SAT vs ACT (我應該考SAT還是ACT呢?)

Should I take SAT or ACT?

我該考SAT 還是ACT?) 

Is the ACT easier than the SAT?

(ACT比SAT簡單嗎?)

Do colleges prefer scores from the SAT or ACT?        

我想申請的大學是否偏好SAT或者是ACT的成績?)

Should I take the SAT or the ACT?

Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking  both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed  full-length practice testof each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.

Compare the ACT and SAT tests

  • ACT includes a Science section
  • SAT includes one SAT Math Section on which you may not use a calculator
SAT ACT
Why Take It Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Test Structure
  • Reading
  • Writing & Language
  • Math
  • Essay (Optional)
  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science Reasoning

Essay (Optional)

Length
  • 3 hours (without essay)
  • 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
  • 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
  • 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages
Science None 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
Math Covers:

  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra I & II
  • Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
Covers:

  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra I & II
  • Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability & Statistics
Calculator Policy Some math questions don’t allow you to use a calculator. You can use a calculator on all math questions.
Essays Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
How It’s Scored Scored on a scale of 400–1600 Scored on a scale of 1–36

SATACT
Test Structure
• Reading
• Writing & Language
• Math
• Essay (Optional)
• English
• Math
• Reading• Science Reasoning
• Essay (Optional)
Length
• 3 hours (without essay)
• 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) • 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
• 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages
Science None
1 science section testing your critical thinking skills
(not your specific science knowledge)
Math
Covers:
• Arithmetic
• Algebra I & II
• Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
Covers:
• Arithmetic
• Algebra I & II
• Geometry and Trigonometry
Calculator PolicySome math questions don't allow you to use a calculator.You can use a calculator on all math questions.
ScoreScored on a scale of 400–1600Scored on a scale of 1–36