California - December 19, 2022 - ACT and SAT are the most popular tests among UG applicants seeking to study at top universities, primarily in the United States of America. These exams are used to determine college admissions and merit-based scholarships. Students must recognize the differences and understand their preferences or comfort zone to determine which test is the better option. With a few exceptions, the content and pattern of both tests are the same. So, let's discuss which test is a better option for an early college placement test - ACT v/s SAT.
Differences Between ACT and SAT Tests:
Based on Timing:
ACT: The ACT is 3 hours long, but with a 50-minute essay, it will take 3 hours and 50 minutes.
The English section allows 36 seconds for each question.
The mathematics section allows one minute for each question.
The reading section allows 52 seconds for each question.
The science section allows 52 seconds for each question.
SAT: The SAT lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes, but an optional essay adds another 40 minutes and extends it to 3 hours. 40 minutes.
The reading section allows 75 seconds per question.
The writing and language section allows 48 seconds for each question.
With no calculator, the mathematics section allows 75 seconds per question.
The calculator section of the mathematics section allows 87 seconds per question.
Furthermore, when taking the SAT, students will have more time to answer each question than when taking the ACT.
Based on Sections:
ACT and SAT are divided into the following sections:
ACT: English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, Essay
SAT: Writing & Language, Math, Reading, and Essay, excluding science reasoning.
The tests are equal, though students may perform better on one than the other. These tests include reading, math, writing, and language or English sections, but the ACT includes a science reasoning section and an optional essay that adds 40 minutes to the test. The ACT allows calculators for all math questions, whereas the SAT has one math section that does not.
Based on Dates:
The ACT and SATs will be conducted seven times a year. The SAT will not be available in January, February, July, and September, whereas the ACT will not be available in January, March, May, August, and November.
Keep in mind that the ACT and SAT exams are a part of the state testing requirements in some states. So, they are not given on national test days.
Similarities Between the ACT and SAT Tests are:
The SAT and ACT exams have the following similarities:
These exams have similar sections (reading, math, etc.) in a predetermined order, with each section appearing only once.
Both exams have an optional essay section, the score of which does not count toward the obtained overall score.
These tests use rights-only scoring, which means there are no negative consequences for incorrect answers.
Both tests consist of passage-based Reading and English/Writing questions (referred to as "English" on the ACT and "Writing and Language" or " Writing on the SAT).
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time,” says Thomas Edison.
The ACT is a better test for an individual if:
The test taker should have a quick reading and solving ability. Then, have a chance of finishing the exam on time.
Science enthusiasts can analyze data and trends quicker. So, have a chance to perform well on the ACT even if science is not their strongest trait.
Become accustomed to utilizing a calculator to solve arithmetic problems. Then, the thought of grid-ins and the no-calculator section of the SAT may cause some anxiety.
The SAT is a better test for an individual if:
Unable to think quicker, but a good and thoughtful reader. Test takers to be aware that everyone may encounter more difficult passages on the SAT exam, but this is not a concern. Every individual to be aware that a little more time to consider everything.
Test takers should be good at math and able to solve mathematical equations mentally without using a calculator.
Test takers should be good at spotting tricky details and reading between the lines. Remember being better at standard test games makes individuals perform better on the SAT exam.
Acquiring a better understanding of the ACT vs SATs, their differences, and similarities, the question remains: which test should be taken? So, it’s recommended that students take some ACT and SAT tests to see which gives better results. Choose an exam and prepare thoroughly.
About Turito
Turito is the best e-learning platform that offers the best-in-class online education to every student with Live Interactive Classes by Expert Tutors, a Tailored Curriculum, 24/7 Doubt Clearance, Practice Sheets, Mock Tests, and AI/ML-based Assessments.
Media Contact
Company Name: Turito
Contact Person: Tanish
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://www.turito.com/
