ACT vs. SAT

ACT vs. SAT

Lauren Mcdonnell, Reporter

ACT:
Word on the street: The ACT is objectively easier but intentionally confusing. Has more circular questions.

English Test: 75 multiple choice questions, 45 minutes
Mathematics Test: 60 multiple choice questions, 60 minutes
Reading Test: 40 multiple choice questions, 35 minutes
Science Test: 40 multiple choice questions, 35 minutes
Writing section (optional) : 1 prompt option, 30 minutes
Composite Score: 1–36

SAT:
Word on the street: The SAT is straightforward but objectively harder. Has more common core questions.

The new SAT starts in March of 2016.

Old SAT: Scale ranging from 600 to 2400

Critical Reading: 67 multiple choice questions, 70 minutes
Mathematics Test: 54 multiple choice questions, 70 minutes (two 25 minutes sections and one 20 minute section)
Writing section:
– 49 multiple choice questions (one 25 minute section, one 10 minute section)
– 1 Essay (mandatory): 25 minutes

New SAT: Scale ranging from 400 to 1600

Mathematics Test: 58 multiple choice questions, 80 minutes
Reading Test: 52 multiple choice questions, 65 minutes
Writing and Reading Test: 44 multiple choice questions, 35 minutes
Essay (optional): 50 minutes