SAT or ACT®?
What's the difference?
First, it's important to note that most colleges will accept either the SAT Reasoning Test* or the ACT®. Some schools will accept the ACT® in place of both the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests*. Make sure to check the requirements of the schools on your application list.
The most crucial difference is that the SAT primarily tests critical thinking and problem solving in math, reading and writing, while the ACT® is more of a "content-based exam" focusing on what students have learned in English, math, reading and science, with an optional writing section. Don't be fooled though: the SAT tests distinct content areas and the ACT® requires critical thinking and problem solving.
The SAT is more popular on the East and West Coast of the United States, and the ACT® is more popular in the Midwest and South. These trends may affect how easy it is to find a test site near you.
The chart below goes into much more detail on the differences between the two exams and can help you to start to think about which test is better for you or your child.
Is one test easier?
No. The vast majority of students score comparably on the two exams (click here for a conversion chart), though in Revolution's experience, it is often easier to improve SAT scores than it is to improve ACT® scores. But the simple fact is that some students perform better on one test than on the other, and the only way to find out is to try both.
Which test should I take?
We recommend that students take a practice SAT and a practice ACT®, and focus on the exam on which they score higher and feel more comfortable. Revolution has practice SATs and ACTs available. Contact us at 1-877-REV-PREP or answers@revolutionprep.com for more information. Your guidance counselor is also a valuable source of advice and information about your testing options.
| SAT | ACT® |
| Consists of Math, Critical Reading and Writing sections | Consists of English, Math, Reading and Science sections, as well as an optional Writing section |
| Math section includes arithmetic, algebra and geometry | Math section includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, AND trigonometry |
| Math section includes Student Produced Responses, or "Grid-Ins" | Math section is multiple choice only |
| Critical Reading passages are not chosen for relation to specific topics | Includes four reading passages in the areas of prose fiction, social studies, humanities and natural sciences |
| Required essay poses general questions which students may use historical or literary examples to answer | Optional essay (Writing section) asks students to take a specific stand on a matter relevant to high school students |
| Multiple choice questions have 5 answer choices | Multiple choice questions have 4 answer choices |
| You lose points for wrong answers | No guessing penalty |
| Each section is scored from 200-800, with 2400 as the highest possible score | Each section is scored from 1-36 (2-12 on Writing) and is averaged for a composite score. 36 is the highest possible score |
| Any score report sent to a college will include ALL scores on every SAT taken | Students can select which scores may be seen by schools receiving score reports |
| Administered 7 times each year | Administered 6 times each year |