• Should I take SAT or ACT?
（我該考SAT 還是ACT?)
• Is the ACT easier than the SAT?
（ACT比SAT簡單嗎？）
• Do colleges prefer scores from the SAT or ACT?
（我想申請的大學是否偏好SAT或者是ACT的成績？）
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice testof each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.
Compare the ACT and SAT tests
- ACT includes a Science section
- SAT includes one SAT Math Section on which you may not use a calculator
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Why Take It | Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. | Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. |
| Test Structure |
|
Essay (Optional) |
| Length |
|
|
| Reading | 5 reading passages | 4 reading passages |
| Science | None | 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) |
| Math | Covers:
|
Covers:
|
| 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 |
| 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 | None | 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 and Trigonometry |
| Calculator Policy | Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator. | You can use a calculator on all math questions. |
| Score | Scored on a scale of 400–1600 | Scored on a scale of 1–36 |