ACT or SAT? 9 Reasons Why the SAT is Often the Better Choice
One of the most important decisions your child will make is which college entrance exam to take - the ACT or the SAT. While both tests have their merits, it's important to understand the differences between them to make the right choice. Based on feedback from over 1,000 students, Breakthrough Test Prep has found that approximately 70% of them preferred the SAT. In this blog post, we'll explore 9 reasons why the SAT may be the better choice for your teen.
Question Order
The SAT arranges its reading passage questions chronologically and from general to specific, allowing you to actively engage with the passage before answering questions about details. This can help you better understand the context and main idea of the passage. On the other hand, the ACT doesn't follow this pattern, meaning you may have to jump around the passage to find the answers you need.
Reading Passage Length
SAT reading passages tend to be shorter than those on the ACT, giving you more time per question. This is particularly helpful if you struggle with reading comprehension or if you're a slower reader. In contrast, the ACT has longer reading passages, which can make it more challenging to finish the test within the allotted time.
Comprehension Questions
The SAT's comprehension questions tend to focus on the main idea of the passage, while the ACT emphasizes more extraneous details. This can make the SAT a better choice if you prefer to focus on the big picture and don't want to get bogged down by small details.
Rhetoric Questions
Rhetoric questions on the SAT are often clearer and provide more time per question compared to the ACT. This is especially helpful if you struggle with identifying the purpose or tone of a passage. The ACT's rhetoric questions can be more complex and require a deeper understanding of the passage, making them more challenging for some students.
Math Section
The SAT math section focuses more on Algebra II/trigonometry, which are typically covered in high school curriculums. This means that the SAT correlates more with school-level math and can be a better option if you want to apply the math skills you're learning in school to the test. In contrast, the ACT covers a wider range of math concepts, including geometry and trigonometry.
Non-Calculator Section
The SAT math section offers a non-calculator section, which can be helpful for students who struggle with relying too heavily on a calculator. This section tests your ability to solve problems without a calculator and can also help you save time on the test. The ACT, on the other hand, allows calculators throughout the exam.
Science Section
While the ACT includes a separate science section, it's not necessarily about science knowledge. Instead, it focuses on interpreting charts and graphs. If you're not confident in your ability to interpret data, the SAT might be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy science and feel comfortable interpreting data, the ACT's science section can be a great opportunity to showcase your skills.
Math Answer Choices
ACT math questions have 5 answer choices, while the SAT only has 4. This difference may seem small, but it can add up over time and make the SAT feel less overwhelming. Additionally, the ACT's extra answer choice can create more room for error and make it more challenging to eliminate incorrect answers.
Main Idea vs. Range of Concepts
Overall, the SAT is generally better for students who want to focus on the main idea and recognize the thesis, while the ACT is better for those who enjoy a wider range of math concepts and geometry. This means that if you prefer a test that covers a broad range of topics and want to demonstrate your math skills in multiple areas, the ACT might be a better choice for you. However, if you prefer to focus on the big picture and want to showcase your critical thinking and reading comprehension skills, the SAT may be a better fit.
We hope this article has helped you understand why the SAT may be a better option for some students. However, we also recognize that every student is unique and may have different needs and preferences. Whatever test you decide to take, we encourage you to approach it with a growth mindset, focus on your strengths, and put in the time and effort needed to succeed. With the right attitude and preparation, you can achieve your college admissions goals and embark on a fulfilling academic journey. If you're still unsure which test is right for you, Breakthrough Test Prep offers a 90-Second ACT vs SAT test as well as a complimentary "Test Prep Strategy Session" to help determine which test is best for each individual student. Don't hesitate to seek out resources to help you make the best choice for your future!
