The most many people know about the SAT and ACT is that both tests are taken junior and sometimes senior year as part of the college admissions process. But few know the difference between the two tests or their importance.

The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a globally recognized test used by colleges to aid in the admissions process.

The S­­AT tests for critical reading, math, and writing in a three hour and 45 minute period. The test can give a college a good idea of not only how much a student knows, but also the student’s academic capabilities.

The ACT is similar in that it is also used by colleges to narrow down applicants. It tests math, reading, English, and science. The ACT, created in 1959, was developed as an alternative to the traditionally used SAT test.

Though it’s hard to see much difference between the two tests, there’s a reason for giving students another option.

“Some colleges felt that the SAT didn’t measure the skills that they wanted, and as a result another curriculum based test came into existence,” college counselor Chat Leonard said.

The SAT used to be the only test accepted by colleges, but now almost all colleges give both the SAT and ACT the same merit and weight in the admissions process.

“The colleges I was applying to said that either test worked,” senior Charlie Katzman said. “My college counselor also told me that I had the option of taking one or the other.”

With tests given equal importance in the college process, students often choose which test or tests they want to take based on basic differences between the ACT and SAT.

“The main difference between the SAT and ACT test is that the ACT is a curriculum-based test so there’s a strong correlation between the rigor of a student’s curriculum and what they study and the ACT,” Leonard said. “The SAT is not as curriculum based, I would describe it as more logic based.”

The SAT is commonly more popular in the East Coast, while the ACT has become the most popular form of college testing in the Midwest. Particularly at Clayton, the ACT is much more popular amongst students.

“I chose to take only the ACT because I thought the SAT was unnecessary,” Katzman said.

Clayton’s preference for the ACT can be attributed mostly to the highly academic nature of the school.

“Our students generally do better on the ACT because it’s a curriculum-based test and the rigor of Clayton’s curriculum is very, very intense,” Leonard said.

Senior Meredith Reddick is a testament to CHS students’ success on the ACT.
“I got a 36 on the ACT,” Reddick said. “I prepared minimally for the test, so I was astounded when I saw my score.”

With such strong preparation for the ACT built naturally into a student’s studies at CHS, students often find the ACT to be easier for them than the SAT no matter how they prepare independently.

Junior Austin von Dras agrees that the ACT was easier for him because of his strong curricular background.

“I prepared for both tests the same way, but I thought the SAT was much harder than the ACT,” von Dras said. “I definitely liked the ACT better.”

While the SAT is not administered by the school to all juniors, like the ACT, students often choose to take both tests regardless.

College counselors also recommend taking both tests to give a student the chance to see which they prefer.

“I took both tests so that I could see which one I was best at and send in my best score,” von Dras said.

Despite the slight differences in nature, the same general preparation works for both the SAT and ACT.

“I took tutoring to prepare for the ACT,” Katzman said. “I’d definitely say that it helped me do well.”

Many students also take a test preparation program consisting of 4-8 weeks of classes. Though all of

these methods are helpful, the very best way to prepare for the SAT and ACT is to take challenging courses and do well in those courses.

It’s always recommended to prepare as well as possible for the ACT and SAT given their significance in the college process, but it’s also necessary to realize any one test doesn’t determine a student’s future.

“Some students get wrapped up in the world of standardized testing,” Reddick said. “It’s important to remember that you really can’t be defined by a test score.”