ACT vs SAT: Which Test Matches Your Learning Style?

Over 1.97 million students took the SAT in  2024, and around 1.4 million took the ACT. The numbers signify the importance of these college entrance exams for candidates aiming for higher studies. But, with two choices in hand, which one should you proceed with? The doubt remains about whether taking both of them ACT vs SAT is beneficial or choosing one path is better. 

Well, doubt is common among all the students looking forward to strategic and planned preparation. If you are among them, the current page is the right place to land. Let’s offer you an insight into the SAT ACT comparison for informed decision-making. 

Understanding ACT and SAT

The ACT and SAT are taken by high school students looking forward to admission to college or university. These college entrance exams evaluate candidates for their readiness to handle college studies. However, there lies the difference in their method of assessment and multiple other parameters that define the choice among candidates. Let’s have a brief insight into the same before understanding how to make a choice. 

Parameter	SAT	ACT
Test method	Evidence-based reading, writing, and math	English and math, reading, and science reasoning, along with an optional essay
Scoring	400 to 1600	1 to 36 (composite score, average of all sections)
Superscoring	No	Yes
Time per question	98 questions in 134 minutes	215 questions in 175 minutes
Test format	Computer-based	Paper-based and computer-based (depending on the candidate’s choice)
Test frequency	Held 7 times in 12 months (a year)	Held 14 times across 7 months
Test type	Adaptive format (responses influence question difficulty in the previous section)	Linear test (section independent)
Question type	Multiple choice and fill-in-the-blanks responses in Math	All multiple choice
Exam fees	$68	$65

Choosing Between SAT and ACT

The mentioned SAT ACT comparison can contribute to decision-making. Besides these, here are additional points that allow selection based on your learning style: 

Preparation of Different Sections 

Super scoring refers to selecting the highest test score in a section from the multiple times taken exam. It allows combining individual section scores from different tests, which eventually leads to a higher composite score than the ACT or SAT score earned in one exam. 

The facility is applicable in the ACT and makes the exam suitable for candidates who haven’t prepared enough or scored their best in one exam. Candidates struggling between their strong and weak subjects can benefit from this pattern by developing their strategy accordingly. 

Time Limit Per Question 

Candidates with better time management ability and a habit of solving questions quickly will require a fast-paced environment to exhibit their true potential. Here, ACT is a suitable choice for those who can work under pressure. SAT, on the other hand, is a reasoning-based exam that requires more time to think, analyze, and then answer. It also offers more time per question. Understand this below: 

Digital SAT

• Reading and Writing: Around 1 minute 11 seconds per question
• Math: Around 1 minute 35 seconds per question 

ACT Core 

• English: 42 seconds per question 
• Math: 1 minute 7 seconds per question
• Reading: 1 minute per question 

Subject Preference 

The subject-based college entrance exams choice can be made based on the following points: 

SAT

• Candidates who like assessments based on the application of learning and logical reasoning and prefer short passages over long ones can opt for the SAT exam. The exam requires deep analysis, and the difficulty level varies depending on the candidate. 
• Further, as per a few experts, candidates with less proficiency in the English language and comprehension can score better on the SAT. 
• A better grasp of maths is another requirement in the SAT, as candidates can not rely on guessing the answer from MCQs due to the presence of fill-in-the-blank type questions. It also encompasses complex math reasoning and longer text-based questions. 
• Also, if the candidates aren’t comfortable with science, the option is well-preferred. 

ACT

However, if the candidate’s preference lies in straightforward questions that are based on facts and involve memorization, ACT would be a better option. Such questions are in reading and math. There are no formulas available for the ACT exam. 

Further, the exam also assesses candidates’ data analysis, offering candidates the opportunity to identify their analytical skills. Candidates interested in STEM subjects and wanting to exhibit their writing skills need to opt for the ACT due to the availability of science and optional essay-based questions. The latter acts as an effective distinguishing factor in the selection criteria.  

Test Format 

While some candidates prefer the traditional exam method, others perform well in a digital format. ACT offers the choice to such candidates by being conducted in both formats. However, the SAT can be taken only in digital format to provide an adaptive test for the candidates. 

Ultimate Choosing Factor Between SAT and ACT

With the SAT ACT comparison, it is clear that both offer the route to college admissions and merit-based scholarships. Yet, there lie certain differences that can be leveraged to choose between the two: 

• Differences in their test structure and format
• Test and scoring method
• Types of questions and subjects 
• Variations in question format and focus areas
• Preference over application-based assessment
• Comfort with memorization or analytical questions
• Ability to work under pressure and other such factors  

Since every student is unique in their abilities and preferences, there is no one-size-fits-all. If the confusion persists, it is recommended to take a full-length practice test to come up with a final decision. Alignment with future goals and analyzing your skills is also an optimum method to choose between the two. 

Conclusion 

For the candidates looking forward to higher education, the SAT ACT comparison plays an important role. It determines the types of skills they will enhance, the subject and learning preference, and more. The perfect approach is self-analysis to come up with the answer. If you need expert guidance or help with preparation, it is also available at Turito academy. 

With expert educator-led classes and an AI-based learning experience, the focus is on students’ specific strengths and weaknesses. The interactive doubt-clearing sessions, performance tracking, and progress reports ensure that the candidates who are sincere towards their goals can achieve them. 

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