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ACT vs SAT
This is another million dollar question that is bothering many students and parents. Let me start by giving a summary and then a detailed explanation. I am treating you like an executive and providing an elevator pitch first!
SUMMARY:
Just one of the 2 tests are sufficient for college admission. There is no requirement to provide both test scores for college admission.
All colleges accept either of the 2 scores with equal weightage. No college has a preference of one test over other.
With the summary out of our way, let us get into details. Below are typical questions that came to my mind when I started to think about this topic.
What is the format difference between SAT and ACT?
Below Table has the different sections, # of questions and amount of time available for each section.
As you can see, the amount of time per question is more in SAT than in ACT. At first look, this looks like SAT is easier. However, once you start digging deep, you will know it is not that simple. ACT questions are more straight forward. If you are good with timing and can answer quickly, ACT is relatively easier.
How is scoring done for SAT?
SAT scoring is a little complicated. The Math section is scored for 800 and English section is counted for 800. Below table has the conversion.
MATH SCORING:
The 2 math sections are added for a total number of questions as 58 and the corresponding Math section score is provided in the table. For example, if you got 45 questions right, your SAT Math score will be 660.
ENGLISH SCORING:
The table above has score for each of the 2 sections. The score for both the sections is added and then multiplied by 10 to get your total SAT English score. For example, if you got 30 correct in reading and 40 correct in Writing and Language, then your score will be (28 + 36) * 10 = 640.
TOTAL SAT SCORE:
The total SAT score is obtained by adding the Math and English scores. In the about examples, the SAT score is 1300 out of 1600.
How is scoring done for ACT?
Each section of the ACT is given a score out of 36. The consolidated ACT score is average of the 4 individual scores. The rounding is done to nearest decimal. Ex: if the average is less than 32.5, then ACT score is 32. If the average is greater than or equal to 32.5, then ACT score is 33. Below table has the conversion. This is just an example to get an idea. Each test has small variations
Is there any guidance on which test to focus on?
The below table provides a good comparison of ACT and SAT along with a bottom-line conclusion for each row.
I found the below questionnaire to be useful in making a decision for yourself.
That is a lot of data. What is your recommendation?
My recommendation is the following:
Write a practice test of both ACT and SAT. There are lot of online sources where you can get comparison of ACT and SAT scores. This will give you an idea.
Most of the children are good at both the tests.
If you want to write both the tests, select one test, prepare for it with 100% focus, write it and after that write the other test
Note that ACT is going to have a provision of retaking just one section of the test. This allows the child to focus just on one of the sections if he/she wants to improve the score in that particular section. Check if this option is available before you plan to write the test.
If you are still undecided, I recommend ACT due to point #4 above.
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