SAT vs ACT Exam Comparison
The SAT and ACT exams contain notable differences in structure, subject and scoring that you'll want to consider prior to enrollment. Discover the in's and out's between these two standardized tests and equip yourself to earn the highest possible score on test day.
| Exam Criteria | SAT Exam | ACT Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Test Style | Reasoning-based, with emphasis on college and career-readiness | Knowledge-based; designed to measure what a student has learned in the classroom |
| Length and Timing | 3 hours + 50 minutes with the essay; Average of 1 minute and 10 seconds per question | 3 hours + 35 min with the essay; Average of 50 seconds per question |
| Overall Structure | Reading, Writing, Math (no calculator), Math (with calculator) and an Optional Essay | English, Math, Reading, Science and an Optional Essay |
| Scoring | 1600 max, no penalty for wrong answers; only correct answers earn a point | 36 max, no penalty for wrong answers; only correct answers earn a point |
| Math | Algebra, Data Analysis, Geometry, Trigonometry; 80% multiple choice and 20% grid-ins; There is a calculator and a no calculator section | Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry; All multiple choice; Calculator is allowed for all ACT Math |
| Reading | Five reading passages; Passages are more varied ranging from 9th grade to early college | Four reading passages; Passages tend to be 10th to 11th grade level |
| Science | No specific science section; however, science passages and graphs are included in the evidenced-based Reading section | Science reasoning section; Predominantly measures reading comprehension and graph/data interpretation |
| Essay | Optional (assuming that the colleges you are applying to do not require it); Evaluating the arguments in the passage | Optional (assuming that the colleges you are applying to do not require it); Analyzing three perspectives on an issue and presenting your own |
| Writing and English | There are some questions on tables and graphs connected to the text | All of the questions are about the text |
| Test Dates | Offered seven times a year | Offered six times a year |
Club Z! In-Home and Online Tutoring is the leading provider of academic tutoring and test preparation services in the United States and Canada for over 20 years. Our learning programs are customized for your family's unique needs, offering a tailored learning plan for each and every student. We are proud to serve San Diego Coast including La Jolla, Mission Bay, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Point Loma and surrounding areas.
Club Z! offers comprehensive In-Home Academic and Test Prep Tutoring from Pre-K to Pre-Med and everything in between! Residents of San Diego Coast and surrounding areas will love our in-home tutoring services in the comfort and convenience of your home, on school campus, at the library or in a small group!
Club Z! offers Online Tutoring and Test Prep for most subject areas and grade levels in San Diego Coast and surrounding areas! Connect with an expert tutor on our virtual learning platform with 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your unique needs and schedule.