A COMPARISON OF THE SAT AND ACT TESTS

	SAT	ACT
How often offered	7 times a year: October, November, December, January, March or early April, May, June	6 times a year: September, October, December, February, April, June
# and content of sections; total time	10 sections: • 3 Critical Reading • 3 Math • 3 Writing • 1 experimental Total time: 3 hours, 45 minutes	4 sections: • 1 English • 1 Math • 1 Reading • 1 Science • Optional Writing section Total time: 3 hours, 25 minutes, including optional writing section
English content	No section just on English, although the Reading section focus is on vocabulary, but no grammar. Students with “killer” vocabularies are rewarded.	Stresses English grammar, punctuation, sentence structure. Better for students whose reading skills are stronger than vocabulary skills.
Reading section	Reading comprehension, sentence completion, and paragraph length critical reading questions that emphasize knowledge of vocabulary	4 reading comprehension passages that require ability to examine conclusions, make comparisons, interpret significant details, etc. 10 questions per passage
Writing section	Write an essay on one prompt, as well as answer multiple choice questions re improving sentences and paragraphs, identifying errors. Better for students who like to use illustrative examples rather than arguments.	Write an essay in 25 minutes and answer multiple choice questions.
Science content	None	Science questions in biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space requiring analysis and interpretation rather than acquired knowledge. Good science students are rewarded.