How Does The ACT Differ From the SAT?

History of the Tests

The SAT, SAT Reasoning Test, was developed in the Northeast during the early 1900s by Carl Brigham, who wanted a test to help identify the aptitude of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Other colleges began to use it to determine intelligence. The ACT, American College Testing Program, was developed in the 1950s and used in the Midwest. Its purpose was to help students determine which colleges to attend. The SAT became popular in the Northeast and West Coast, while the ACT was used mostly in the Midwest and South. Today, both tests are accepted in most colleges.

Content of the Two Tests

The SAT has three sections:
*Math focuses on numbers and operation; algebra; geometry; data analysis; and probability and statistics.
*Critical reading focuses on sentence completion and reading comprehension.
*Short essay is a 25-minute writing on a given prompt.
The ACT has four sections:
*English focuses on mechanics; grammar; and rhetoric skills.
*Math tests the areas of algebra through trigonometry.
*Reading focuses on arts and literature.
*Science reasoning consists of evaluation and problem solving.
The ACT also has an optional essay.

Scoring of the Two Tests

The SAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 for each section for a total of 2400 points. Students receive one point for each right answer and a deduction of one point for each wrong answer.
The ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 scale. Points are not deducted for wrong answers, and the optional essay adds points to the score.

Pros and Cons for the Two Tests

The SAT is considered a critical-thinking and problem-solving test that takes approximately five hours to complete. Answers are multiple choice, student produced response, and writing. Even though the ACT contains critical-thinking skills and problem solving, it is considered more of a content test and better for the student who is not a good test taker. The ACT is a multiple choice test and takes four hours to complete. The ACT tests English grammar. The SAT has more vocabulary. The ACT tests Trigonometry skills, but the SAT doesn't. The ACT costs $31 and $46 if taking the writing test; the SAT costs $45. Both tests are accepted by colleges, though, before taking either test, it would be advisable to find out what the college of choice is looking for in standardized testing.

Resources

• ACT Test
• SAT Test