What is the ACT like?

Question

Compared to the SAT, is the math/writing/reading section easier?

And what are the science questions like? (as in, is it in depth?)

I just asked a question about SAT and ACT, but I'm so lost. =[

Answer 1

In my opinion, the ACT is easier than the SAT in the reading section (although I technically got a higher reading SAT score than reading ACT score, weird, huh?).  The ACT reading, to me, is a lot less vocab-oriented than the SAT, which makes it easier for a lot of people.  

The writing section for the ACT is, in my opinion, also easier because it seems to test more intuitive grammar aimed at clarity, while the SAT's grammar is a little more arbitrary or obscure.  Also, the optional essay for the ACT (which gets incorporated into your writing score, along with the multiple choice writing questions) has a relatively straightforward, concrete prompt, while the SAT essay prompt is usually more philosophical, vague, and too open for interpretation.  

The math ACT is easier in some ways.  It's less focused on reasoning and more focused on textbook-style math, so it's more straightforward.  However, it does test precalculus knowledge (you have to know what radians are and stuff like that), whereas the SAT only goes up to Algebra 2.  

The Science ACT section is surprisingly not science-dependent.  All of the questions have to do with science, but one of the greatest, best-kept ACT secrets out there is that you don't actually have to know any science to get a perfect score on the science section. You need a little common sense, but you don't need to know anything specific.  You don't need to know the names of different chemicals or physics formulas or anything like that.  All you need to know is how to read charts and draw conclusions from patterns on graphs and stuff like that.  It's basicallly a combination of reading and math.