What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT?

Both tests evaluate your skills in reading, writing, and math. However, the ACT goes a step further by offering an optional essay component that can highlight your writing skills to provide a more well-rounded assessment of your academic abilities.

Is the SAT harder than the ACT?

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.

Do colleges prefer ACT or SAT?

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 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.

Is studying for the SAT and ACT the same?

Because the SAT and ACT test essentially the same content, you'll only need a month to learn test-specific content (like ACT Science or SAT No-Calculator Math strategies. Don't put off taking the 2nd test too long—you want to build on all the great prep you did for the first exam.

Should I Take the SAT or ACT? Find out in 9 minutes. (Updated for 2019)

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 800 a good score for SAT?

An 800 is also approximately 200-odd points below the national average SAT result, making it on the low end of college-eligible scores. Percentile can help you understand why, largely because it tells you where you fall among all other SAT test-takers, of which there are more than 2 million each year.

Why take ACT instead of SAT?

Both tests evaluate your skills in reading, writing, and math. However, the ACT goes a step further by offering an optional essay component that can highlight your writing skills to provide a more well-rounded assessment of your academic abilities.

Does SAT look better than ACT?

The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. 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.

How many times can you take the SAT?

Students can take the SAT as many times as they want. We recommend that they take it at least twice—in the spring of their junior year and the fall of their senior year. Most students get a higher score the second time, and most colleges consider a student's highest SAT score when making admission decisions.

Does Harvard prefer SAT or ACT?

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. The range of SAT scores and ACT composite scores for students admitted to Harvard varies.

What is the highest ACT score?

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.

When should my child take the SAT or ACT?

Although you may take the SAT any time starting freshman year, most students take it for the first time in the spring of their junior year and possibly retake it in the fall of their senior year.

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!

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.

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.

How many times can you take the ACT?

If you're not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the ACT. ACT Inc., which administers the exam, lets you take the test up to 12 times, though it's best to take it no more than 2-3 times.

Can I take both SAT and ACT?

Some students may be interested in taking both the SAT and ACT — and you certainly can, if you wish to do so — but it's generally best to avoid doing this. For one, you'll have to study for two separate exams, each of which has its own structure, content, and questions.

What does SAT stand for?

What Does “SAT” Stand For? Today, “SAT” has no meaning as an acronym. The SAT acronym originally stood for “Scholastic Aptitude Test” but as the test evolved the acronym's meaning was dropped.

Why don't people take the ACT?

The test requires skills that reflect the fundamentals learned in high school. While schools teach the underlying skills, they don't teach the style of questions & logical thinking required for success on these tests are not. Students who do not have specialized subject knowledge are at a disadvantage.

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).

Does retaking the ACT improve your score?

Should You Retake the ACT to Improve Your Score? On average, for testers who received an initial score between 13 and 29, the second Composite score increases by one point. When you wonder if one point is worth it to retake the ACT, remember that one point could make a big difference.

Is 1200 a good SAT score?

The average SAT score is a 1040, so a 1200 is above average. A 1200 SAT score is between the 71st and 80th percentile of test takers, meaning that you scored above 71-80% of other students. A score of 1200 opens a wide range of college options, assuming you have comparable grades (mostly A's and B's).

Is 1000 an okay SAT score?

Earning a 1000 puts you in the 40th percentile, meaning you scored better than 40% of all other test takers in the country. Being in the top half of all test-takers is a major boost for college applications.

Is 950 a low SAT score?

The scoring scale runs from 400 to 1600, with the average test taker receiving a composite result between 1050 and 1100. A 950 falls in the 31st percentile, short of what most colleges and universities would like to see on applications for admission.