What is the major difference between the ACT and SAT reasoning test?

Question

I didn't do as well as I wanted to on my SAT test and I've heard that people that don't do as well on the SATs do better on the ACTs and vice versa. I think I might take the ACT test this fall, but I first want to know what the difference is that makes people do better or worse on it. Thanks.

Answer 1

The ACT tests math, reading, english, and science, along with an optional writing section (that you should do if you're taking it, because most colleges want that). There's only one section of each on the test.

The SAT tests reading comprehension, math, and writing. There's many sections of each on the test.

Both have an essay (if you take the ACT plus writing).

I've taken the SAT twice and the ACT once, and in my opinion the ACT was a lotttttttttttttttttttt easier, except for the science section, which had a lot of chart reading and data interpretation type stuff. In my opinion, the SAT tests on whether you can get to the answer (reasoning), but a lot of the time it's stuff you really don't know how to do or don't do often. The ACT on the other hand tests what you know. The problems on there are ones you should know how to do and can figure out based on knowledge you already have, not what they give you. Also, the SAT takes of 1/4 point for each one you get wrong, so you shouldn't guess if you have no idea, but on the ACT, there's no penalty for wrong answers, you just don't gain any points. So you can guess well and still rack up some points even if you totally don't know the answer.

So i did a little better on the ACT personally, but it all depends on how you take tests. I wish i didn't have to take either though...

but, i hope i helped!

Answer 2

It depends on your method of thinking and/or how much you can study and memorise.

The SAT reasoning test tests just that: reasoning. It tries to trip you up with trap answers and tricky wording, but the actual material (math questions, reading difficulty) is usually easier than the ACT. The math level only goes up to high school geometry (or Algebra II). If your logic isn't up to par, the SAT usually proves harder.

The ACT is like your average high school basic standards test, except a little harder. It tests how much you know - if you can use formulas, read charts, read, understand basic principles of grammar, etc. It's hard if you slept through high school and have no idea what the law of cosines is. So it's harder in the sense that it tests higher level material - such as trigonometry - that the SAT doesn't touch. And it includes the science section, which the SAT doesn't have, but which could be a definite plus if you're good at interpreting data.

Good luck!

Answer 3

ACT offers a wider range of subjects,

whereas the SAT is compiled of math, writing, reading comprehension, etc.