Wonderful Tutor, SAT vs ACT, Which Test is for you, Side-by-side comparison, Writing, Math, Reading, Science, On the SAT, On the ACT, Passage Reading Level, Info Graphic questions, difficulty level, calculators, question type, number of passages, passage complexity, is there a science section, passage analysis, instructions, essay, other important things to consider, timing, final score, why you might prefer, the sat, the act, so which test should i take, get a free consultation, customized private tutoring sessions can make all the difference
Wonderful Tutor, SAT vs ACT, Which Test is for you, Side-by-side comparison, Writing, Math, Reading, Science, On the SAT, On the ACT, Passage Reading Level, Info Graphic questions, difficulty level, calculators, question type, number of passages, passage complexity, is there a science section, passage analysis, instructions, essay, other important things to consider, timing, final score, why you might prefer, the sat, the act, so which test should i take, get a free consultation, customized private tutoring sessions can make all the difference
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Both the SAT and the ACT are standardized tests used by colleges across the country to make decisions about college admissions. Since they play such a pivotal role in your academic future, it is vital that you compare their similarities and differences and choose the test that best suits you.
Varies from very easy to hard
Relatively easy
Sometimes unrelated to the text
Always about the text
Understanding the differences can make a big difference.
More advanced math, including some trigonometry
Tests the breadth of your understanding more than the depth; less complex
Only allowed on the calculator section
Always allowed
In general, both the SAT and the ACT go over virtually the same things, stressing similar grammar and syntax rules, though the SAT seems to present slightly trickier material. They do, however, still have some differences.
80% multiple choice; 20% grid-ins
Always multiple choice
5 medium-lengthed passages, one of which is actually a set of paired passages
4 long passages, one of which is actually a set of paired passages
Ranging from easy to early college
Standard 10th and 11th grade level
Same as the ACT, plus new evidence- based questions
Purpose, vocab, detail and inference questions
No.
Yes.
Since the SAT does not have a science section, this is often a determining factor when deciding between the two tests. However, the lack of this section must be weighed against the trickier and often more difficult material presented in the other sections of the SAT. Also, just because you may not have a vast knowledge of science does not mean that you won't do well on the science section. 95% of the questions do not require an extensive scientific background, and the answers can be found directly in the passages, tables, charts, and graphs provided.
An average of 1 minute and 10 seconds per question
An average of 50 seconds per question
You receive a verbal and a math score, each ranging from 200 to 800 points
The average of the four multiple-choice sections becomes your composite score
Medium-length passage wherein the author creates a persuasive argument
3 different points of view on a debatable issue
Write an essay explaining how the author builds his or her argument
Write an essay that includes:
1.) an evaluation of the 3 perspectives
2.) your own perspective
Every test-taker is different, so you're going to have to carefully compare the benefits of each. Some students take both since they can't decide between them, but this is not advisable since you will be dividing your preparation time. If you can't make up your mind, I strongly suggest that you take a practice test of each. Students can usually tell pretty quickly which one they feel most comfortable with.
You comprehend reading passages better if you have a little more time
You work quickly and are a fast reader
You can quickly and confidently make math calculations in your head
You are adept at spotting tricks and traps
You prefer to always have a calculator
You like science and are good at reading graphs and interpreting data
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SAT vs ACT