Testing for both the ACT and SAT has started up, and many students have either already taken a test or are underway their preparation for it. If you don’t know about the specifics of the tests, here is a briefing on each:

The ACT is one of two main standardized tests used in the United States for high school achievement and college admissions. It consists of a English (45 min), Mathematics (60 min), Reading (35 min), Science (35 min), and the optional Writing (40 mins) section, totaling 3 hours and 35 minutes. You get one ACT score (1-36) for each test, which are then all used to create your composite score. The writing portion does not affect your overall score; you will get a separate subscore for that part. The average ACT score nationwide is 21.

Remaining Test Dates:
December 10, 2016
February 11, 2017

The SAT is the other standardized test used for high school achievement and college admissions. It has recently been redesigned and is now very similar to the ACT. As of Spring 2016, the test has a math section and an evidence-based reading and writing section with an optional essay that totals 3 hours and 50 minutes. You get a total score between 400 and 1600 that depends on a variety of smaller scores (2 section scores, 3 test scores, 7 sub-scores, and 2 cross-test scores). With the new scoring system, the average SAT score nationwide is predicted to be about 1000.

Remaining Test Dates:
December 3, 2016
January 21, 2017
March 11, 2017
May 6, 2017
June 3, 2017

Which is better? The best decision for you depends only on your personal preferences, skills, and geographical location of the schools you are looking at. For example, take the SAT if you don’t prefer science since it doesn’t have a science section. If you prefer to come up with your own argument and support it, take the ACT; conversely, take the SAT if you prefer to evaluate someone else’s argument. As for geography, the SAT is more popular on the coasts with the ACT is more popular in the Midwest regions.  In actuality most schools are not choosy and will accept either test.