Here are a few tips in differentiating the tests:

• The SAT is preferred by private schools and schools on the east and west coasts. Public schools and schools in the middle of the country prefer the ACT.
• The SAT questions appear in the order of difficulty, whereas the ACT questions do not appear in any order of difficulty.
• The highest level of math required for the SAT is Algebra/Basic Geometry. Trigonometry is the highest level of math in the ACT; however, only four questions appear on the test.
• The SAT heavily tests vocabulary, reading, and math. Grammar, reading, and math are the most heavily tested skills of the ACT.
• The SAT penalizes the test-taker for wrong answers, although the ACT poses no penalty for wrong answers.
• The SAT is based less upon school curriculum, while the ACT is based more upon curriculum.