A Comparative Analysis of the ACT and Digital SAT

Overview of the ACT and Digital SAT:

The ACT consists of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section.

The Digital SAT has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.

Administration Format:

The ACT is administered in a paper-and-pencil format, with fill-in-the-bubble answer sheets. The total testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (without the optional Writing section).

The Digital SAT is presented on a computer, allowing students to interact with the test interface directly, with features such as highlighting, zooming, and flagging questions for review. The Digital SAT is structured with each section divided into two equal-length modules. Depending on their performance in the first module, the difficulty level of the second module will be tailored to either be more challenging or less challenging to provide an adaptive testing experience. The total testing time is 2 hours 15 minutes.

Flexibility:

The Digital SAT offers more options for testing dates and locations, including at-home testing, providing greater convenience for students, especially during the pandemic.

Scoring:

Both the ACT and Digital SAT employ a scoring system that yields composite scores. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, while the Digital SAT uses a scale of 400-1600.

College Admissions:

Colleges and universities in the United States accept both ACT and SAT scores. However, not all colleges have the same super score policy for both the SAT and ACT.

Super Scoring:

Super scoring refers to the practice of considering only the highest section scores across multiple test attempts when calculating the composite score. This practice allows students to strategically submit their best scores to colleges and universities. However, the acceptance of super scoring varies between the ACT and SAT.

For the ACT, super scoring is not as widely accepted by colleges and universities compared to the SAT. Many institutions prefer to consider the composite score from a single test attempt. However, some colleges may still consider individual section scores from multiple ACT attempts.

Super scoring is more commonly accepted for the SAT. Many colleges and universities are open to considering the highest section scores across multiple test dates, allowing students to present their strongest performance.

Difficulty Comparison: ACT vs. SAT

Determining which test is harder, the ACT or SAT, is subjective and can vary from individual to individual. Both tests have distinct differences and areas of focus that may influence a student's perception of difficulty.

The Reading passages on the SAT are sometimes seen as more challenging than those in the ACT. However, they are shorter and only feature on question per short passage, which may be a better fit for those with shorter attention spans. Also to note: for the math section, the digital SAT provides students with a digital calculator, which can be used to a greater advantage that the physical calculator on the ACT (a Gen Prep tutor would be happy to explain the difference).

Time Constraints

The ACT is known for its fast-paced nature and time constraints in comparison to the SAT. However, if a student receives extra time as an accommodation, they may have a major advantage on the ACT due to its time-sensitive nature. This accommodation can help to level the playing field for students who need additional time to complete the exam.

Practice Material

One major challenge for students preparing for the Digital SAT is the limited availability of practice material compared to the ACT. The availability of practice tests and resources can significantly impact a student's ability to adequately prepare for the exam, potentially making it more challenging to familiarize themselves with the test format and content.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the perceived difficulty of each exam depends on a student's individual strengths and weaknesses. It is crucial for students to familiarize themselves with the content, format, and scoring of both tests, and to consider their personal preferences and test-taking strategies when deciding which exam to take. Seeking guidance from college admissions professionals and utilizing test prep resources can also provide valuable insight into making an informed choice.