March has been a chaotic and controversial month after the technical issues that occurred during this month’s SAT. While these glitches understandably frustrated students and parents, deciding between the SAT and ACT should still involve objective measures and expert advice. Students and parents frequently ask whether colleges prefer the SAT or the ACT. Additionally, many families struggle to determine which test their child should take. Understanding the differences between these two standardized exams and how colleges evaluate them can help students make an informed decision that maximizes their potential.
Do Colleges Prefer the SAT or the ACT?
In short, no: colleges do not prefer one test over the other. All US colleges that require standardized test scores accept both the SAT and the ACT equally. Decades ago, schools in different parts of the country preferred one test over the other, but this geographical divide has long been defunct.
Today, students should base their decision on which test aligns better with their strengths. Admissions committees focus on a student’s scores rather than which test they took. In 2018, College Board and ACT shared data in a concordance study to establish equivalent scores on the two tests and released those findings. In addition, scores from both tests can be compared in terms of percentile rank to help determine which test a student might score better on.
How to Determine Whether Your Child Should Take the SAT or the ACT
Since colleges do not favor one test over the other, the best approach is to determine which test better suits your child’s skills and test-taking style. Here are some general differences to consider:
- Test Structure, Timing, and Format
- SAT: Consists of two main sections—Reading & Writing and Math. The test allows more time per question but can sometimes be seen as asking more complex or in-depth questions. The SAT is only administered digitally through the CollegeBoard Bluebook app.
- ACT: Includes three main sections—English, Math, and Reading—and an optional Science section. While the pacing is faster than the SAT, the ACT has recently retooled its exam, giving more time per question in all four sections. The Science section can appear intimidating to many students, but it usually focuses more on data interpretation than scientific content knowledge. The ACT can be taken online or on paper, but we generally recommend taking the paper test.
- Math Differences
- SAT: Has greater emphasis on algebra and includes a built-in Desmos calculator that can simplify many questions. We typically find that students who are able to problem solve their way through Math questions are more successful on this test. Because the Math sections constitute half a student’s total score, a strong foundation in Math is also helpful.
- ACT: Covers Math topics through PreCalculus (whereas the SAT largely covers through Algebra 2), but a greater proportion of questions can be seen as more accessible than their SAT counterparts.
- Reading and Writing Differences
- SAT: Features a standard order of questions within each module, with questions that emphasize vocabulary and inference. Individual passages are shorter (100-200 words), but each question has its own passage.
- ACT: More heavily emphasizes punctuation in the English section, which can be an easily accessible source of improvement for many test takers, as long as they don’t rely on their fluent English speaking tendencies. Reading passages are longer (700-1000 words) but can be seen as more straightforward. The test requires quicker reading and comprehension due to the faster pacing per question.
- Science Section
- SAT: Does not have a dedicated science section but integrates data analysis and scientific reasoning into both sections.
- ACT: Includes a Science section that tests the ability to analyze charts, graphs, experimental data, and different viewpoints or hypotheses.
- Accommodations
- The SAT and the ACT both offer generally the same accommodations for students, including extra time, text-to-speech, multiday testing, extra or extended breaks and separate testing rooms. Both exams offer digital tools like an onscreen timer, “mark for review” functions, and annotations on their digital platforms without special accommodations.
- SAT: This shorter exam is offered exclusively on the computer. The overall time length, coupled with the shorter Reading and Writing passages, often makes this test a better fit for students with attention-based learning differences (ADHD).
- ACT: For students who prefer testing on paper, the ACT is the better option regardless of their accommodation status. The benefits of extra time can feel more pronounced on the ACT due to the faster pacing. Because the questions and passages on the ACT tend to be more literal and less verbose, students with dyslexia typically perform better on the ACT. Lastly, if a student receives a reading accommodation and prefers a human reader to a text-to-speech software, they may also prefer the ACT.
The Best Way to Decide: Take a Practice Test
Rather than guessing which test might be better, the most effective way to determine the right choice is by taking a practice SAT and ACT. This allows students to experience the format, pacing, and question styles firsthand.
Mindfish’s Practice Test Program
Mindfish offers a comprehensive Practice Test Program that provides students with the opportunity to take full-length, proctored SAT and ACT exams. Our program includes:
- Realistic testing conditions to simulate the actual exam experience.
- A detailed score report that highlights strengths and areas for improvement.
- Personalized guidance to help students decide whether the SAT or ACT is the best fit for their unique skills.
By participating in our Practice Test Program, students and parents can make an informed decision about which test to focus on, setting out on the right road from the first step in the journey. This ultimately leads to higher confidence and better performance on test day.
If you’re unsure which test is the best fit for your child, schedule a practice test with Mindfish today to take the first step toward a successful testing strategy! We’re always available to answer questions or offer additional guidance at hello@mindfish.com or (720) 204-1041.
