Should I take the SAT or the ACT?

The SAT or the ACT? It’s actually a trick question!

Instead of taking either the SAT or the ACT, students should be taking both the SAT and the ACT.

As the ACT continues to rise in popularity, more and more students are registering for both tests. It’s a great idea! Most colleges accept both SAT and ACT scores, so it’s in your best interest to take both tests and submit your higher scores.

There’s no downside to taking both tests at least once. Some students will score similarly on both tests. Some students, however, will score noticeably higher on one or the other. While the SAT and ACT are very similar in content, they provide different testing experiences. Many students will find that one of the tests is better suited to their individual strengths. By taking both tests, you have the opportunity to see which test better shows off your strengths.

So what’s the difference between the tests? One key difference is that the SAT is broken up into more sections. On the ACT, you’ll tackle the 75 grammar questions all at once, 60 math questions all at once, and so on. The SAT breaks up each subject area into three smaller sections. Some students like the smaller chunks of questions on the SAT. Others prefer the ACT because they want to get the math questions out of the way earlier. You won’t know what works better for you until you try both!

The other major difference has to do with timing. Although both tests last roughly 4 hours (including breaks), the testing experience is not the same. ACT questions will be simpler and more straightforward, but students are given very little time to work through each question. Many students find it difficult to get to every question on the ACT. You’ll see more “trick” questions on the SAT, but you’re given more time per question to work through them. Again, depending on your test-taking style, you may find that one test is simply a better fit for you.

Sophomores, this year is a great time to begin reviewing our free SAT/ACT resources on Career Cruising. Juniors should plan to take the tests for the first time in the fall or winter, so that you can retake the SAT or ACT in the spring if needed. Seniors, if you need to retake the tests one more time, make sure to register now!

Register for the ACT here.

Register for the SAT here.

Best of luck studying!

Erin, Director of Student Services