Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

A Mathematical Reason to Choose ACT® Over SAT®

ACT® or SAT®? Which is the best one for you?

All students should try both. Whether you take an official test or a practice one, all students should try both to see which they prefer. 


After the SAT® relaunch in 2016, there are now fewer differences between the tests. Nevertheless, some of those differences can be significant for some students. 

For example, the ACT® math section is all multiple choice versus the both multiple choice and grid-in sections of the SAT®. The ACT® has a dedicated science section while science passages on the SAT® are in the reading section. The SAT® has fewer questions per section and more time per question as compared to the ACT®. There are also some slight content differences as the ACT® favors more geometry in its math section than the SAT®. Also, the essay prompt on both tests is quite different. 

Since all colleges and universities will accept either the SAT® or the ACT®, it is worth the time to try both, determine which is better for you, and focus on preparation for that test. 

Then again, there may be a very simple mathematical reason to favor the ACT® over the SAT®. On the ACT®, the final score is a composite, i.e. average, of the four test sections. The SAT®, on the other hand, sums the total of the verbal and math sections for a total score. 

Put differently, math on the ACT® is one of four data points (25% of the total) that is then averaged into the composite score. Math on the SAT® is half of the total points (50% of the total). So if math is an area of weakness for you, perhaps the ACT® and its composite score is better for you? 

Additionally, since the ACT® is an average of four sections, you might only need to perform well on three of the four sections to get your goal score. For example, say your goal score on the ACT® is a 30. Mathematically, you would need a 30 on three of the four sections and no lower than a 28 on the fourth section. A composite score of a student who scores a 30, 30, 30 and 28 is 29.5 which rounds to a 30. 

One of my students scored a 34 on one section and a perfect 36 on the other three sections of the ACT®. His composite was a 36…a perfect score! Even though he did not get a perfect score on each section, he earned a perfect composite score. This would not be possible on the SAT® but mathematically possible on the ACT®. 

In the end, each student should figure out which test is better for each student. Even if the mathematical reason is not compelling enough, consider all of the test differences, try them both out and determine the right test for you. 

If you need further help navigating this decision, contact CROSSWALK today. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

SAT vs ACT: An Excellent Pictograph Comparison

Thanks to the folks at Applerouth for an awesome SAT vs ACT Pictograph (you will need to fill out a form to gain access to the resource). 

No joke, Applerouth’s comparison might be the best way to look at the two different tests. 

While there is no mention of the difference between the two essay formats, Applerouth’s pictograph is a great way to compare the two different assessments. 

Some key points:

  • There is much more Geometry on the ACT compared to the SAT
  • The SAT tests vocabulary-in-context questions more than the ACT
  • Both tests tackle the grammar and the structure questions in the Writing/English multiple choice sections
When comparing the two tests, students are recommended to do the following:
  • Take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT: Ideally a student can take both tests in an official setting, but students can conduct their own practice test by using a test from a study guide. Be sure to use an official study guide from the makers of the tests so that the test is as realistic as possible. For the SAT, be sure to use one from the most recent study guide book since the format has changed.
  • Compare scores and experiences from both tests: After the practice tests, score the tests and compare the practice test score to the goal score. The goal score is the score a student needs to get into the school of his or her choice. In addition to comparing the scores, also compare the experience of the practice test. Was one test easier? Did one take more time? 
  • Decide: Based on the scores and experiences, focus test prep on one of the tests. You may want to be sure that the colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT, but most do. Assuming a student can do either the SAT or the ACT, test prep should focus on one test only.
  • Take it Again: After some dedicated prep, take the test again officially. On average, a student will increase their score from the first official sitting to the second. Some students event see a bump on the third sitting. Regardless, be sure to plan to take it again to see those scores increase.
If you need any advice or guidance on SAT vs ACT, be sure to contact CROSSWALK. CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for test prep, tutoring and academic support.