ACT Vs. SAT? What’s the difference? Looking up articles to link with this post was illuminating. There were some great comparison charts on the ACT website and the SAT website. Very biased. There were some good points, but it was more of a “mine’s better” comparison. I found the most unbiased link that I could.
ACT vs SAT in terms that will make sense to you. Both the ACT and SAT are tests used to determine if the student is ready for college. Both test’s give points for only the questions answered, not the ones skipped. The SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes to take. The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes, and an additional 40 minutes for the optional essay. The ACT costs $68. The SAT costs $60. The time per question: ACT-49 seconds, SAT-1 minute and 22 seconds.
In the past, colleges have required test scores from the ACT or SAT to decide if the student qualifies for the college. Since Covid, many colleges used a placement test in place of the ACT or SAT. Some colleges are requiring ACT or SAT scores for admissions recently.
The ACT can be used at all 4 year colleges in the United States. The SAT can be used for applying at all 2 and 4 year colleges.