1) The ACT also has a bit more advanced math section that covers more math concepts than the SAT does. The SAT only covers algebra and geometry in their questions whereas the ACT add a bit of trigonometry. In my opinion, the trigonometry questions are nice to see because they are the freshest in my mind because my school teaches trigonometry to students when they are juniors and seniors.
2) There is an essay offered for both of the tests but only the SAT requires one to be written. The ACT has a thirty minute optional writing test but obviously, students do not need to take it. The score is also not included in the final composite score. It is listed separately in student’s scores. The SAT has a required twenty five minute essay in beginning of the test in which the score is included into the writing score. The writing score is also factored in to the composite score so ultimately the writing portion does affect your score on the SAT.
3) The SAT has more sections than the ACT and is broken up more. There are four tests in the ACT; writing, math, reading, and science. The SAT tests three areas; reading, math, and writing but is broken up into ten different sections. It is a little of everything and switches back and forth. The test taker will take some math, and then some reading, then some writing, and then a little more math, etc.
4) The final key difference is the way that college boards view each test. The ACT is viewed for the composite score so if someone is weaker in one area than others, they could still get a pretty good score. College boards look at how a student did on each section of the SAT however so there is a possibility that the student might score lower.
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