• SAT
College

What is one difference between the ACT and the SAT?

A. The ACT is mostly multiple choice, while the SAT asks more open-ended questions.
B. The ACT includes an essay, while the SAT does not.
C. The ACT features a science test, while the SAT does not.
D. The ACT assesses college readiness, while the SAT is used to place students in classes.

Answer :

One key difference between the ACT and the SAT is that the ACT features a science test, while the SAT does not. Both tests assess general educational development and reasoning skills, but their structure varies, influencing students' choices based on their strengths. Thus, option (C) is correct.

Here's an overview of the key aspects of both standardized tests:

  • Both the ACT and SAT assess general educational development and reasoning skills.
  • The ACT includes four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, along with an optional Writing section.
  • The SAT, on the other hand, includes two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (which consists of Reading and Writing & Language tests) and Math, with an optional Essay section.
  • This inclusion of a Science section in the ACT is a significant difference, as the SAT does not have a separate science test.

This differentiation means that students aiming for college admissions might choose one test over the other based on their strengths and preferences, particularly if they are more inclined towards science-related skills.