What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?
While both exams explore your reading, writing, and math skills, the ACT also looks at your performance in science. Though the subjects may overlap, each test focuses on different material and requires a different approach. The ACT is primarily content based so it requires a slightly more methodical approach. Typically, as far as the ACT is concerned you either know it or you don’t. It is less about problem solving and more about facts. The SAT, in contrast, focuses on your critical thinking and problem solving abilities. It is less about concrete information than it is about your ability to approach problems and develop efficient and successful solutions. Essentially, the two are the difference between a data entry position and marketing a product to clients. The latter allows you slightly more flexibility to develop a solution rather than relying upon a fixed solution. Does it matter which test I choose to take? In theory, no, but it really depends on what school you are looking at a
The SAT and ACT are both standardized tests which are used by admissions committees to evaluate college applicants. Historically, colleges required one or the other, forcing students to take both if they wanted to apply to a wide array of colleges. Today, many colleges accept both tests, allowing students to pick which test they would like to use. There are some significant differences between the SAT and the ACT which should be carefully considered by students who are applying to college. The fundamental difference is that the ACT tests knowledge, while the SAT is focused on critical thinking and logic. Students who do well on knowledge-based tests in the classroom are good candidates for the ACT, as they will have the breadth of knowledge to handle the types of questions which come up on this test. Students who have good critical thinking and logic skills may find the SAT more manageable. Both tests take around the same time, although the ACT has more questions. Students also get to
