SAT vs. ACT

Roughly 75% of the content of the two exams is the same: reading comprehension, grammar, the essay, and mathematics. Most colleges and universities will accept either test so it is generally recommended that students start with SAT prep and add on ACT prep as a supplement.

Here are a few points to set the two exams apart:

SAT
• Places greater emphasis on vocabulary strength

• Has more difficult reading comprehension

• Asks math questions that are relatively abstract, often with confusing language

• Requires the essay- the first section of every test

• Is a longer test and requires greater mental endurance

• Requires more complicated strategies

ACT
• More closely resembles students' academic coursework

• Places less of an emphasis on vocabulary

• Places greater emphasis on time management

• Tests higher level math, such as Trigonometry

• Includes a science section which requires rapidly inter preting data

• Has an optional essay at the conclusion of the test

Provided by Jed Appelrouth, founder of Appelrouth Tutoring Services in Atlanta, GA.