What is the difference between the ACT and the SAT?

Is there any real difference between the ACT and the SAT tests? Yes, there actually is!

Here is some basic information on the differences between the tests and how to choose which one is best for you. 

The SAT and ACT require different skills.

If you:

• Are a fast reader.
• Process information quickly.
• Possesses strong memory.

The ACT may be the test for you:

 It is a more straightforward test but gives less time to finish the test.

The ACT reading section isn’t tricky and contains simple vocabulary, but the challenge is speeding through it. The ACT also tests a student’s short-term memory abilities because, unlike the SAT, it doesn’t give students the specific lines on a passage where the answer can be found.

If you must spend a great deal of time on homework and assignments to earn good grades, the SAT will probably be the better test.

If you:

• Possess strong vocabulary.
• Avid reader.
• Like test-taking strategies.
• Enjoys puzzles.

The SAT may be the test for you:

The SAT requires a strong vocabulary because it inserts words like ephemeral, churlish and phlegmatic into the sentence completion part of the test and in reading passages.

Unlike the ACT, which has simpler reading passages, the SAT reading sections are trickier, but students have a longer time to process.

Because the SAT test contains lots of smoke screens, students who enjoy puzzles can do better. Students who aren’t as strong in grammar can also fare better on the SAT because the grammar rules that the SAT tests are easier to learn ahead of time. The ACT grammar is more difficult.

So, basically, you can examine your strengths and see which test will better suit you. We also recommend taking both the SAT and ACT to see which scores are highest. You can take these in your Junior year, Spring semester to give you an idea which one to retake in your senior year. Of course, you can retake both of them just to give yourself an advantage and a better chance to do as well as possible.

You can stop by the Counseling Office and pick up a hand out that has a more complete breakdown of the differences. You can also fill out a request to see your counselor if you have any questions about this or any other concerns you may have. Utilize them! They are here to help you succeed!