ACT vs SAT
ACT vs SAT: How Different Are They?
At a glance, the two tests aren't that different. Both the ACT and SAT are nationally recognized standardized tests and common admission requirements for US schools. Catering primarily to high school juniors and seniors, each test measures students' proficiency in various critical skill areas—such as problem solving and reading comprehension—that are necessary for college success.
Because all US colleges and universities accept scores from either the ACT or SAT, there's no advantage in taking one test over the other. This means you can apply to the same schools, regardless of which test you decide to take.
But what about the actual content of the two tests? Though not identical, the ACT and SAT do have some things in common:
- Contain similar sections (Reading, Math, etc.) in a predetermined order
- Use rights-only scoring, meaning you will not be penalized for incorrect answers
Despite all these similarities, there are still many ways in which the ACT and SAT differ from each other. For one, the ACT is overall longer than the SAT. What's more, the number of questions and time limits are different for corresponding sections.
