ACT vs SAT: which test is a better fit for you / your child?

Well, to begin with, no test is easy or hard but they are different. Students must identify the differences and understand their own liking or comfort zone to decide which test is right for them. The pattern of both the tests is the same, with some exceptions that have been highlighted in this article.

Students may take whichever test they prefer (assuming there are available testing locations for both tests). If you're not sure which test your child would prefer, consider the key differences between the ACT and SAT. Some students find that the ACT caters to their strengths more so than the SAT, and vice versa.

Need a quick side-by-side comparison of the tests? Check out our SAT vs ACT Comparison Chart below.

SAT	VS	ACT
Questions are evidence and context-based in an effort to focus on real-world situations and multi-step problem-solving	Questions are like?	Straightforward, questions may be long but are usually less difficult to decipher
Reading, relevant words in context, math, grammar & usage, analytical writing (optional)	What are we talking about?	Grammar & usage, math, reading, science reasoning, and writing (optional)
Reading: 1, 65-min section; Math: 1, 25-min section (no calculator) & 1, 55-min section (w/ calculator); Writing & Language: 1, 35-min section; Essay: 1, 50-min section (optional)	The laps I need to cross?	English: 1, 45-min section; Math: 1, 60-min section; Reading: 1, 35-min section; Science: 1, 35-min section; Writing: 1, 40-min essay (optional)
Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing is each scored on a scale of 200-800. Composite SAT score is the sum of the two section scores and ranges from 400-1600	How will I be scored?	English, Math, Reading, and Science scores range from 1-36. The composite ACT score is the average of your scores on the four sections; ranges from 1-36
No – you do not lose points for incorrect answers	Are wrong answers penalized?	No – you do not lose points for incorrect answers
Yes – you can choose which set(s) of SAT scores to submit to colleges. However, some colleges require or recommend that students submit all scores. Students should review the score-reporting the policy of each college to which they plan to apply.	Can I cherry pick the score I wish to send?	Yes – you can choose which set(s) of ACT scores to submit to colleges. However, some colleges require or recommend that students submit all scores. Students should review the score-reporting policy of each college to which they plan to apply.
Math questions generally increase in difficulty level as you move through that question type in a section. Reading passage questions generally progress chronologically through the passage, not by difficulty level. Writing & Language passage questions do not progress by difficulty level.	How grilling are the questions?	For the English and Reading sections, the difficulty level of the questions is random. For the Math section, questions generally increase in difficulty as you progress through the section. For the Science section, passages generally increase in difficulty as you progress through the test, and questions generally become more difficult as you progress through a passage.
Arithmetic, problem-solving & data analysis, the heart of algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and trigonometry; formulas provided	Let’s talk about Maths, maybe?	Arithmetic, algebra I and II, functions, geometry, trigonometry; no formulas are provided
Seven times per year: March or   April, May, June, August, October, November, December (note that some states offer the SAT as part of their state testing requirements; these tests are not administered on the national test dates)	Offered when?	Seven times per year: February, April, June, July, September, October, December (note that some states offer the ACT as part of their state testing requirements; these tests are not administered on the national test dates)
Typically about four weeks before the test date	Registration deadline?	Typically about five to six weeks before the test date

Now that the major differences are clear, it should be easier for you to pick the right test. We at Pythagurus suggest that you carefully go through each section and try taking a diagnostic test of both the exams before making the final decision or choice of test. Compare the results and check which exam is more doable for you. There may be different scenarios. For someone who loves Science but not comfortable with Mathematics without a calculator, the ACT may be the right choice. For a student who is not comfortable with rigorous or fast-paced exams and needs time to complete the paper, the SAT may be the perfect option.

Remember that colleges do not prefer one test over the other. They will pick the best scores irrespective of the test. So, prepare early for the best results!

Wish to understand what works best for you? Give us a call and get a consultation absolutely free of charge. 

For more information, Visit: https://pythagurus.in/sat-classes/