SAT Subject Tests vs. ACT: A History and Comparison
For many years, college-bound students in the United States had the option of choosing between the SAT Subject Tests and the ACT for college admissions. However, as of the June 2021 administration, SAT Subject Tests were discontinued. This article will provide a detailed historical and contextual comparison between SAT Subject Tests and the ACT, highlighting the differences in purpose, scoring, usage in admissions, and the current status of these tests.
Purpose
The SAT Subject Tests and the ACT serve different purposes in the college admissions process:
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests were designed to assess the student's knowledge in specific subjects. These tests allowed students to showcase their strengths in areas such as math, science, history, and languages. By taking these tests, students could highlight their expertise in particular subject areas beyond the general test scores from the SAT or ACT.
ACT
The ACT, on the other hand, is a general college admissions test. It evaluates a student's readiness for college through sections on English, math, reading, and science, with an optional writing component. The ACT aims to provide a comprehensive measure of a student's academic skills and preparedness for college-level coursework.
Scoring
The scoring methods of these tests differ significantly:
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests were scored on a scale of 200 to 800, similar to the SAT's main scores. Each subject test was independent, allowing students to receive a score for each specific area of knowledge they were tested on. This feature made it easier for colleges to compare a student's performance across different subjects.
ACT
The ACT has a composite score that ranges from 1 to 36, which is the average of the four main sections (English, math, reading, and science). The writing section, if taken, is scored separately. This composite score provides a uniform measure of a student's overall academic performance.
Usage in Admissions
The role of these tests in college admissions has evolved over the years:
SAT Subject Tests
Some colleges used SAT Subject Tests to assess applicants' proficiency in specific subjects. However, these tests were often optional. While they were useful for demonstrating knowledge in certain areas, they were not as widely required as the SAT or ACT.
ACT
The ACT is widely accepted as a primary measure of college readiness. Many colleges require or strongly recommend that students take the ACT, making it a crucial part of the college admissions process. Interestingly, the ACT has become the more popular choice for most US colleges, although both the SAT and ACT are equally accepted.
Current Status
Since the discontinuation of SAT Subject Tests in 2021, students typically focus on the SAT or ACT as their primary standardized test for college admissions. Many colleges now rely on Advanced Placement (AP) exams or other coursework to assess subject proficiency. Always check the specific college requirements, as policies can vary.
To explore which colleges require SAT Subject Tests, you can refer to our Complete List: Colleges That Require SAT Subject Tests. This resource provides an up-to-date compilation of schools that still demand or recommend these particular tests for admissions.
Remember, the decision between ACT and SAT should be based on your individual strengths and the specific requirements of the colleges you are considering. Each test has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your college application process.