Digital SAT vs. ACT: Which Should You Take This Spring?
By David H. N., PhD
Springtime means applications for summer camps and a whole new semester for trying the SAT or ACT once again. The holidays are over, and you’ve had 5-6 months to acclimate to the course load of the school year.
This post will explain the differences between the Digital SAT and the Digital ACT, which will help you decide which is the best option for you this Spring. But first, know that either test is equally valid.
What is the Digital SAT Like?
The Digital SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long and contains only two sections: Reading, Writing, and Math. The SAT must be taken on a computer screen. For the math section, there is a built-in graphing calculator that you can use. For the reading passages, they are shorter with only one question on each passage.
Because it is digital, the SAT is adaptive, meaning the questions on each topic that is tested can get harder or easier in the second half of the test, depending on how well you do in the first half of the test. Springtime test dates are in March, May, and June.
What is the ACT and Digital ACT Like?
The ACT now has a digital option, though it still offers a paper-based test. The ACT lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes – it can take 3.5 hours if you also do the optional writing portion. Unlike the SAT, which has only two sections, the ACT has four: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Compared to the traditional ACT, the Digital ACT now has shorter reading passages. By far, the biggest difference in terms of content between the SAT and ACT is that the ACT has a science section that is based on interpreting charts and experimental results.
The second biggest difference is that the difficulty of the questions stays the same throughout the whole test. Like the Digital SAT, the Digital ACT has a built-in calculator that you can use. Springtime test dates are February, April, and June.
If you are not sure how to decide, here are general guidelines. The Digital SAT is a better fit for you if you want a shorter test, are comfortable with algebra, and don’t like long reading passages. The Digital ACT is better for you if you are good at interpreting charts, are good at scientific reasoning,s quickly.
