SAT vs ACT
A lot of Ladder Method parents call our offices with just this question. Its a good question. And, the answer is not the same as it once was.
What is the difference between the ACT and the SAT standardized tests?
The ACT and the SAT are both standardized tests that the colleges use in evaluating a student during the college application process.
How should students best prepare and decide which test to take?
We often suggest to parents that they have their student take both diagnostics to determine which test their child fairs better at.
Is there a preferred test?
Years ago, the colleges preferred the SAT and some colleges did NOT even look at the ACT. But, that has changed. All colleges now accept the ACT.
| SAT | ACT | |
| Which colleges accept it? | All colleges | All colleges |
| Test Format | Reading Writing/Language Math – without calculator -with calculatorEssay |
English/Grammar Math Reading Science Essay |
| Total Length | 3 hours (+50 min essay) | 2 hours 55 min (+40 min essay) |
| English/ Language | 44 questions (35 min) | 75 questions (45 min) |
| Reading | 5 passages with 52 total questions (65 min) | 4 passages with 40 total questions (35 min) |
| Math | 1 section without calculator with 20 questions (25 min)1 section with calculator with 38 questions (55 min)
Covers: Arithmetic |
60 questions (60 min)
Covers: Arithmetic Calculator allowed on all question |
| Science | None | 7 passages with 40 total questions (35 min)Tests critical thinking skills and ability to read graphs (no scientific knowledge required) |
| Essay | (50 minutes)Students must read a piece of writing and write an essay analyzing the argument and language used in the passage. | (40 minutes)Students must take a position on a complex issue and write an argumentative essay supporting their views. |
| Score Range | 400-1600 | 1-36 |
| Guessing penalty | None | None |
