what's the difference between the ACT test and the SAT test?

Question

what are the benefits of each kind of test and which one should you take?

Answer 1

* ACT- reading, math, science, and an optional essay. Basically to test ur academic composite score for the above subjects. It's usually a lot easier than the SAT and many universites accept the ACT score. Graded on a 0-36 scale.

* SAT- includes two types: reasoning and subject. SAT reasoning include ur usual subjects (as in the ACT) but the essay is required. The subject tests, aka SAT II, is where u get 2 choose which subjects u want 2 be tested on, including foreign languages, history, etc. Graded on a 0-2400 scale.

Which should u take? Take all of them, if u can. Depending on which college ur going to, u might not need to take the SAT II, although it is highly recommended. As for the 4-yr. universities, u will need to take the SAT reasoning test for admission

Answer 2

I agree with luvurself except for a couple of things I want to add. The SAT I (the reasoning test) doesn't have the exact same things as the ACT since there is no science section and the writing section with the essay is mandatory. The math section in the ACT contains trigonometry and is multiple choice only while the SAT has no trig questions and includes some grid-in questions. Also, the ACT tests English grammar. Another difference is the way the tests are scored. On the SAT, points are deducted from the overall score for every wrong answer, which means that you need to be careful about guessing randomly. On the ACT there is no guessing penalty so it's best to fill in all the answers. Neither the SAT nor ACT is easier or better so you have to decide based on your skills and test taking style. You can always take free practice tests online if you are still not sure. Most colleges/universities accept both tests but colleges in the mid-west tend to favor the ACT while those on in the east and west coasts prefer the SAT.

Answer 3

At my school, we take both tests. Generally a third of students do better on the ACT, a third do better on the SAT and the other third do the same. The ACT is completely multiple choice and there is no guessing penalty. All the sections are graded on a 0-36 scale and then schools look at the composite score which is the average of all those subjects. The ACT also has science and is predominantly used in the midwest though in other colleges as well. There is an optional ACT. The SAT, on the other hand, has a penalty for guessing. There are three sections in the New SAT. Writing, math and reading. These are scored on a scale of 200-800 for a total score out of 2400. There is a required essay that has a time limit of 25 minutes and there are some grid in questions in math. Unlike the ACT, there is no science section. Many schools recognize both but you may want to check their websites or collegeboard.com. Try to take both once. And then work on improving the one you did better in. by taking it again. Good luck.

Answer 4

The SAT has traditionally been "the" test on the east and west coasts, while the ACT was seen more in the Midwest area. In recent years the ACT has been growing--many students take both, with the ACT as a "backup."

The tests are a bit different, and some students will do better on one than the other. The conventional wisdom was always that the SAT tested you more on your "aptitude," while the ACT gives a better picture of what you actually learned in school. Since they changed the SAT, I'm not sure that's as true anymore.

Most colleges take either one, or both--they will usually just look at the higher score, so it can be advantageous to take both if they're both available in your area.

Answer 5

Difference Between Sat And Act

Answer 6

Difference Between Act And Sat

Answer 7

I use to work for Educational Testing Services wich operates out of new jersey and california but all we did was register students for the SAT's or the ACT and help people with their collegebaord.com accounts and send scores to colleges, stuff like that.

I just wanted to put my two cent in and say that alot of the kids that were serious about getting into college they would take both test. You can ask your counselor what subjects would be good for you to take as far as the satll subject test goes. I also know that scoreing high on your essay really stands out, I didnt work in the ACT department so I dont know bout that, But just take both thats what all the really smart kids did.

Answer 8

RE:
what's the difference between the ACT test and the SAT test?
what are the benefits of each kind of test and which one should you take?

Answer 9

difference act test sat test

Answer 10

SAT is an easier test. I got 2 perfect scores in math and reading, but my writing score was only 720, for a total of 2320. I only read this SAT guide, and that is how I got such high scores:
http://www.guideparadise.com/index.php?option=com_guides&task=buy&id=6
I recommend this guide to anyone seeking to get a higher score to get into a first choice college.