Post date: Aug 11, 2014 12:58:9 AM
The SAT and ACT generally test the same types of content. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. The biggest differences between the tests are that the ACT has a Science Test, and there’s one SAT Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator. Colleges don't prefer one over the other, so explore both tests to decide which one is right for you.
TEST STRUCTURE
SAT
www..collegeboard.org
Reading
5 reading passages
Writing & Language
Math
Covers
Arithmetic
Algebra I & II
Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
Calculator Policy: Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator.
Science - None
Essay (Optional)
Length
3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
ACT
www.actstudent.org
English
Reading
4 reading passages
Science Reasoning
Science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
Math
Covers:
Arithmetic
Algebra I & II
Geometry and Trigonometry
Calculator Policy: You can use a calculator on all math questions.
Essays
Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text.
Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
How It's Scored?
SAT: Scored on a scale of 400–1600
ACT: Scored on a scale of 1–36