The ACT and SAT are both accepted by nearly all colleges in the United States, and both cover the same subjects: math, critical reading, and writing ability. Which test should you choose to take?
Many students believe that the ACT is the easier test, and it is true that generally students answer a higher percentage of questions correctly on the ACT compared to the SAT. However, the scores on both the ACT and SAT are scaled by comparing your performance to the performance of all other test-takers, so easier questions does not mean a higher score.
The ACT emphasizes reading comprehension, while the SAT focuses more on reasoning and mathematics. Therefore, students with a stronger background in math may perform better on the SAT. However, the ACT does not test vocabulary, while the SAT places a heavy emphasis on vocabulary. Additionally, there is less time to complete the essay on the SAT, favoring quick writers. On the ACT, where more time is given for the essay, it is more important to be a concise and thoughtful writer than a quick writer.
At Sequoia Academy, we help students determine which test is best for them through consultation and practice exams.
Many students believe that the ACT is the easier test, and it is true that generally students answer a higher percentage of questions correctly on the ACT compared to the SAT. However, the scores on both the ACT and SAT are scaled by comparing your performance to the performance of all other test-takers, so easier questions does not mean a higher score.
The ACT emphasizes reading comprehension, while the SAT focuses more on reasoning and mathematics. Therefore, students with a stronger background in math may perform better on the SAT. However, the ACT does not test vocabulary, while the SAT places a heavy emphasis on vocabulary. Additionally, there is less time to complete the essay on the SAT, favoring quick writers. On the ACT, where more time is given for the essay, it is more important to be a concise and thoughtful writer than a quick writer.
At Sequoia Academy, we help students determine which test is best for them through consultation and practice exams.
ACT/SAT Score Conversion
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SAT
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ACT
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