Things to Consider When Switching Between ACT and SAT



As a sophomore, you would be considering to choose between SAT and ACT. With most colleges accepting both scores equally, the choice between SAT and ACT would be more confusing. In a few cases, students would’ve started preparing for SAT and consider shifting to ACT and vice versa. There are a few important points you should note if you want to switch between them.

1. Find out about colleges and which score is acceptable

In a few schools or a few courses, a student may be asked to take both SAT and ACT. Despite having many benefits, it may prove to be a challenge for students to prepare for both. It may also result in average scores in both. Under two conditions a student can consider doing both:

  • While applying to competitive schools like the Ivy leagues.
  • If one starts early test prep for SAT/ACT and has maximized the score. Then consider preparing for the other one.

In both cases, you have to be strategic and plan well ahead.

2. Find out the difference between SAT and ACT

The following table highlights the difference in test structure, length, sections, and so on.

 

SAT

ACT

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

Though there is no separate Science section, the Reading section has two science passages.

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

 3. Take SAT or ACT prep course:

With a busy academic schedule, most students prefer to take coaching classes to catalyze their preparation process for this test. If you decide to take the ACT coaching classes, then focus on this and take the test. Later you can take the ACT-SAT bridge program. Similarly, if you decided to take the SAT coaching first then follow up with the SAT-ACT bridge program.  

 4. Learning style based choice:

The selection of between SAT or ACT can be further detailed by taking a diagnostic test in each type. The SAT questions are based on critical reasoning and the ACT is based on high school content. You can choose depending on which test suits your skill sets and style of learning.

Whatever you choose to do, remember to start early, have a proper study plan and balance well with the academic requirements.

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