SAT or ACT: Which is better?

The SAT and ACT are very different tests. Neither is harder or easier, better or worse. The exam you choose will depend or your situation, the colleges you wish to attend, and your own personal preference.

The SAT

The SAT is a critical reasoning test, and focuses mostly on analytical skills and aptitude. It covers fewer topics and offers fewer questions with more time per question. When it comes to the math section, you even get a formula page. The questions themselves tend to be a bit trickier than those on the ACT, often requiring a bit more inference or logical reasoning. If you are the type of person who like to work at more deliberate pace and enjoys brain teasers and problem solving, the SAT is for you. Also worth nothing, the SAT typically favors students in AP/IB or Honors level courses.

The ACT

Unlike the SAT which focuses more on critical reasoning, the ACT is a curriculum-based test. It covers more topics and things that you may have learned in school. It also contains more questions and gives you less time per question. The questions themselves tend to be more straightforward, thus, many people feel that the ACT is easier. The difficult thing about the ACT is pacing. Also, you must possess a higher degree of general knowledge than what is required for the SAT. If you are someone who prefers a faster-paced test with questions that you either know or you don't, the ACT is for you.

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