SAT vs. ACT

Both the SAT and the ACT are entrance exams used by colleges and universities as a prerequisite for admission. Students can opt to take either of the two exams and both are accepted equally. There are subtle differences between the two tests, the most noteworthy is that the ACT includes a Science section. In addition, the SAT is comprised of 10 short sections while the ACT has 4 longer sections. 

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Which test is better?

score comparison

Both tests are challenging in their own ways, but students generally tend to do better on one over the other. The SAT requires critical thinking skills and test taking strategy while the ACT tests knowledge and analysis. Many schools administer the PSAT and PLAN tests to their students during their sophomore and junior years. The PSAT and PLAN tests are practice SAT and ACT tests respectively. These tests are fairly good indicators of how a student would perform during the actual exam. YSI recommends that you look at those scores and use the table provided here to compare your child’s performance on both exams. From there, you can decide which test would be a better fit. Students should only prepare for one test. 

ScOre choice

Score choice is an option available on both the SAT and ACT. Score choice allows you to choose which scores are sent to colleges and universities so they only see the scores you want them to see. However, while the CollegeBoard only sends the requested scores, they do show the number of times the student has taken the SAT. The ACT does not have such indicators.