Skip to the content
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Join Our Team
    • Contact Us
  • Tests
    • ACT
    • SAT
    • ACT Aspire
    • WorkKeys
    • End of Course
    • TSIA2
  • Programs
    • MasteryPrep Curriculum
    • MasteryPrep Boot Camps
    • TruScore Testing & Analysis
    • Professional Development
    • The College Playbook
    • Blended Learning Solutions
    • Texas CCMR Headquarters
    • Summer Programs
    • Florida Concordant Camp
  • Partnerships
    • COE Summer Programs
    • COE Parent Portal
  • Blog
  • Customer Resources
    • MasteryPrep Ready Platform
    • TruScore Online + Study Hall
    • MasteryPrep Events FAQs
    • Ebooks
    • ACT Mastery Teacher Resources
Menu
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Join Our Team
    • Contact Us
  • Tests
    • ACT
    • SAT
    • ACT Aspire
    • WorkKeys
    • End of Course
    • TSIA2
  • Programs
    • MasteryPrep Curriculum
    • MasteryPrep Boot Camps
    • TruScore Testing & Analysis
    • Professional Development
    • The College Playbook
    • Blended Learning Solutions
    • Texas CCMR Headquarters
    • Summer Programs
    • Florida Concordant Camp
  • Partnerships
    • COE Summer Programs
    • COE Parent Portal
  • Blog
  • Customer Resources
    • MasteryPrep Ready Platform
    • TruScore Online + Study Hall
    • MasteryPrep Events FAQs
    • Ebooks
    • ACT Mastery Teacher Resources
  • 855-922-8773

ACT Chalk Talk #15


Are some of your students weighing taking the SAT instead of the ACT? Here are three important differences between the two tests…

Math Emphasis

On the SAT, math makes up half of your score. On the ACT, it’s only a fourth of your score. In other words, math is twice as important on the SAT! Students who are strong in math should strongly consider the SAT; students who are strong in ELA should not ignore the ACT, even if their state tests everyone on the SAT.

Science Emphasis

The ACT has an entire science reasoning section. The SAT includes some science reasoning questions in each section, but this is trivial compared to the weight that ACT gives science. Students who have a strong academic foundation in science will do well to showcase their strengths using the ACT.

Time Limits in Reading

On the ACT, students are given 35 minutes to read and respond to four passages—less than 9 minutes per passage. On the SAT, students have 65 minutes to respond to five passages, or 13 minutes per passage. You can feel the difference when you take the tests. Students generally feel rushed on the ACT and run out of time before they have fully considered the passages and the questions. On the SAT, however, students have more time to comprehend what they are reading and carefully consider the questions. If your students are constantly struggling to stay on pace in reading, the SAT might be a better fit. However, if your students can develop time management skills, they might end up ahead of the curve on the ACT compared to students with similar reading levels.

When in Doubt

If you’re not sure whether a student should take the ACT or SAT, it helps to keep in mind that the best advice for most students is for them to take both. Students can decide what test they submit to colleges, and you never know what test will do a better job of showcasing your students’ academic talents until they actually take the tests and get their scores back. ACT and SAT scores can massively influence your students’ college entrance experience, so it’s worth it for them to spend one extra Saturday morning to take both exams.

 





Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest

Leave a comment

mastery_prep_RGB_White_Stroke-200x49
Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Tests:

  • ACT
  • SAT/PSAT
  • ACT Aspire
  • End of Course
  • WorkKeys
  • TSIA2
  • ACT
  • SAT/PSAT
  • ACT Aspire
  • End of Course
  • WorkKeys
  • TSIA2

Programs:

  • MasteryPrep Curriculum
  • Boot Camps
  • Professional Development
  • Practice Testing & Analysis
  • MasteryPrep Curriculum
  • Boot Camps
  • Professional Development
  • Practice Testing & Analysis

Contact:

EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 855-922-8773
FAX: 225-306-8211
Love our materials? Want to help make our materials even better? Send your comments, corrections, suggestions to [email protected]

View our Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2018 MasteryPrep. All Rights Reserved.

ACT® is the registered trademark of ACT Inc. ACT® Aspire™ is the registered trademark of ACT Aspire, LLC. WorkKeys® is the registered trademark of ACT Inc. Ring Publications LLC has no affiliation with, and is not approved or endorsed by, ACT Inc or ACT Aspire, LLC.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.

View our Cookie Policy