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The Difference Between ACT and SAT
All current and former college bound students can relate that the
words "Standardized Testing" can bring even bigger feelings of
nervousness and apprehension than a doctors visit. These two words are
the ultimate determinant for college bound students regarding where and
if they will attend a university, and whether or not they will be
qualified for specific scholarships their college of interest requires.
Yes, the ACT (American College Test) and SAT (Scholastic Achievement
Test), tests various curricula and are a very clear indicator for
post-secondary success. The question of course, isn't always how to
master these test, but which one to take? Each comprehensive exam
typically lasts around four hours but vary in content that simply
boggles some students when preparation time nears. More extensive
research needs to be done, set types of questions need to be selected,
and universities nationwide should only accept results from one test, a
test combining elements of both the ACT and SAT, testing both prior
knowledge and problem solving skills.
As already mentioned the ACT and SAT has various similarities and
differences. The staggering differences in the test often are the
determinant of which test will be accepted at a particular university
and bring up many disputes to why two test are administered. It is
argued by some that a national test be developed that has a set scoring
system and tests students on their problem solving skills, recollection
of mathematical and scientific formulas, the recollection of
fundamentals of the English language, and the ability to write a short
essay in an allotted time frame. As proved by students who score high on
the ACT and drastically lower on the SAT, one national test needs to be
created to ensure fairness for all college applicants in regards to
placement, acceptance, and scholarships.
| SAT - Scholastic Aptitude Test |
ACT - American College Test |
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Test of Critical
Reading, Math and
Writing skills
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Test of English, Math, Reading and
Science Reasoning
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Scores range from
200-800 on each test
with a
combined score of 600-2400
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Scores Range from 1-36 on each test with
an average (composite) of 1-36
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Contains 3 English
sections 3 Math
sections
Takes 3 hours and 45 minutes |
Basic Test takes 3 hours; with the optional
writing assessment 3 1/2 hours
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| Cost is $41.50* |
Basic Fee is $28.00*; with the optional
writing assessment it is $42.00* |
| Register online at |
Register online at |
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Local test sites and
their codes are:
Muncie
Central H.S. = 15-590
Yorktown H.S. = 15-585
Delta H.S. = 15-890
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Local test sites and their codes are:
Ball State University = 011760
Muncie Southside = 198900
Muncie Central = 175170
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After completing the standardized testing process, students develop
their own theories of the test they just took. Students who took both
the ACT and SAT often compare the two. Chad Blackmon, a freshman at the
University of Louisville, provided the following insight on taking both
tests : "I think the ACT really tests what you know better than the SAT
because the SAT is a test that has to be done that way and is not really
that much based on intelligence." Chad also says, "ACT also covers more
of what you are taught because of its wider range of areas where as if
you are good in English and Math and nothing else, you might like the
SAT for the lack of the Reading and Science parts." Another student,
Daniel Beck, freshman at Vanderbilt University, and Valedictorian of
Bishop Brossart High School, provides the following analysis in
comparing and contrasting the ACT and SAT: "In my opinion, the SAT is a
lot simpler because it tests only verbal and math skills. So, there are
less particular skills to master. The ACT on the other hand gives a more
comprehensive overview of necessary information that should be learned
in high school. Though, I'd rather take the SAT, not only because the
majority of colleges require it, but because it involves less studying
for facts. It mostly is a test of your mathematical and linguistic
reasoning abilities. Beck also comments on the importance of both tests
and why the SAT is better for testing general intelligence in the
following quote, "Therefore, I believe it more accurately reflects an
ability to learn, adapt, and succeed in a college atmosphere where new
subjects are taught. On the other hand, The ACT is relevant because it
more aptly tests for a strong base of learning, which is necessary for
continued studies. Yet, I still believe it does not do as well of a job
in testing general intelligence as the SAT does." Beck scored a
composite score of 35 on the ACT and 1550 on the SAT making his opinions
very reliable in determining which test better accurately tests a
students academic knowledge and abilities.
While each of the aforementioned students showed a bias towards the SAT,
it is believed that most students and schools of lesser qualifications
accept the ACT because it does not penalize students for making wrong
answers. This argument on which test should be administered at which
school makes people wonder how a new national test should be set-up that
would appeal to students of all academic levels.
While the ACT and SAT come much too greatly to the chagrin of millions
of students nationwide, standardized testing on the national level is
essential in determining who meets the qualifications for post-secondary
studies. Each test has its own elements and a variety of topics. After
having a general sense of what each test includes of, I think anyone can
understand the case that a new test needs to be adopted that takes
qualities from the ACT and SAT. A new test would not only better test
students in a vast array of studies: writing, knowledge of math and
English fundamentals, ability to recall information, but it would end
previous arguments from studies that one test was easier than the other.
While some may argue that the National Merit test could be a good
determinant in who qualifies for college I feel that if one test of SAT
and ACT qualities is administered, it would end all roots of comparison,
and colleges could report their acceptance score much more simpler than
having to prefer a test and expect a student to take it. In the future
one standardized test will make things much easier, but for now as
current tests are expanding with writing portions, we will continue to
have college-bound students remain confused on which test they should be
taking and what to exactly study for to attain their ultimate goal:
acceptance into their desired university, as well as scholarship awards
and good class placement. |
