If you are a high school student who is planning to take a standardized test for college admission, you may be wondering which one to choose: the ACT or the new digital SAT.
Both tests have a math section that assesses your mathematical skills and knowledge.
However, there are some differences between the math on the ACT and the math on the new digital SAT that you should be aware of.
In this blog post, I will compare and contrast the math on the ACT and the math on the new digital SAT, and help you decide which one is best for you.
Format and Content
The first difference between the math on the ACT and the math on the new digital SAT is the format and content of the questions.
Here are some of the main features of each test:
- The ACT math section has 60 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer in 60 minutes.
The questions are arranged in e order of difficulty, from easy to hard.
The questions cover six main topics: pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry.
You are allowed to use a calculator for the entire math section.
The ACT math section also does not include any grid-in questions, where you have to write your own answer instead of choosing from a list of options. - The new digital SAT math section has 44 questions broken evenly between 2 “modules”. You have 35 minutes per module for 70 total minutes.
The first module has a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions.
The second module is “adaptive” and adjusts level of difficulty based on your performance on the first module.
The questions are not arranged in order of difficulty, but are mixed throughout the test.
The questions cover four main topics: algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.
About 75% of the new digital SAT math section are multiple choice with 4 options.
About 25% of the new digital SAT math section are “student produced response” questions, where you have to write your own answer instead of choosing from a list of options.
Difficulty and Style
The second difference between the math on the ACT and the math on the new digital SAT is the difficulty and style of the questions.
Here are some of the main characteristics of each test:
- The ACT math section is more straightforward and factual than the new digital SAT math section.
The ACT math section tests your ability to recall and apply formulas, rules, and concepts that you have learned in high school math classes.
The ACT math section also includes some advanced topics that are not covered on the new digital SAT math section, such as vectors, logarithms, and matrices.
The ACT math section requires you to work quickly and accurately, as you have less time per question than on the new digital SAT math section. - The new digital SAT math section is more conceptual and analytical than the ACT math section.
The new digital SAT math section tests your ability to understand and interpret mathematical relationships, patterns, and models.
The new digital SAT math section also focuses more on the core concepts that are most relevant and useful for college and career success, such as algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis.
The new digital SAT math section requires you to think critically and creatively, as you have to solve problems that are more complex and multi-step than on the ACT math section.
Scoring and Strategy
The third difference between the math on the ACT and the math on the new digital SAT is the scoring and strategy of the test.
Here are some of the main differences of each test:
- The ACT math section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, based on the number of questions you answer correctly.
There is no penalty for guessing or skipping questions on the ACT math section, so you should try to answer every question, even if you have to guess.
The best strategy for the ACT math section is to work fast and efficiently, and to use your calculator wisely. Y
ou should also review the formulas and concepts that are most likely to appear on the test, and practice solving different types of questions. - The new digital SAT math section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, based on the number and difficulty of questions you answer correctly.
There is also no penalty for guessing or skipping questions on the new digital SAT math section, so you should try to answer every question, even if you have to guess.
The best strategy for the new digital SAT math section is to work carefully and logically, and to use your calculator sparingly.
You should also focus on the key skills and topics that are most important for the test, and practice solving problems that involve multiple steps and concepts.
Conclusion
The math on the ACT and the math on the new digital SAT are both challenging and important tests that measure your mathematical abilities and readiness for college and career.
The choice between the two tests depends on your personal preferences, goals, and strengths. Here are some questions to help you decide which one to take:
- What are your interests and passions? Do you enjoy more factual and straightforward problems, or more conceptual and analytical problems?
- What are your goals and plans? Do you want to pursue a major or a career that requires more advanced math skills, or more core math skills?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? Do you have a strong background and aptitude in a wide range of math topics, or in a set of core math topics?
There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. You should choose the test that suits you best and that you find most comfortable and confident in.
You can also take both tests if you have the opportunity and the desire to do so.
Whatever you choose, you will need to prepare well and practice a lot to achieve your best score and potential.
