Choosing the right college admission test – ACT or SAT – is the forefront question on the mind of all US undergraduate applicants and their parents. There is no universal answer to this, but with adequate research, one can make a well informed decision. Both the tests are designed with distinctive approaches in mind, giving the applicant the benefit of selecting the one that plays to his or her strengths. In this article, we intend to break down attributes of the both the tests, to assist you in making an educated decision.
The ACT and SAT are different tests, in that, they measure varied skills, but both fulfil the same role in the admissions process. All US colleges and universities accept both scores. It’s your strengths and weaknesses that determine which test you will perform better in.
The ACT (American College Test) is a curriculum based achievement test; i.e. the test determines knowledge taught in school. This can lead to a better performance in the test if you are academically strong. The test provides a distinct evaluation of student proficiency based on unique ‘college readiness benchmarks’ on the four subject areas – English, Mathematics, Reading and Science, and the optional writing test. The ACT score comprises of the ACT Composite score and enhanced scoring for reliable college and career planning insights (STEM score, ELA Score, Progress Toward Career Readiness Indicator and Text Complexity Progress Indicator). Some students have said that the ACT is more in line with the IB curriculum. So if you’re in an IB school, you might look over the test to see if it aligns well with what you’ve learned in school.
The redesigned SAT format starting from May 2016 continues to emphasize on reasoning, but also focuses on demonstration of knowledge and skills required to succeed in college. The test is scored out of 1600 points rather than the 2400 points the old format used. The test will have four broad sections – Reading, Writing, Math (math with no calculator and math with a calculator), and Essay. The critical reading component will now be an evidence-based reading and writing test. The essay is optional and will be given at the end of the SAT. The essay score does not affect the Reading and Writing score.
The following table focuses on the comparison between the ACT and SAT, giving you a side by side review of the key facets of the tests.
*Source: http://www.actstudent.org/ and https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/
Even though all colleges and universities accept both ACT and SAT scores, there are other policy requirements to take note of, such as the following:
- The average ACT and SAT score of the students currently studying at the universities.
- The universities’ requirements with respect to the optional writing section for either test.
- The universities’ acceptance of ACT (with writing) scores instead of subject SAT scores. Some require both, the ACT/SAT and the subject SAT scores.
- Whether the admission officers look at individual section scores or the composite score alone.
- The universities’ policy with respect to the superscore i.e. accepting your highest section scores across all the dates you took the SAT or best individual subscores across all the dates you took the ACT and average a new, stronger composite score.
- The universities’ policy with respect to the “Score Choice” option for the SAT i.e. a score reporting feature allowing you to submit the SAT scores by test date, in line with each university’s individual score-use policy.
- The universities’ policy on TOEFL/IELTS waivers, for those who score above a certain score in the critical reading section of the SAT. Contact the admissions office to ascertain if there is a similar policy in place for the ACT.
The following table gives examples of different university policies and the average test scores of the current admitted students.
Note: Information provided is from the University websites and the data may vary for different courses.
*The SAT scores are of the older format.
Once you have familiarized yourself with the different requirements of the universities, take timed practice tests for both the ACT and SAT. Gauge which format suits your sensibilities better. Along with hard work, timing and format of the test contribute to your ultimate success.
Register for the test, giving yourself enough time to study as well as practice to improve your score. The ideal time to register for the test would be when you are in the 11th grade.
There are plenty of resources available online as well as offline to help you master the ACT or SAT and achieve your target score. Do your research, set aside time to prepare, and ask for help when you can, you’ll get into a school that’s the best fit for you!
–Malavika Shah
