Why the ACT Might Be the Better Choice Over the New Computer-Based SAT

With the advent of the new digital SAT, students now have an even more nuanced decision to make when choosing between the two major college admissions tests: the ACT and the SAT. While both tests serve the same fundamental purpose—assessing college readiness—they differ significantly in format, content, and approach. Here’s why the ACT might be a better test for many students compared to the new computer-based SAT.

1. Familiarity and Simplicity of Format

• ACT: The ACT retains its traditional paper-based format for many test takers, providing a level of familiarity that can be comforting. Even with the option for computer-based testing, the structure of the test remains straightforward with consistent question types across all sessions. This consistency can reduce anxiety for students who prefer a predictable test-taking environment.
• New Digital SAT: The digital SAT introduces an adaptive testing model, where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the student’s performance in the first section. While this can potentially offer a more tailored experience, it also adds a layer of unpredictability, which might be unsettling for some students.

2. Content and Structure

• ACT:
  • Comprehensive Subjects: The ACT includes a dedicated science section, which not only tests science knowledge but also skills in interpreting data and understanding scientific methods. This can be advantageous for students interested in STEM fields or those who excel in science.
  • Direct Questions: The ACT tends to ask more straightforward questions, emphasizing content knowledge over complex reasoning. This can be beneficial for students who can quickly grasp information and prefer a more direct approach to problem-solving.
• New Digital SAT:
  • Integration of Science: Science is woven into the reading and writing sections, but without a separate science section, students might miss out on showcasing their science skills explicitly.
  • Complex Reasoning: The SAT often requires students to navigate through longer, more convoluted questions, demanding a higher level of critical thinking and time management, which might not suit all test-takers.

3. Time Management

• ACT: Each section of the ACT is timed, but the test overall can feel more time-pressured, especially in the science and reading sections. However, students who can work quickly under pressure might find the ACT’s pacing more suitable.
• New Digital SAT: The digital format offers more time per question compared to the ACT. However, the adaptive nature means that if a student struggles early on, they could face tougher questions later, potentially skewing their performance.

4. Predictability of Scores

• ACT: The scoring of the ACT is very consistent; your performance in one section does not affect the difficulty of questions in another, leading to a more predictable scoring experience.
• New Digital SAT: With its adaptive testing, your score can be more volatile. A bad start can mean tougher questions, potentially impacting your overall score more than on the ACT.

5. PSAT as an Indicator

• PSAT and SAT: It’s important to note that the PSAT, which is also transitioning to a digital format, is significantly shorter and is generally perceived as less challenging than the SAT. Therefore, a strong performance on the PSAT does not necessarily predict a similar outcome on the SAT due to the differences in length, complexity, and format.
• Implications for SAT Practice: Students might overestimate their readiness for the SAT based on PSAT scores alone, which could lead to under-preparation for the actual test, especially given its new digital and adaptive format.

Conclusion

Choosing between the ACT and the new digital SAT should be based on your individual strengths, learning style, and test-taking preferences. While the digital SAT introduces innovative elements to the testing experience, the ACT’s straightforward format, comprehensive subject coverage, and consistent scoring might make it a more appealing choice for many. If you’re someone who thrives on direct content questions, enjoys science, or prefers the reliability of a non-adaptive test format, the ACT could be the better option. Remember, taking practice tests for both exams is crucial to determine which one aligns more with your capabilities and where you might score higher.