Knowing which exam to take helps alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with the college application process. Students generally take the test that has been used in their area or school in the past. The SAT practice test used to be a coastal exam, with the majority of students taking it on the East and West Coasts, but the ACT practice test was more commonly taken in the center of the country. However, every institution and university in the United States accepts both examinations. Is this to suggest that you take both tests? Certainly not. Instead, pick the test that is best for you and devote all of your time and attention to it.
Rules
Both examinations now contain four components, as well as an "optional" essay. However, keep in mind that not all universities need an essay. Take the essay section if you're not sure where you'll apply. Check each school's essay requirements if you have a list of schools. If you did not take the essay component on the SAT or ACT, certain colleges may not accept your results.
Both assessments now include graph interpretation questions. Graphs and charts appear throughout the SAT practice test, but they only appear in the Science and Math parts of the ACT practice test.
On both tests, a student will not lose points for erroneous responses, thus making an educated estimate is encouraged.
Neither exam contains a vocabulary portion, and obscure vocabulary terms are no longer tested.
Both examinations are expected to take about four hours to complete, including breaks (three hours without the essay portion).
What are the Goals of the Tests? Which test is the most straightforward?
Everyone would already know the solution if it were this straightforward. The truth is that different pupils perform better on different examinations. Instead of asking which is simpler, consider the components of each and which is best suited to you.
English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and an optional Essay are the five components of the ACT. The SAT practice test, by contrast, has only four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and an optional Essay.
The Math and Science components are two major distinctions to consider. Because the SAT practice test lacks a scientific portion, the ACT practice test may be a better fit for you if science is your forte. However, the ACT science part does not assess science topic knowledge, but rather science-related cognitive abilities such as data analysis and critical thinking.
How to Prepare for the SAT or ACT
● By the fall of your junior year, you should have taken an official test.
● Concentrate your studies on the areas that are causing you problems.
● Consistent practice is essential.
Conclusion
If you want to apply to universities after high school, you'll almost certainly have to take a standardized exam at some time. Although not all universities use them for admissions, most institutions do require you to submit either SAT or ACT results, but you have total control over which test you take.