The easiest way to compare your scores is to convert your total ACT test score to a total SAT test score using our handy conversion system. Alternatively, you can compare percentiles for your ACT and SAT scores to see on which test your percentile was higher.
In the end, whichever test you scored higher on is the one you should ultimately prep for and use for college admissions. So it's up to you, then, to decide whether you'd like to try taking both tests , or whether you'd prefer to take just one. Another way you can determine which test is right for you is to take a short quiz.
In the chart below, check whether you agree or disagree with each statement. If you agreed with most or all of the above statements, the SAT is what you've been looking for. With the SAT, you'll have more time for each question and won't need to deal with a pesky science section or a ton of geometry questions. On the ACT, you'll never have to come up with your own answers to math problems, and you get to let your opinion shine in your writing.
Unless you decide to take both, I suggest taking official ACT and SAT practice tests as described in 1 above to see which test's format you're ultimately more comfortable with.
Lastly, don't forget to find out whether your state has any specific testing requirements. In these cases, it's usually best to stick with whatever test is required for your state so that you don't need to study for the other test, too. Not sure what scores to aim for? Our classes are entirely online, and they're taught by experts.
If you liked this article, you'll love our classes. Along with expert-led classes, you'll get personalized homework with thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step, custom program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.
See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers. How to Get a Perfect , by a Perfect Scorer. Score on SAT Math. Score on SAT Reading. Score on SAT Writing. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? How to Get a Perfect 4.
How to Write an Amazing College Essay. A Comprehensive Guide. Choose Your Test. Now, both exams have the following features: Contain similar sections Reading, Math, etc. English 2. Math 3. Reading 4. Science 5. Writing optional 1. Reading 2. Writing and Language 3. Math No Calculator 4. Before the two SAT Math subsections, you'll be given a diagram containing 12 geometry formulas and three laws: Although all these formulas and laws pertain to geometry—which, as you now know, doesn't make up a huge part of the SAT—having this diagram handy means you won't need to spend a ton of time memorizing formulas beforehand though you should take care to memorize some important formulas not included in the diagram.
ACT percentiles: English: 32 92nd percentile Math: 16 33rd percentile Reading: 32 91st percentile Science: 30 93rd percentile Composite: 28 88th percentile SAT percentiles: EBRW: 94th percentile Math: 33rd percentile Composite: 68th percentile As this example indicates, even if I were to score in similar percentiles on every section of the ACT and SAT with lower Math section scores on each test , my composite score percentiles would differ dramatically.
Here's an example of an evidence-support question with the question to which it's referring : Our guide discusses in more detail the different types of evidence questions you'll encounter on SAT Reading. Here's an example of two SAT questions, which you can see progress in the order of the passage as indicated by the line numbers in both questions : And now here is an example of two ACT questions, which do not progress in the order of the passage as indicated by the line number and mention of "last paragraph" : As a result, SAT Reading questions are generally easier to follow and thus easier to answer than ACT Reading questions.
Here's an example of an ACT Writing prompt: For this optional writing section you'll not only need to have good reading comprehension skills in order to fully realize the strengths and weaknesses of the author's argument, but you'll need strong rhetorical skills too.
Statement Agree Disagree I struggle with geometry and trigonometry. I am good at solving math problems without a calculator. Science is not my forte. It's easier for me to analyze something than to explain my opinion. I normally do well on math tests. I can't recall math formulas easily.
The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University. Recently viewed. Find Your Dream School. Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. You can use a calculator on all math questions. Essays None Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. ACT Prep Options.
Enroll Now. Crimson In the News. Meet our Teams. Careers at Crimson. Crimson Youth Fund. Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship. US College Admissions Calculator. UK University Admissions Calculator.
University Profiles. NZ School Rankings Crimson YouTube Channel. Top of the Class Podcast. Extracurricular Opportunities. Our Blog. The SAT was originally a more psychological test that assesses aptitude for learning, and the ACT, a placement test used as an indicator for academic preparation and achievement.
Book a free consultation to learn more about our Online Tutoring program. The popularity of these tests was already waning, so the pandemic allowed schools to re-evaluate their effectiveness.
However, completing these tests still helps you stand out from other applicants, especially in test-optional applications. Some schools also use the test scores for class placements. Find out which universities are going test-optional, test-blind, or test-flexible. While these scoring numbers are different, university admissions use a simple conversion chart to compare test scores with other applicants.
This difference impacts the timing per section for each assessment. The SAT gives you more time per section, allowing you to spend longer on each question. However, this may be because SAT questions include more writing and require more problem solving, while ACT questions are more straightforward. The ACT only gives you about eight minutes per passage. The SAT has an additional non-calculator math section and includes a basic formula page. Both tests had an optional extended writing section but discontinued this section in June The ACT now has an optional writing section that includes a prompt.
This section allows students to express their personal opinions on a subject and back them up with a convincing argument.
0コメント