All high school students are given a choice to either take the SAT or ACT.  Both tests are accepted by all colleges and universities.  Both tests have multiple testing dates throughout the country.  Both tests contain sections focusing on reading, mathematics, and writing.  But, here’s the difference.

   The first difference is physical. The SAT is dominantly taken in the east and west coasts.  The ACT is dominantly taken in the Midwest and South.

  The ACT has a set of science based questions, which the SAT does not have.  The ACT also has an optional 30 minute writing test.  The SAT’s writing test is mandatory.

   The duration of actual testing time is also a difference between the ACT and the SAT.  The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes of testing, (3 hours and 25 minutes including the optional writing test.)  The SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes long.  If a student decides not to take the ACT optional writing test, the ACT is 50 minutes shorter than the SAT. 

   There are testing dates and locations for both the ACT and SAT. The key is to figure out which test fits what you are planning on pursing in college.  If you are going to college for a major in a science, or your college of choice does not look at your writing score, the ACT is the better choice.  If you are unsure if the college of your choice looks at the writing score, or you are not planning on taking a science major, the SAT is worth considering.  Which test will you choose?