If you have been studying for a standardized test, you are likely trying to answer: which math test should I take: the ACT or the SAT? Although the ACT and SAT do measure your math abilities, the ACT Math section and the SAT Math section are different in a few significant ways. Recognizing the differences can help you find the appropriate assessment to match your skills and preferred method of testing. In this blog, we will be identifying the three main differences between the ACT Math and SAT Math tests.
1. Test Structure and Content
- ACT Math:
The ACT Revisited Math section consists of 60 questions falling under two main categories:
- Pre-Algebra
- Elementary Algebra
- Intermediate Algebra
- Coordinate Geometry
- Plane geometry
- Trigonometry
- SAT Math:
- The SAT math section includes 44 questions, with two modules.
- SAT math has more problems on algebra and data analysis and fewer problems on geometry and trigonometry than the ACT math. The math content of the SAT falls into two categories:
- Heart of Algebra
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
- The SAT also has some geometric and basic trigonometric content.
2. Time Constraints
- ACT Math:
You are allocated a total of 60 minutes to answer a total of 60 questions on the ACT Math section. That’s an overall average of 1 minute per question. Relative to other standardized exams, the ACT is more expeditious, making students feel rushed for time, especially in the Math section. The time required for the four sections of the ACT is better spread out compared to some other standardized tests. In addition, ACT tests are generally less expensive and more widely accepted when students prefer inexpensive standardized tests that take less time than other, less flexible standardized testing options.
- SAT Math:
For SAT Math, you are provided 70 minutes to answer the 44 questions in the SAT Math section. This means you’ll have just under 1.73 minutes per question – almost a minute and a half, which is just a bit more than the ACT gives you. But you still have to hustle in section 4, no time at all for slow and careless mistakes. Most people suggest addressing the issue sooner rather than later and doing the work once while prepping for the ACT. It’s all about working with the time you have efficiently, even areas of fast reading, which most of the time don’t get enough practice.
3. Calculator Use
- ACT Math:
The ACT Math section does allow you to use a calculator for the entire section. If you know when to use a calculator and you are efficient at using a calculator, the ACT Math section is an advantage.
- SAT Math:
The SAT Math section also allows you to use a calculator and is a bit more specific about how much technology you can use throughout the test.
4. Question Types
- ACT Math:
- The questions on the ACT Math section are typically more direct and straightforward. You’ll mostly find multiple-choice questions that assess your understanding of math concepts. The focus is on applying concepts quickly rather than solving multi-step problems.
- SAT Math:
- SAT Math questions are often more complex and require more reasoning. Many problems involve multi-step solutions, and some questions are more focused on real-world applications (such as data interpretation and word problems). The SAT also includes a mix of multiple-choice and grid-in questions, where you have to come up with the answer on your own and fill it in.
5. Difficulty and Focus
- ACT Math:
The ACT tests a wider variety of math topics, including some advanced topics such as trigonometry, with an emphasis on speed and accuracy. Because there are more problems that need to be completed in a shorter amount of time, although the problems are usually more direct.
- SAT Math:
The SAT always tends to be more conceptual, with an emphasis on a deeper understanding of relationships between algebraic expressions, functions, and data analysis. Even though the problems might be slightly more difficult because they require more multi-step reasoning, you have a little more time to work through the problems.
6. Scoring
- ACT Math:
- The ACT Math section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Your score is based on the number of correct answers you get, with no penalties for incorrect answers. Your ACT score is the average of your individual section scores (English, Math, Reading, and the optional sections – Science and Writing).
- SAT Math:
- The SAT Math section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 (combined for both the no-calculator and calculator sections). The total SAT score (Math + Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) is on a scale of 400 to 1600.
7. Math Content Emphasis
- ACT Math:
The ACT features a more balanced coverage of both pre-algebra and algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; however, you may notice it will lean more towards trigonometry towards the end. There can also be questions that are more abstract/theoretical.
- SAT Math:
The SAT has more of a focus on algebra concepts, such as linear equations and systems of equations, and problem-solving skills using data and proportional reasoning. Geometry and trigonometry exist; they just represent a smaller element of the content compared to the ACT.
8. The Science Section (ACT-Specific)
- While this isn’t closely related to Math, it is worth noting that the ACT has a Science section as well, which evaluates your ability to read and interpret scientific data and graphs, and tables. If you have been having trouble with charts and scientific reasoning, you might want to consider how that might affect your decision in the Science section between the two tests.
Which Test Is Better for You?
You should now have a good understanding of the differences between the ACT Math and SAT Math sections. Here are some considerations for how to decide which test may be better for you:
- ACT Math may be best suited to you if you excel at algebra easily and like to solve relatively straightforward math problems quickly.
- If you like more time to think through problems and can reason through multi-step solutions relatively easily-SAT math section may be more aligned with your style.
- If you hate working quickly under pressure, the SAT may suit your reasoning skills better.
- If you are planning on taking both tests, it is a good idea for you to take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT Math sections to see which aligns the best with your strengths.
Final Thoughts
Both the ACT and SAT exams test your math skills, but knowing the differences between them will allow you to make an informed decision about which test is better suited for you. The trick is picking the format and time pressure you are more comfortable with. It does not really matter which one you take; succeeding in one of them relies on preparing appropriately, so be sure to be as current and practice a lot in the areas you are not as strong in.
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