In general, the ACT favors faster readers and literal thinkers while the SAT favors methodical, analytical thinkers. Students who read slowly might want to avoid the ACT. The ACT is a sprint. It requires lots of reading and allows far less time per question than the SAT.
The ACT also has a science section. Although it focuses mostly on analytical reading, it still has content that is rooted in science. Those students who are uncomfortable with the topics and with analyzing graphs, charts, and tables will find this section difficult, and a real challenge to finish within the time allowed. Since the overall ACT score is calculated as the average of the four sections, a poor performance in the science section can drag down the entire test score.
Every college in America accepts either the ACT or the SAT without prejudice. Further, both tests now offer optional score reporting, which means that you have complete control over which test-day scores are sent to colleges.
You can choose one of two paths: take both the ACT and the SAT, or focus on one or the other. If you take this latter path, you should first determine which of the two tests best aligns with your test-taking ability.
Chyten has developed a single diagnostic test that uses a proprietary algorithm to accurately predict a student’s relative performance on the ACT and the SAT.
Chyten’s ACT vs. SAT Comparison Test compresses all components of the ACT and the SAT into a single test. It is accompanied by a highly detailed diagnostic report which provides performance analysis on every type and category of ACT and SAT question, including detailed behavioral trends, strengths and challenges, and then identifies on which test you’re more likely to score higher.
