ACT vs SAT: Which One Should You Take?
Jan 17,2019
It's finally that time: the moment when you get to ta𒉰ke the ACT or the SAT to qualify for the college of your dreams. This is a big step in your academic caree⛦r, and you want to make sure that it's done right the first time.
That be𒁏ing said, you want to make sure you take the test that works best for you.
The ACT vs SAT each has the pros and cons, but f📖or most students, one test is always better to take than the other. The thing is, which one would be better for you to take?
Thankfully, there💛 are ways to find out which test plays to your strengths and will shoꦍw your abilities to their highest potential.
The ACT vs SAT: Which One Is Right for You?
Should you take the ACT, the SAT, or both? This article will help you to figure out which test 🦩would be best for you to take. Keep reading to find out more.
Length of Time for Testing
When it comes to how long each test tꦺakes to complete, the ACT and✤ the SAT are pretty much neck and neck, with the SAT taking a solid 5 minutes longer without an essay and 15 minutes longer with the essay.
When you break it down by departments, the ACT takes 10 more minutes on the English category, the SAT takes 20 minutes longer on Matಞh, and the SAT also takes 30 minutes longer on reading (because reading does matter).
Because Science
Both the ACT and the SAT have sections in the English, Math, and Reading departments. However, only one test has the extra category of S💙cience: the ACT.
The ACT has always been know꧟n as the more Math and Science-based test out of the two, and the fact that the SAT doesn't offer science questions only sums this argument up.
If you have a strong gras🎀p of high school science, or if you plan on majoring in a science field at a college, then the ACT is definitely your best bet.
The Cost
Like with the timing of the tests, the cost of each test doesn't really ch♉ange much between the two. In any case, the SAT is slightl✱y more than the ACT.
And we do ඣmean slightly: the SAT is $47.50 without the essay and $64.50 with the essay inclu📖ded. By contrast, the ACT is $46.00 without writing and $62.50 with writing.
Time per Question
The ACT has m꧟ore multiple choice options and less time in each category compared to the SAT. With that in mind, it only makes sense that they ACT gives you less time to answer each question than the SAT.
This is fine if you're great with speeding through your answers (correc💎tly). However, most people need time to sort through the options and choose the best fit, and that's something the ACT just doesn't give you.
If you want to have more tim﷽e to answer each question, then you need to💖 go for the SAT.
To Have or Not Have a Calculator?
Both tests offer a Math portion, but they both carry it out differe🔥ntly.
With the ACT, not only is the Math section shorter, but you're allowed to use a calculator while you work through th𝓡at category. By contrast, the SAT has a longer Mat🅘h section and you aren't allowed to use a calculator the entire time.
If you're someone who struggles with doing Math in the head (or at all) then the ACT would be the way to go. However, if🦹 you feel confident in your Math skills, you'd be better off taking on the SAT.
Doing Math Their Way
Since we're on the subject of Math, we🧜 need to also recognize that the actual presentation of Math is also done differently.
For starters, the SAT is all about reference guides, and it provides you with a (specifically Geometry). The ACT, however, doesn't do th🌟is.
This means that before you walk into the ACT testing center, you have to have all of your formulas memorized beforehand. They don't give you any help prior to or during th🐽e test.
The SAT and ACT also test for different Math functions as well. On the ACT, the main focus is on tri꧟g 🐭functions and geometry, whereas on the SAT you will focus more on algebra and data analysis.
Finally, there's the fact that each test weighs th❀e Math section differently. On the ACT, the Math category only counts for one-quarter of your final score. However, the SAT counts Math as a half of your total score.
The Reading Category Explained
In general, t🐷he Reading categories of both the SAT and the ACT are nearly identical in presentation and in answering. In fact, the only real difference between the two is the grade level of reading.
For the ACT, all of the Reading passages are around a 9th-grade reading level, so, for 🍃the most part, there shouldn't be anything too challenging about it.
By contrast, the SAT's Reading passages vary by each question. Thꦰey could be anywhere in difficulty from early high school to .
If🍌 you aren't too fond of reading exercises, then the ACT would be your best bet. However, if you're proficient in reading or if you plan on going into an English-based major in college, then the SAT would be a much better option.
A Society of Strength and Honor
Now that you know all about the ACT vs SAT and the benefit𝕴s of taking each one, you need to know where to go in order to🏅 complete your college preparations. Luckily, we're here to help you with that.
The Honor Society has long stood for the highest standard of academic excellence, and we're proud to support students who showcase🥃 these feats.
, as well as a number of member plans and re𒁃ward systems, all to celebrate the academic achievements of qualified students.
Have a question you would like to ask us? We'd be happy to help you. Simply and we'l𓆉l get back to you as so🌺on as possible to answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to having you here.
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