Is the ACT more popular than the SAT?

About 1.9 million students took the SAT test, while roughly 1.4 million students took the ACT test. It's important to note that both the ACT and SAT tests are available in all 50 states, regardless of their popularity from state to state. We recommend visiting the tests' websites to find a testing center near you.

Is the SAT or ACT more popular?

ACT or SAT: which test is more popular? Though the SAT continues to reign in popularity on the East and West coasts, the ACT is the more popular test in the Midwest.

Do universities prefer SAT or ACT?

This is a common misconception. Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

Is the ACT harder than the SAT?

The SAT is not harder than the ACT. Both tests vary slightly in terms of subjects covered and structure. These variations can affect each test-taker differently, making one exam more challenging than the other. Taking full-length practice tests of each type can help you determine which may be best suited for you.

Does the SAT look better than the ACT?

Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.

SAT vs ACT: Why the ACT is EASIER than the SAT in 2023

Is GPA more important than SAT ACT?

As a result, students and parents often assume that their GPA is always more important than their SAT scores. Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach. The truth is that students who want to get into competitive universities need to view their SAT scores as equally important to their GPA.

Is the ACT or SAT shorter?

Section Length

In terms of overall testing time, the SAT test used to be a little longer than the ACT test. In its new digital format, the SAT test is now just over two hours long (134 minutes), whereas the ACT test is either 2.9 hours (without the essay) or 3.5 hours (with the essay).

Is a ACT score of 19 good?

A good ACT score ranks you higher than the majority of test-takers. As such, any composite score above the 50th percentile, or 19-20, can be considered a solid score.

Is a 29 on the ACT a good score?

A 29 ACT score puts you in the 91st percentile — that means you scored higher than 91% of all test takers. That's a brilliant accomplishment and you should be proud!

Is ACT math easier than SAT?

Fortunately, the answer is remarkably simple to figure out. Just click the button below to learn how you can pick the best test for you! Section Summary: The material tested on the SAT and ACT is almost exactly the same, as are the formats. The ACT math material is slightly more challenging, but not by much.

Is the ACT a Midwest thing?

For many decades, the choice between the SAT and the ACT was considered a regional thing, with the SAT more popular on the coasts, the ACT in the West, and especially the Midwest. Now, any institution that accepts the SAT will accept the ACT, and vice-versa.

Does Harvard want ACT or SAT?

In the past few years, Harvard has been test-optional, but Harvard certainly prefers applicants that have test scores. Harvard has no preference between the SAT and ACT, so choose the test that's a better fit for you, thoroughly prepare for it, and plan to take it multiple times.

What's the highest ACT score you can get?

The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. The current average ACT score is 19.5. A "good" ACT score depends on the colleges and universities you are considering.

Why do people prefer SAT over ACT?

"So if you're not as strong of a reader or you're less focused, the SAT could be better for you," he says. "The paradox is that the average question on the ACT is easier, but you just get so much less time per question, and that's what makes the ACT challenging."

Is ACT or SAT more math based?

If you're stronger in math and science, take the ACT. Math on the SAT accounts for 50% of the composite score, but math on the ACT only makes up 25% of the composite score. ACT tests science in a separate section while the SAT includes science questions in the Reading & Writing section.

Why is the ACT so much easier than the SAT?

The difficulty level of the ACT and SAT vary depending on the student. The ACT is more focused on testing a student's knowledge and understanding of the material, while the SAT is more focused on testing a student's reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Is 17 a good ACT score?

Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

Will a 27 on the ACT get you scholarships?

Various scholarships for in-state and out-of-state applicants, ranging between $8,000 to $60,000 for four academic years. The minimum requirements for the smallest scholarship are a combination of a 24-27 ACT/1160-1290 SAT and either a 3.25 GPA or top 10% class rank.

Is a 33 ACT good enough for Ivy League?

A 33 is on the lower end of the middle 50% range for Ivy League schools, but it's still within the range. It should be high enough to at least get your application read, provided that your GPA and course rigor are also similar to that of accepted Ivy League students.

Is 1200 a good ACT score?

For example, a score in the 75th percentile (approximately a 1200 on the SAT or a 24 on the ACT) would likely be strongly considered at most competitive colleges, while applicants scoring in the 90th percentile or higher (a 1350 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT) would likely be well received even at highly competitive ...

Is 37 a good ACT score?

So, to recap, compared to all test-takers:

ACT score < 16 = bottom 35% ACT score of 21 = right in the middle! (average score) ACT score of 24+ = top 25%

Is the ACT math no calculator?

Examinees are encouraged to use a familiar calculator, but all problems may be solved without a calculator. Calculators may only be used on the mathematics test, including ACT WorkKeys Applied Math.

Has the ACT gotten easier?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better. In 1970, the average composite score nationwide was 18.6.

Which SAT is the easiest?

Which SAT® is the easiest? Myth: The March SAT is the easiest SAT test date. Fact: There's no such thing as “the easiest SAT test date.” While it's true that some versions of the SAT are easier than others, it's false that some test dates are predictably easier than others.