The Score Newsletter, Issue #6: SAT vs. ACT - Choosing the Right Test (Part 2)
In Part 2, I detail the key differences between ACT English and SAT Writing & Language. I also explain how to factor in the unique ACT Science section.
Welcome back to the second installment of my three-part series aimed at shedding light on the key differences between the digital SAT and ACT. Having explored the reading sections of both tests in Issue #5 of The Score, today I’m focusing on the ACT English and SAT Writing sections and introducing a unique feature of the ACT - the Science section.
ACT English vs. Digital SAT Writing
The ACT English and SAT Writing sections both aim to assess a student's understanding of conventions of written English, grammar, and rhetorical skills. However, they do so with slightly different emphases and formats.
Structure and Timing
The ACT English test consists of 75 questions to be completed in 45 minutes, whereas students have 64 minutes to complete 54 questions on the digital SAT Reading and Writing section (of which approximately 12 of which will be “writing.”) Although ACT English might seem more time-intensive, it often presents more straightforward questions, which many students find they can answer more quickly.
Based on my experience as a test prep tutor, it’s not unusual for students to score 30+ on ACT English while having as much as 5+ minutes left over. Though this is limited to students who dedicate themselves to mastering the strategies and question-type tactics, such students do not generally have nearly as much time left over on digital SAT Reading & Writing.
Content Emphasis
While both sections test understanding of English grammar, usage, and punctuation, the SAT writing portion focuses more on evaluating a student's understanding of more complex English conventions and rhetorical logic, including a strong emphasis on logical structure (i.e., Transition Questions).
In contrast, ACT English places more emphasis on grammar and relatively straightforward rhetorical tasks. ACT English also focuses more on idioms—phrases or expressions that have a figurative or sometimes literal meaning that is different from the sum of the meanings of the individual words.
Context of Passages
There isn’t a big difference here. Both digital SAT Writing and ACT English include a range of topics. However, ACT English passages may be more narrative or reflective in nature and might feel more like excerpts from a memoir or personal essay.
A Unique Element of The ACT: The Science Test
As you're probably aware, the ACT includes a Science section, unlike the digital SAT. The ACT Science section is a 35-minute test consisting of 40 questions that assess the analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills often required in the natural sciences. Here are a few key points to understand about ACT Science:
Scientific Knowledge: Not a Prerequisite - One misconception about ACT Science is that it heavily tests your scientific knowledge. However, this isn't the case. Yes, occasional "outside knowledge" might be needed to answer some questions, but it is usually fairly low-level (e.g., understanding the basics of the pH Scale) and occurs on only two or three questions per test. Most of the information needed to answer ACT Science questions is provided in the graphs, tables, or passage text. Therefore, students who aren't particularly strong in science should not be overly intimidated by this section.
Sophistication vs. Simplicity - Many ACT Science questions may initially appear more sophisticated than they are. Often, they ask something relatively simple, but in a complex-sounding way. A key skill for performing well on ACT Science is the ability to simplify questions, to grasp what they are actually asking.
Graph and Experiment Basics - Basic graph-reading skills are vital for this section, but a high-level knowledge of complex graphs is not necessary. Familiarity with the elementary "Elements of an Experiment" (e.g., understanding what Independent and Dependent Variables are and where to find them on tables/graphs) can prove very helpful.
Choosing Between the ACT and SAT
How should the differences mentioned above factor in your calculation of which test is more advantageous to take. As I mentioned in my discussion on the reading sections, it largely depends on the student's strengths and preferences:
ACT English Versus Digital SAT Writing
Students who excel in understanding complex grammar and applying rigorous logical analysis might find they have an advantage on the SAT Writing section. Students comfortable with quick decision-making regarding organization and style might prefer ACT English.
That said, in my opinion as an experienced test prep expert, the differences between ACT English and SAT Writing shouldn’t play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for most prospective test takers. On the other hand, the differences in the reading sections, which I discussed last week, should carry significant weight. So too should the contrasts in the math sections, which I’ll address in next week’s issue of The Score.
Considering ACT Science
As for ACT Science, it’s important to keep in mind that the primary challenge often revolves more around a test taker's sense of comfort and familiarity rather than their scientific knowledge or analytical capabilities. I encourage students not to feel intimidated by ACT Science.
Those who enjoy analyzing data and experimenting with scientific reasoning may find the ACT, with its unique Science section, a better fit. Nonetheless, some students struggle to overcome their apprehension about ACT Science, feeling persistently out of their depth. If this sounds like you (or your child or student), it's critical to factor that feeling into your decision about which test to take. After all, your mindset going into the test can make a major difference in how you perform.
In the next and final part of our series, I’ll take a comprehensive look at the math sections from both tests and provide you with a final summary to help make your ACT vs. SAT decision-making process easier. See you then!
~ Dave Walker