The Princeton Review is a college admission services company offering test preparation services, tutoring and admissions resources, online courses, and books published by Random House.” (Wikipedia)
A new article just published by the Princeton Review titled “SAT or ACT? Do you know which test is right for you?” compares the differences between SAT and ACT. We believe that it is helpful in applying to a U.S. college. Below is the comparison.
Colleges accept both tests equally, so the choice is up to you! Here’s what you need to know to compare the exams.
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Why Take It | Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. | Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. |
| Test Structure |
Essay (Optional) |
Essay (Optional) |
| Length |
|
|
| Reading | 5 reading passages | 4 reading passages |
| Science | None | 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) |
| Math | Covers:
|
Covers:
|
| Tools | Some math questions don’t allow you to use a calculator. | You can use a calculator on all math questions. |
| Essays | Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. | Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. |
| How It’s Scored | Scored on a scale of 400–1600 | Scored on a scale of 1–36 |
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You may visit the Princeton Review’s website for more info on SAT and ACT. They also offer free tests so you can understand how well-prepared you are for SAT/ACT. Good Luck with your test!
This post came just at the right time. Great timing. Now I know which test I am going to take. I hope to enter a U.S. college in 2017.