Ahh, life’s little quandaries: Should I order the Grand Slam Breakfast or the Moons over My Hammy? Should I give him the distance-keeping fist bump or the handshake-pull-and-hug? There are many big decisions one makes during this 80-year ride on the ol’ blue and green, but none is more voluminous and simultaneously ambiguous as which standardized test to take—the SAT or ACT.
Long ago, the issue was one of mere geography. Midwestern students took the ACT, coastal students the SAT. And just like that, things were settled.
Today, though, the decision is much more complex. There are more variables than a polynomial—and you better reduce the fraction and get it right. Your college application depends on it, and your future won’t forgive you for a screw-up.
Though both tests go by three-letter verbal acronyms, there is a great deal of variance between the two tests, and many students test significantly better on one other over the other. So which one is best for you?
THE SAT
The SAT is no slouch: over 1.5 million bubble-fillers take it a year, with about 1.0 million of those being high school seniors. 83% of SAT takers practice by taking the PSAT, a test you won’t want to miss if you opt in for the SAT.
If you haven’t been the best at paying attention in school, the SAT may be the test for you. It tests general reasoning and problem solving, not curriculum-based knowledge. However, the major drawback of the SAT is that there is a penalty for incorrect answers—so it also tests your understanding of what you don’t know, which will probably be your debut lesson in epistemology. And this should change your test-taking strategy, and you should practice it beforehand.
The test is split into three major sections, each with a slew of questions. Its composition and section averages are such:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time (mins) | Avg. Score (Possible) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing | 49 + Essay Prompt | 60 | 493 (800) |
| Mathematics | 54 | 70 | 515 (800) |
| Critical Reading | 67 | 70 | 501 (800) |
| Total | 171 | 200 | 1509 (2400) |
Retaking the exam is in your benefit as well. For those who retook it:
- 55% increased their score
- 10% had no change
- 35% decreased their score
Curious as to how you measure up? Here’s a resource to determine how you compare to those in your state and around the country. (SAT scores by state.)
THE ACT
The ACT has leveled the playing field of standardized tests; nearly 1.4 million students take it annually, the top five states for the test being from IL, MI, FL, OH, and TX. Nearly every school that accepts the SAT, accepts the ACT as well.
If you’ve done well in school but are not a particularly strong test taker, the ACT may be your forte. The test measures curriculum-based knowledge—and there is no penalty for wrong answers. So, bombs away!
The test is split into four major sections, with an optional fifth (composition). Its construction and section averages stack up like this:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time (mins) | Avg Score (Possible) | College Readiness Benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 45 | 20.6 (36) | 18 |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 | 21 (36) | 22 |
| Reading | 40 | 35 | 21.4 (36) | 21 |
| Science | 40 | 35 | 20.9 (36) | 24 |
| Writing (Optional) | 1 Essay Prompt | 30 | 7.7 (12) | N/A |
| Total/Composite | 216 | 205 | 21.1 (36) | N/A |
And like its brethren, the ACT is not a bad gig for a retry. For those who retook it:
- 55% increased their score
- 22% had no change
- 23% decreased their score
Not to be outdone, the ACT has put together a state-by-state listing of average scores as well. Take a peek. (ACT scores by state.)
WHICH ONE?
Of course, check with the schools to where you’re applying. These days, most schools take both, though some colleges are opting out of standardized test scores altogether.
If you have the time and the money, I’d recommend taking both. Both tests now offer selective score sending, meaning that you get to choose which scores are sent to which schools. Much like your experience at Chipotle, it’s a very much create-your-own type of service.
And, the best way to find out which test best fits your aptitude is to take them. (Here’s a SAT-ACT concordance chart that bridges the scores between the two tests.)
But, if you’re like me—a ragged workhorse with a full schedule—then time is valuable. You’ll want to take a few practice tests, and determine in which standardized arena you fare better.
Here’s a great practice SAT test. And not to be outdone, here’s a great resource for practice ACT tests.
Tags: ACT, college, comparison, retake, SAT, standardized test, university