Purpose of ACT?

Hey, I'm a junior and my school offers both the SAT and ACT. I'm a little confused about the purpose of the ACT. Can anybody explain when you would take it over the SAT and what it's specifically used for during the college admissions process?

Hello! The ACT (American College Test) is a standardized test used in the college admissions process, similar to the SAT. Both tests are designed to evaluate your readiness for college, and colleges generally accept either one when reviewing your application. Though the SAT and ACT serve the same purpose, they have some differences in structure and content which can make one more suitable for a student than the other.

The ACT includes four multiple-choice sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There's also an optional Writing section, which some schools may require. Meanwhile, the SAT has two main sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. The SAT focuses on math and verbal skills, whereas the updated, digital format of the ACT evaluates your knowledge in a broader range of subjects, including science.

Some students prefer the ACT over the SAT due to its different emphasis on subjects and the way questions are asked. The ACT tends to be more straightforward and focused on content knowledge, while the SAT tends to put more emphasis on problem-solving skills. Individual strengths and weaknesses may make one exam a better fit than the other.

You should research the colleges you're interested in to see if they have a preference for either test or if they are test-optional. Assess your strengths and consider taking a practice test for both the SAT and ACT to see which test you're more comfortable with. Ultimately, choosing the test that best suits your abilities and aligns with your college requirements is the goal. Whichever test you choose, a strong score can help demonstrate your readiness for college and boost your application's competitiveness.