Is the ACT or SAT the Right Test for You?
As you plan to apply to colleges, you probably wonder whether you should take the ACT or the SAT or whether you need to take both. Your standardized test score(s) serve as a broad indicator of the knowledge you acquired to this point in your life and test your critical thinking skills. Some colleges and universities have cutoff points for acceptance, but even when they don't, scores play a significant role in decisions about merit-based scholarships.
Many colleges and universities don't require that you take one test over the other, so you need to choose based on your needs and future plans. Below, I cover some main differences between the ACT and the SAT, factors to consider when choosing a test, and under what circumstances you should take both tests.
Major Differences Between the ACT and SAT
The ACT and SAT are similar to the extent that they attempt to measure knowledge and indicate how well you will succeed with college-level coursework. However, you will find some major differences between the two tests, including:
Test Structure
The SAT has a slightly more simplified test structure. It includes three main sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. SAT breaks their Math section into two smaller subsections that include math questions with and without a calculator. The total time allowed to take the SAT is 180 minutes for 154 total questions.
The ACT is five minutes shorter, so you have 175 minutes total for completion. However, the test includes 215 questions in four different sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The ACT also has an optional 30-minute essay.
Scoring
Each organization scores tests differently. On the ACT, you can score between 1 and 36, while the range of scores for the SAT is 400 to 1600. Your ACT composite score is the average of the scores from each of the four sections of the test. Your total SAT score consists of 200 to 800 points for your math sections and 200 to 800 points for Evidence-based Reading and Writing, which includes scores from the Reading and Writing and Language portions of the test.
Although the scoring is different, admissions personnel use a conversion chart to compare scores among applicants. For example, an SAT score between 1450 and 1480 would typically be the same as a 33 on the ACT.
Choosing Which Test Is Right for You
Other minor differences exist between the ACT and SAT aside from major differences in structure and scoring. It's the minor differences that will likely impact your choice of tests. Factors to consider when choosing between the ACT and SAT include:
Testing Dates
Both tests were offered fairly evenly during the 2021-2022 school year. However, they occur during different months. Sometimes other obligations force students to choose which test they take based on their availability on testing dates, especially as it compares to application deadlines for the colleges where someone is applying. You have two opportunities to take the ACT and SAT until mid-July. Testing and registration dates are as follows:
ACT
Testing Date: June 11, 2022
Registration Deadline: May 6, 2022
Late Registration: May 20, 2022
Testing Date: July 16, 2022
Registration Deadline: June 17, 2022
Late Registration: June 24, 2022
*The ACT is not offered in New York in July 2022.
SAT
Testing Date: May 7, 2022
Registration Deadline: April 26, 2022,
Late Registration: May 20, 2022
Testing Date: June 4, 2022
Registration Deadline: May 5, 2022
Late Registration: May 25, 2022
Strength of Your Math Skills
If you have strong math skills, you definitely want to take the ACT if you only take one test. As I mentioned above, the SAT has a "no-calculator allowed" math section. Also, the math portions of the SAT make up 50 percent of your total score. When you take the ACT, you can use a calculator on the entire math section, and it only makes up 25 percent of your score.
Review Practice Scores
If you attend high school in the United States, you will likely take at least one practice test. However, your school might offer practice tests for both the ACT and the SAT. Make sure you take each practice test. Compare your scores. Compare how you felt when you took the tests. It's probably in your best interest to take the test where you scored highest during practice.
Taking Both Tests or Not Taking Them at All
You have two other options beyond choosing between the ACT and the SAT. You can take both tests or choose not to take them at all.
Taking the ACT and the SAT
If you cannot decide what test to take, or you are unsure about which one might be the best fit for you, consider taking both tests if you can afford the additional testing fee. Colleges do not care which test score you submit, so taking both tests gives you a chance to see where you score higher. Once you receive your scores, submit the best one with your college applications.
Skipping the ACT and SAT
There is a lot of debate about standardized tests, especially the ACT, SAT, and others used to admit people into graduate and professional schools. Opponents argue that these tests do not provide the information they intend. Instead, they are a measure of how well someone takes tests. The global pandemic provided some downtime for the powers that be to review test-score policies. Some schools now have test-optional admissions policies. Schools still want to see a test score, but they don't hold it against those who chose not to submit a score.
Not all test-optional policies apply to everyone. Variations of test-optional admissions policies include not requiring students who meet a certain threshold with their rank or GPA to submit test scores or only requiring students to submit test scores for enrollment or scholarships.
Learn More About If the ACT or SAT Is the Right Test for You
For more information about choosing between the ACT and the SAT and test prep, visit my College Counseling Resource Page. Contact us to learn more.