All four-year colleges in the US accept both SAT and ACT scores, but how do you choose which one to take? Learning about the differences between the tests can help you decide which is the best fit for you.
The SAT is an aptitude test that assesses your reasoning abilities, while the ACT is an achievement test with more content-based questions. The ACT is also more direct with their questions. In addition to math, critical reading, and writing that the SAT tests, the ACT also has a science section and covers more advanced math topics. Both tests have essay sections, but it is only required in the SAT (note: many colleges prefer that you take the writing section if you take the ACT).
You should pick the test format that is more suitable for your learning style and performance. The tests are approximately the same length in terms of total time, but the SAT is broken into multiple shorter sections for each subject and rotates between sections of different subjects while the ACT has one long section for each subject. If it is easier for you to focus for shorter amounts of time then the SAT might be a better fit. If you focus better completing an entire subject before moving onto the next subject then the ACT might be a better fit.
New SAT
The new version of the SAT has made some changes that might influence your decision on which test to take. The new SAT, on a 1600-point scale, is now split into fewer sections, in a format more similar to that of the ACT. In addition, there is no penalty for wrong answers and the new SAT will test a higher level of math than the current/old SAT. Since college statistics are not reported in terms of the new SAT scores, it will be harder to compare yourself to college averages and fit yourself with target schools.
Additional options to consider are the testing fees, which are about the same for the SAT (approx. $54.50) and the ACT with writing (approx. $56.50). Both tests also offer fee waivers. Additional information can be found at the following sites:
SAT Fee Waiver: https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-fee-waivers
ACT Fee Waiver: http://www.actstudent.org/faq/feewaiver.html
SAT Registration: https://sat.collegeboard.org/register
ACT Registration: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/
It is important to find the test that will best show your skills; however, it is always an option to take both the SAT and the ACT. To get a better understanding of which test is the best fit for you, you should practice sample questions from each, which can be found online free of charge. There are also free tools/assessments that you can find that will help to fit you with one of the tests.
Sources: http://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-vs-sat/
http://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act
http://www.actstudent.org/faq/actsat.html