So How Do These Tests Stack Up to Each Other?
One of the most important decisions for high school students preparing for college, is which college admissions exam should I take (SAT or ACT)? The SAT, was revised in March 2016 mirrors the current ACT in more ways than before, however there are still numerous differences such as the problem solving process, how concepts are presented, and other content related material. No worries, so here at ConnectPrep we’ve mastered both exams and can help you do the same.
Test Structure
The SAT has only one reading section and one writing section—the math section is divided into a calculator portion and a no-calculator portions. All of the sections will always be in the same order. Total test time: 3 hours, plus the optional essay.
The ACT structure remains the same, with the exception of the new essay, which will be longer.
SAT
ACT
Scoring
The SAT reverts back to the 400-1600 scale. Now the writing and reading sections will count the same as the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score, which will be combined with the Math score to create a final score between 400-1600.
SAT
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- Each test taker will receive a separate essay score that doesn’t factor into your score on the 400-1600 range.
- There is also a change with the essay score. Instead of just one score between 2 and 12, each test taker will get three scores, for reading, analysis, and writing, between 2 and 8.
ACT
Overview: Reading
The SAT reading will include only longer passages ( Sentence completions and short passages are no longer part of the test)
There will be no sentence completions or short passages
Similar to the ACT reading: there will be a series of 500-750 word passages with questions.
Both tests will feature paired passages
SAT
ACT
Overview: Math
The SAT has aligned itself more towards the Common Core Math curriculum being taught in classrooms across the country. The math is more straightforward similar to the ACT and will include a few trigonometry and complex numbers problems.
SAT
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- Heart of Algebra — 33%
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis — 28%
- Passport to Advanced Math — 29%
- Additional Topics in Math — 10%
ACT
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- Pre-algebra — 20-25%
- Elementary algebra — 15-20%
- Intermediate algebra — 15-20%
- Coordinate geometry — 15-20%
- Plane geometry — 20-25%
- Trigonometry — 5-10%
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Overview: Science
The SAT has aligned itself more towards the Common Core Math curriculum being taught in classrooms across the country. The math is more straightforward similar to the ACT and will include a few trigonometry and complex numbers problems.
SAT
There will not be a science section on the NEW SAT. The NEW SAT will contain a few data interpretation questions similar to the ACT. In 3 sections, there will be chart/graph analysis questions along with two reading passages that focus on science topics.
ACT
The ACT science section comes down to data analysis. Understanding the information in charts and graphs. It does not require prior knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, etc. A test taker should learn specific strategies to score well on this section.
Overview:Essay
The essay is the one section for which both tests are undergoing a major overhaul. Moreover, the SAT essay and ACT writing test are both becoming more complex, rather than less so, and they will both be optional.
Ideally, the changes to the essay will create results that better reflect your ability to understand and build arguments, though it remains to be seen how many schools will require the essay section once it’s optional for both tests.
