SAT vs ACT: Which One is better?
Both exams are widely accepted by colleges and universities in the United States, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is inherently “better” – the best test for you depends on your strengths and weaknesses as a test taker. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Consider the ACT if:
- You prefer shorter, more frequent test sections. The ACT has 4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) compared to the SAT’s 3 (Reading & Writing, Math).
- You feel strong in science. The ACT includes a science section, while the SAT does not.
- You struggle with time pressure. The ACT allows slightly more time per question than the SAT.
Consider the SAT if:
- You excel at vocabulary and evidence-based reading. The SAT puts more emphasis on these areas.
- You feel comfortable with complex math problems. The SAT’s math section can go a bit deeper than the ACT’s.
- You prefer a shorter overall test. The SAT takes less total time than the ACT (without the essay).
Your personal learning style: Some students find the ACT’s direct, science-based approach more manageable, while others prefer the SAT’s emphasis on vocabulary and analytical reading.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to take practice tests for both exams. This will give you a feel for the format, content, and timing of each test and help you determine which one you perform better on. Take practice test here
