Which test should I take?
The easiest way for you to answer this question is to start off by taking a practice test of each. You will have to put some time and effort into figuring this out, but it will be worth it when you get your dream score! Which format you are more comfortable with? It really is just a matter of preference!! Keep in mind that your life will be easier if you only spend time (and money) preparing for one of the tests. You will most likely spend quite a bit of time preparing, so make sure to choose the one that is easier for you!
WAY back when I was in high school, the colleges and universities on the East and West coasts of the United States accepted SAT scores, and the schools in the middle of the country took the ACT. Things have changed: all schools accept both test scores for college admittance. Now, it really boils down to a matter of preference. Which one to choose is also a money factor involved because if your state provides a FREE test for you, then you might want to focus on that test.
Here are some facts about each of the tests:
ACT:
- 4 sections – English, Math Reading, Science (Optional essay)
- Issued 6 times annually (February, April, June, September, October, December)
ACT will add an addition annual test in July 2018 - Advantage: Vocabulary and content is more straightforward.
- Link to a FREE ACT practice test
SAT:
- 4 sections – Critical Reading, Writing, Math with calculator, Math without calculator (Optional essay)
- Issues 8 times annually (January, March, May, June, August, October, November, December)
- Advantage: More time for each problem and NO science section (although science content appears in Reading and Writing)
- Link to a FREE SAT practice test
About the Author
Tina Wiles has a unique background: she holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan, but she is also a certified high school math teacher! She has been working in the testing industry for over 11 years and has found her passion. Tina has published a book How to Slay the ACT, and to gain more knowledge about the test and to understand what her students are going through, Tina takes the ACT herself 2-3 times a year
