What's an ACT and how does it compare to the SAT?

I've been hearing a lot about the ACT, but I'm not super familiar with it. What exactly is an ACT, and how does it compare to the SAT? Are they drastically different, or pretty similar?

The ACT and SAT are both standardized tests used by colleges and universities in the United States for undergraduate admissions. While the two tests serve a similar purpose, there are some key differences in content, structure, and scoring.

The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The English section tests grammar and punctuation rules, while the Reading section assesses your ability to understand passages and answer questions based on them. The Math section covers basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The Science section primarily tests your ability to interpret data from charts, graphs, and scientific studies. The ACT also has an optional Writing section that requires you to write an essay in response to a given prompt.

The SAT, on the other hand, has two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (which includes two subsections, Reading and Writing & Language) and Math. The Reading and Writing & Language sections of the SAT are similar to the ACT's English and Reading sections, focusing on grammar rules and reading comprehension. The Math section of the SAT covers similar topics as the ACT Math section but has a stronger emphasis on algebra and problem-solving. SAT no longer has an essay option as it was discontinued in 2021.

In terms of structure, the ACT is slightly shorter in duration, with a 3-hour test time for the main sections (3 hours and 35 minutes including the optional Writing section), while the SAT takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. The SAT provides more time per question than the ACT, meaning that you may experience a more challenging time constraint during the ACT compared to the SAT.

The scoring systems of the two tests are also different. The ACT has a composite score that ranges from 1 to 36, which is the average of your scores on the four sections (each scored from 1 to 36). The SAT score is the sum of two section scores (Reading and Writing, and Math), each ranging from 200 to 800, making the total possible score range from 400 to 1600.

Both the ACT and SAT are now digitally-administered tests. While some students find one test easier or more suited to their skills than the other, colleges typically do not have a preference between the two if they require standardized test scores. You can take official practice tests for both the ACT and SAT to determine which test is a better fit for you. Keep in mind that some schools have test-optional or test-blind policies, so it's essential to research each college's specific requirements before deciding which test to take.