What, in simple terms, is the difference between the ACT test and the SAT test. Why choose one over the other?
July 30th, 2009 | 
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I opened this blog to help anyone who is preparing for his SAT.
I remember myself when I started - I was so lost and in such a panic.
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I have a student at the sophomore high school level and college prep choices are looming. There is the PSAT (which I assume is the pre-SAT test). But I don’t understand the difference between the SAT test and the ACT test, and which colleges want which one.
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Technically more colleges will accept the ACT more than the SAT. However, at the most elite colleges it is about the same as long as you take the ACT with writing (this service is extra) and probably the SAT is preferred a little more at the top 10 schools. The ACT tests you on material that is taught in typical high schools. Whereas, the SAT test you on your potential to grasp material, not necessarily already taught to you. Sort of like an IQ test, but still adhering to the traditional high school material: Reading, Writing, English, and Mathematics.
They are administered by two different groups. The ACT has more sections than the SAT-I, but they are pretty similar. Both are accepted by nearly every college. Just take whichever is easier for you to sign up for. The ACT is favored in the South, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain regions, and the SAT on the West Coast and in the Northeast.
They are similar tests but scored slightly differently. People that are better at math do better on the SAT and people that are better in English and writing do better on the ACT. Also, the ACT score converts to a SAT score and many people do better on it that way.
If you are applying to competitive schools you should take both tests. I took mine in 2001-2002 and it is much more competitive now. I’m better in reading/writing and my ACT score translated to an SAT score that was like 200 point higher.