams are still necessary for many students hoping to attend college, qualify for merit scholarships, and increase the overall competitiveness of their application. Taking these exams can be daunting, for sure, and the journey (ordeal?) often begins with the task of choosing which to take, the ACT or the SAT? Or maybe even both?
What’s the Difference Between the ACT and SAT?
Both the ACT and the SAT are widely accepted by most U.S. colleges and universities, but they differ in format, content, and overall approach. In 2023, approximately 1.9 million students took the SAT and 1.4 million took the ACT.
The ACT web site offers a summary of the key differences between the two exams. The ACT takes more time in aggregate (approximately 3 hours vs 2 ¼ hours for the SAT) but has four shorter sections. The time allotment for each ACT section ranges between 35 minutes and one hour, compared to the SAT, which has two sections each taking a little over an hour.
Generally speaking, the ACT is often described as the test which measures a student’s knowledge whereas the SAT measures aptitude and conceptual thinking. One is not better or worse, or harder or easier. They are just different. School counselors can help a student assess which test better fits a student’s learning style, skills and college goals.
Another way to assess which may better highlight a student’s abilities is for the student to take a free practice test. The ACT offers them here. The College Board’s full-length SAT practice suite can be found here.
Both exams have applications for fee waivers and accommodations for students with learning differences. Make sure to know the process and deadlines for each.
Overview of the ACT and SAT
The ACT
The ACT is composed of four main sections with a total of 215 questions: English, Math, Reading, and Science, plus an optional Writing section. The test is designed to assess a student’s college readiness and is often seen as more straightforward in its questioning style and exam format. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ACT:
- Duration: 2 hours, 55 minutes (add 40 minutes for optional writing section)
- Scoring: 1 to 36 for each section
- Composite score: The average of all 4 sections
- Perfect score: Composite = 36
- Content focus: Emphasizes critical thinking skills
A competitive score on the ACT depends on the selectivity of the college with composite scores over 24 considered to be very strong (the top 25% of test takers). In 2023, the national average ACT score across the country was 19.5.
The ACT website contains a list of upcoming exam dates, a description of fees, and other pertinent information. It is worthwhile to mention that the ACT is moving toward a shorter digital format that will be phased in beginning with the April 2025 test date. You can read more about that development here.
The SAT
The SAT has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with its transition to a fully digital format. It now includes two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Here are the key points about the SAT:
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes
- Scoring: 200 to 800
- Perfect Score: 1600
- Content Focus: Vocabulary and complex problem-solving, particularly in math.
A competitive score on the SAT depends on the selectivity of the college with a score of 1210 considered to be very strong (the top 25% of test takers). In 2023, the national average SAT score was 1028.
The SAT website highlights upcoming exam dates, as well as information on fees, fee waivers, and other useful points of note.
PRO TIP: Guess. There is no guessing penalty on either the ACT or SAT, so it does not pay to leave a question blank. Some advocate picking a Letter of the Day and using that letter throughout the exam, i.e., fill-in “B” as the answer for each question based on a guess.
The SAT Goes Digital
One of the most significant changes to the SAT is its shift to a digital format, which started in 2023. Here’s what this means for students:
- Format and Accessibility. The digital SAT is designed to be more user-friendly. Students take the test on a computer or tablet, which can reduce anxiety for those more comfortable with technology. The digital format also allows for features like a built-in calculator for math sections and the ability to flag questions for review.
- Adaptive Testing. The digital SAT utilizes a computer-adaptive format, meaning that the test adjusts its difficulty based on the student’s performance. If a student answers a question correctly, the next question may be more challenging. This approach can provide a more accurate reflection of a student’s abilities and potentially enhance the test experience.
- Faster Results. With the digital format, students can expect quicker access to their scores, often within days instead of weeks. This faster turnaround can alleviate some stress related to college applications and allow for quicker decision-making.
- Environmental Impact. The digital SAT also aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with printing and distributing paper tests, aligning with a growing trend toward sustainability in education.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the ACT and SAT
Choosing between the ACT and SAT largely depends on a student’s personal strengths and test-taking preferences. Factors to consider:
- Math and Science Proficiency: Students who excel in math and science might prefer the ACT’s emphasis on these subjects. Conversely, students with a strong grasp of advanced math concepts may find the SAT’s focus on problem-solving more suited to their abilities.
- Reading and Writing Skills: The SAT places a greater emphasis on vocabulary and reading comprehension, which might be more challenging for some students. Those who feel more comfortable with straightforward questions may find the ACT to be a better fit.
- Focus: The four-section ACT, with portions ranging from 35 minutes to a little over an hour, may fit some students better than the SAT’s two-section format with over one-hour segments each. Also, the SAT offers students more time to answer each question than the ACT. On the other hand, experts say that the average ACT question is easier to answer, therefore requiring less time per question.
- Test Format Preferences: Some students thrive in a traditional paper-and-pencil format, while others may feel more at ease with a digital exam. More tech-savvy students may find the digital SAT more appealing.
PRO TIP: Use the process of elimination! Students who do not know an answer can often easily eliminate at least 1 or 2 bad answer choices. Doing so increases the odds of getting the right answer.
How About Taking Both Exams?
There isn’t a good count of how many students take both the ACT and the SAT, but it is not uncommon. Students applying to the more competitive schools may find it to be to their advantage to take both exams. Colleges don’t have a preference, but students may find that they score better on one exam or another. Students are not required to report their scores for all of their exam attempts, so taking both or retaking one or both can be beneficial. It is also worth noting that some colleges accept what’s commonly referred to as the Superscore, which essentially allows students to submit the highest combined score of the individual sections of the ACT and/or SAT taken over multiple testing attempts.
PRO TIP: Don’t take the ACT or SAT without preparing. Take free practice exams and/or engage in more intensive preparation such as a test prep course or book, or private tutoring. Students who score lower than anticipated or need to be competitive at particular schools often take one or both tests again.
Conclusion
Both the ACT and SAT are valuable tools in the college admissions process, and choosing the right one can set the tone for a student’s college journey. Picking the test best-suited to a student’s individual strengths, learning style, and college goals is an important consideration. No matter which test the student elects to take, or even retake, proper preparation is key to getting the best possible score.