SAT/ACT Info
ACT vs. SAT, an introduction and comparision
ACT vs. SAT
You may have never heard of the ACT—it is more popular in the mid-West than on either coast—but it is an SAT alternative that you should consider for your college-bound child.
Many, although not all, colleges accept BOTH SAT and ACT scores for applicants, and some colleges will accept an ACT score in lieu of SAT and SAT II scores.
The ACT covers material similar to that tested on the SAT. The ACT is unique in that it includes a science section, and the math section includes a little trigonometry. Some students find the math and science to be especially challenging. The SAT demands a more advanced vocabulary, though.
Content aside, the two tests are written and scored differently. Some students perform a little better on the ACT because of these differences. While a solid grasp of reading, writing, mathematics, and testing skills is required for success on each exam, students who “work hard” can find the ACT more palatable. Students who “test well” tend to prefer the SAT.
It is notable that both exams are graded on a curve, and so neither one is “easier” or “better”. Some students simply find that they can score more points on one exam than the other—good news when they send in their college applications.
To learn more about the format of the two tests, please consult the chart below.
| ACT | "New" SAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | There are 4 mandatory sections: English Math Reading Science Reasoning optional section Writing |
There are 10 sections in 3 areas: Critical Reading Math Writing experimental section Unidentified, any topic. |
| Content tested includes | English Math Reading Science Reasoning |
Critical Reading Math Writing |
| Scores are as follows | The composite score ranges from 1-36, and is the average of the subject scores (also 1-36). The national average ACT score is 20. The top 10% of students score a 26 or better. The top 1% of students score a 31 or better. There is a score choice option! |
Composite scores range from 600-2400, and are the sum of the three subject scores. The subject scores range from 200-800 each. The national average SAT score is 1500 (500 per section). The top 10% of students score a 1800 or better (600 per section). The top 1% of students score a 2100 or better (700 per section). There is a score choice option! |
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