Written by Samantha Reed, Staff Writer
Which test is better to take? How much will it impact my college future? Do these tests truly matter? Read on to find out.
As the class of 2027 begins preparing for college applications, the same question comes up: should one take the SAT or the ACT? Both exams are standardized tests used by colleges to help evaluate applicants. According to the official ACT website, both assessments are recognized by most higher learning institutions in the United States. Even though both tests measure similar skills, they are structured differently, and those differences can affect which one works better for students.
The SAT is a standardized test created by College Board and is commonly used in college and university admissions. The exam mainly focuses on reading, writing and math skills that students learn in school, and it is designed to measure a person’s ability and knowledge on how to succeed past high school. Recently, the SAT switched to a fully digital format, which allows students to take the test on a laptop or tablet using the Bluebook testing app. Another major difference between the SAT and ACT is timing; College Board notes that there is about 40% more time per question given compared to the ACT. The SAT also uses shorter reading passages, with one question each, which can make the reading section feel more manageable for some students.
The ACT is another standardized test used in college admissions, but it is administered by a different organization called ACT, Inc. Unlike the SAT, the ACT includes sections for English, math, reading, and science, along with an optional writing section. Similarly to College Board’s test, the ACT is another assessment that evaluates a student’s understanding of what they learned in high school. One feature that makes this test unique is that students have more flexibility in how they take it, as students can answer questions either by pen and paper or through a digital interface. The ACT also offers students the ability to review their answers after certain test dates. The corporation will provide students with a copy of the form they took, the answers they chose, and the correct solution; this can be accessed through the ACT My Answer Key program.
While both exams are accepted by colleges and measure similar academic skills, the structure of each test is different. The SAT generally provides more time per question and shorter reading passages, while the ACT moves faster and includes a separate science section. The ACT also offers options for paper testing and answer reviews, while the SAT focuses more on digital testing tools and built-in resources. However, one important thing both organizations emphasize is that colleges do not prefer one exam over the other; both exams are equally accepted and considered by all institutions, including ivy league schools. Because of this, the better assessment usually depends on the student’s strengths, comfort with timing, and testing style.
Overall, both the SAT and ACT are important tools used by colleges during the admissions process. The SAT may work better for students who prefer more time per question and a digital format, while the ACT may appeal to students who like having a science section and more flexibility in how they take the test. Since colleges accept scores from either exam, students should focus on the test that best matches their strengths. Trying practice tests for both exams can help students decide which one feels more comfortable and gives them the best chance to succeed. But no matter which one is taken, both serve as a stepping stone for people to reach the college of their dreams.