High school students are often perplexed with the question: Which is better, SAT or ACT? Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests that universities and colleges use to assess prospective students, despite the resemblances, a few critical variations exist between them.
The SAT test format vastly differs from the ACT test format. The SAT is partitioned into two segments: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, as well as Math. Conversely, the ACT is divided into English, Math, Reading, and Science sections.
Deciding which test is easier between SAT or ACT depends entirely on a student's strengths and weaknesses. Students with robust reading and writing expertise might find the SAT more suitable. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.
Each test also uses a different scoring scale. The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT scores ranges from 1 to 36.
There's a clear difference between subjects tested in SAT and ACT. Reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis are the focus of the SAT math section, on the other hand, the ACT math section tests a wide array of topics from pre-algebra up to trigonometry.
The decision to take the SAT or ACT is ultimately dependent on a student's individual strengths and choice. Most schools will accept scores from either SAT vs ACT for STEM students the SAT or ACT, therefore, it's advantageous to select the test where you can best demonstrate your strengths. Ultimately, what's most important isn't the test you take, but your performance on your chosen examination.