What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How do I decide between taking the SAT or ACT?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior in high school, and I've been trying to decide whether to take the SAT or ACT for my college applications. I've heard that some people find one test easier than the other, but I'm not sure how to determine which one would be best for me. Any advice on choosing between the SAT and ACT? Thanks in advance for your help!

a year ago

Hi there! Deciding between the SAT and ACT can be a bit challenging, but don't worry, I'm here to help! Both tests are widely accepted by colleges, so it really comes down to which test suits your strengths and preferences. Here's a quick comparison of the two to help you make your decision:

1. Structure: The SAT has three sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.

2. Scoring: The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, while the ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36.

3. Time: The SAT is slightly longer at 3 hours and 50 minutes, while the ACT is 3 hours and 35 minutes (including the optional essay).

4. Math: The SAT has a no-calculator math section, whereas you can use a calculator throughout the entire ACT math section.

One recommendation is to take a practice test for both exams to see which one you feel more comfortable with or perform better on. Whichever test you decide to take, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and practice. Good luck!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.