College entrance exam requirements have been changing. Confirm testing requirements at the schools where you plan to apply. For information on test availability, check the SAT® and ACT® sites.
Every year, millions of students take either the SAT® or ACT® exam, and some take both.
Many take one or both tests multiple times, working toward a score that could tip the admissions scales in their favor. Needless to say, for many college-bound students, studying for and taking these college admission exams is a fact of life. But how do you decide which exam to take in the first place?
This handy quiz can help guide you toward the best exam for you.
The SAT Exam is Most Likely a Better Fit
In general, the SAT test is the right fit if you prefer a bit more time with each question and are more competent with nuance and analysis over concrete detail extraction. For the math sections, you need to be comfortable working without a calculator and prefer data analysis over probability and statistics.
The best way to determine what test is better for you is to take practice tests of each. Then use a score comparison tool to see the difference between your scores and focus on the test where you innately perform better.
You Should Consider Taking the ACT Exam
In general, the ACT is the right fit for you if you work well under time pressure and are a linear thinker who’s more competent with straight-forward questioning over nuanced analysis. You need to be comfortable with memorization, as the ACT does not provide math formulas. There’s no need to worry about mental math, though. You’re able to use a calculator for the entire math section on the ACT.
The best way to determine what test is better for you is to take practice tests of each. Then use a score comparison tool to see the difference between your scores and focus on the test where you innately perform better.
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ACT® is a trademark registered by ACT, Inc., which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site.
