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Video:Difference Between the SAT and ACT

with Dr. Rachelle Wolosoff

Want to learn about the difference between the SAT and ACT? Here, see helpful information about these two tests.

Transcript:Difference Between the SAT and ACT

Hello. I'm Dr. Rachelle Wolosoff. Founder of CollegeSearchExpert.com and I'm here for About.com.

Information About the Difference Between the SAT and ACT

I'm going to explain the difference between the SAT and the ACT. The SAT and the ACT are two separate tests. Some students take both of them. But, they are very different. The Sat is a test of critical thinking and problem solving. The ACT, on the other hand, is content based. What do you know? Tel us it in this test. The Sat gives you more time per question. Where the ACT is less time. So. Keep that in mind if you have problems taking a longer test than that.

More Facts About the Difference Between the SAT and ACT

The SAT, one might say, has trickier questions, where as the ACT – they're more straight forward. And, if you're that kind of test taker, where you like a straight forward question, you may do better on the ACT.

Basics About the Difference Between the SAT and ACT

The SAT has nine short sections, plus the essay. Where as the ACT has four long sections plus the essay. The Sat has an experimental section whereas the doesn't exist , currently, on the ACT. There's no Trigonometry for example on the SAT, shere they do have that on the ACT.

If you're into science the ACT may help you out because there's a science section. There is no particvular science section on the SAT.There is a penalty on the SAT for guessing or for wrong answers. That doesn't exist on the ACT. That may be helpful for some people.You register in different places. The SAT would be at sat.collegeboard.org. And, the ACT is at act.org. Schools, generally, will not require both. However, most schools these days will accept either or.

And, when you take the ACT it's always recommended that you take the optional writing piece as well because that will be required by some schools.

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