Choosing between the digital SAT and digital ACT is like deciding whether you want a slice of cake or pie. Both are sweet, but the flavors (and the calories) are a little different. The SAT and ACT may both have fancy digital versions now, but they each have their own unique style. If you’re a high school student staring down these two major tests, you’re probably wondering: Should I take the SAT or the ACT? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break down the key differences between the SAT and the ACT, and how to figure out which test is the best fit for you.
Format: Let’s Talk Screen Time
Okay, so both tests are now digital, which means goodbye to your poor pencil, and hello to constant screen glare. The digital SAT is a bit more streamlined and has a different structure than the ACT, even though they’re both designed to test your brain power.
- Digital SAT: The digital SAT is divided into two sections: Math and Reading/Writing. Each section consists of a series of shorter, adaptive questions. Adaptive means that as you answer questions, the difficulty level adjusts. This is a huge change from the old paper SAT, where the questions were static. The test lasts about 2 hours and 14 minutes.
- Digital ACT: The digital ACT, in contrast, is a little more old-school in its setup (but still with that high-tech digital sheen). It has three required sections (English, Math, Reading) and two optional sections (Science and Writing). Each section is timed separately, with no adaptive magic happening. You’ll get shorter English and Reading passages but with similar types of questions as before. The test will take about 2 hours.
Scoring: Let’s Talk Numbers (and More Numbers)
The SAT and ACT have always had their own quirky scoring systems, and now that they’re both digital, they’re still different.
- Digital SAT Scoring: The digital SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, just like the traditional SAT. However, since the test is shorter, you’ll have fewer questions to answer, which means a more precise focus on whether you’re getting those questions right. No surprises here. The SAT has two main sections—Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing—and each is scored between 200 and 800. Your total score is just the sum of those two sections. Many colleges also superscore, meaning they’ll take your highest scores across different test dates to give you the best shot at a high score.
- ACT Scoring: The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with an average of your section scores. The optional Science and Writing sections are scored separately. One big perk of the ACT is that it’s possible to take the test multiple times and use your highest scores from different dates for an overall better result.
While the scoring system is different, it doesn’t mean one test is necessarily better than the other. Both tests give you a total score, and a solid prep plan can help you crush it no matter which one you choose!
Content: Do You Like Critical Thinking or Fact Memorization?
You might be great at math or excellent at reading comprehension, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be equally prepared for either test. Both tests focus on different types of content, and understanding the distinction can make all the difference.
- Digital SAT Content: The SAT is big on critical thinking. While the test covers the usual Math and Reading/Writing, it also places a stronger emphasis on word problems in Math, context in reading passages, and analyzing evidence in writing. If you’re good at looking at things from different angles and applying logic, you might find the SAT’s style of questioning to be a better fit.
- Digital ACT Content: The ACT is generally more straightforward, especially in terms of math and science. While the Math section still has word problems, the Science section is its own beast, requiring you to interpret data and analyze experiments. The ACT is more about applying knowledge to specific problems in a more direct way. So, if you like multiple-choice questions that test your basic knowledge without a lot of subtlety, the ACT might be your jam.
Preparation: How to Tackle the Test
Okay, now that we know how they work, let’s talk about preparation. After all, who doesn’t love a good study session?
- SAT Prep: Because the SAT focuses more on reasoning, you’ll want to spend time improving your problem-solving skills. Dive into practice tests, especially for the math sections, and focus on strategies for reading comprehension. You’ll likely need fewer hours of study time but more time focusing on understanding the concepts in depth.
- ACT Prep: The ACT requires a broader range of knowledge, so prep time can be longer. It’s helpful to review all subject areas. Don’t forget that the ACT has a faster pace, so you’ll need to work on time management and answer questions more quickly. Practice tests will help you with pacing, which is key!
Choosing Between the Digital SAT and ACT: The Big Decision
So now that you’re sufficiently informed by all the nuances of these two tests, how do you choose which one is best for you?
- Look at your strengths. If you’re better at reasoning and tackling tricky questions that require thinking through multiple possibilities, the SAT might suit you better. If you’re more of a straight shooter who excels at quick thinking and applying your knowledge to clear-cut problems, the ACT could be the right choice.
- Time Pressure. If you’re someone who thrives under time pressure and doesn’t mind the occasional sprint to answer questions, the ACT might be for you. If you feel like time is your enemy and you prefer a slightly less frantic pace (with adaptive questions), then the SAT might be the way to go.
- What are the colleges looking for? Some colleges have a preference for one test over the other, but most of them will accept either. Check the admissions pages of the schools you’re interested in to see if there’s a recommended test or just go with what feels right for you.
- Practice makes perfect. Take a practice test for each one! Seriously, the only way to really know which test you’re suited for is to try them both out. The official websites for the SAT and ACT offer free practice tests that you can take under real conditions. However, we at A+ Test Prep and Tutoring recommend taking a free proctored exam with us (you can register here!). See which one makes you sweat less and allows you to play to your strengths.
Next Steps with A+
Ultimately, whether you choose the SAT or ACT depends on which test aligns better with your strengths. The SAT rewards in-depth reasoning, while the ACT favors speed and broader knowledge. Regardless of your choice, the key is early preparation and practice. A+ is here to help with free proctored exams and test prep tutoring to guide you toward success!
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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