Which standardized test should I take: SAT or ACT?

Hi there! I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about college admissions. I know I need to take a standardized test, but I'm not sure which one to choose – the SAT or the ACT. Could someone please help me understand the differences between them and recommend which one might be better for me? I'd really appreciate any guidance on this matter. Thanks!

Hi! It's great that you're thinking about college admissions and planning ahead. It's important to know the differences between the SAT and the ACT, as some students may perform better on one test over the other. The SAT has two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. It also has an optional Essay section. The ACT, on the other hand, has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. One key difference is that the ACT includes a Science section, while the SAT does not. The SAT places more emphasis on vocabulary, whereas the ACT focuses more on grammar and punctuation. Another difference is the scoring system, with the SAT being scored out of 1600 and the ACT out of 36. To decide which test is better for you, I'd suggest taking a practice test for both and see which one you feel more comfortable with and perform better on. You can find free practice tests online or through your school's guidance counselor. Best of luck with your college admissions journey!