Your child has decided to start preparing for college entrance exams. But which one should they take? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s okay! Let this guide be your introduction to making the best decision for your child.
Timing vs. Difficulty
ACT
The ACT comes with more questions that are generally easier than those on the SAT. However, the trade-off is time—your child will have less time per question, and many students report feeling rushed in the math, reading, and science sections.
dSAT
The dSAT gives your child more time to think things through. But the questions are trickier, requiring more critical thinking.
If your child is a quick thinker who thrives under pressure, the ACT might be a great fit. If they prefer taking their time to tackle more challenging problems, the dSAT is likely the better choice.
Test Length
Here is how test lengths compare:
The ACT is nearly 45 minutes longer, and by the time students hit the fourth section (science), fatigue can really set in. Some students have even nicknamed it the “try-not-to-fall-asleep section.”
If your child struggles to stay focused for long stretches, the shorter dSAT might be a better fit.
Math Emphasis
Math is where the dSAT and ACT really diverge.
On the dSAT...
- Math makes up a hefty 50% of the test.
- The questions are more challenging, but students have more time to solve them.
On the ACT...
- Math accounts for just 25% of the test.
- The questions are easier, but students will need to work faster to finish on time.
If your child is strong in math, the dSAT could play to their strengths. If math isn’t their thing, the ACT might feel more manageable.
The Science Section
Here’s the thing about the ACT science section: it’s not really about science.
This section is really a test of data analysis: interpreting graphs, tables, and experiments. The catch? Your child will only have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions.
If your child excels at analyzing data under time pressure, the ACT science section could be a good fit. Otherwise, the dSAT may be a better option.
Vocabulary Knowledge
The dSAT places more emphasis on vocabulary than the ACT does.
- About one in six reading and writing questions asks students to select the best word to complete a sentence.
- This question type can be tough to prepare for, as it requires a broad vocabulary knowledge.
If vocabulary is a weak point for your child, the ACT’s format might be more forgiving.
Essay or Writing Section
Most colleges don’t require the essay anymore. Even for the few that do (like some military institutions), the essay score isn’t a huge deciding factor.
Unless your child’s school of preference specifically asks for it, the essay section is probably not worth the extra effort.
Accommodations
For students who need accommodations, planning ahead is key.
- Apply for accommodations by sophomore year—requests made during junior year are often met with skepticism.
- With 1.5x time, the ACT timing becomes much more manageable, potentially giving your student a relative advantage, but the test also stretches to 4 hours and 20 minutes.
- Students with dyslexia may find the ACT science section more challenging.
- The ACT reading section’s longer passages can be tough for students with focus issues.
It is good to take your child’s specific needs into account when choosing the test.
Upcoming Changes to the ACT
The ACT is about to get a makeover in response to the dSAT.
The new version will be shorter, and the science section will become optional. However, some colleges may still require the science section, and details are still unclear in regards to the exact formatting of the new ACT.
When the dSAT rolled out its new format, materials were hard to come by, and that came at a detriment to many students who were studying for it. The same could very well happen with the new ACT.
For students graduating in 2026 or earlier, sticking with the current ACT format vs the is a safer bet than going with the updated one.
Choosing between the dSAT and ACT doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Timing vs. Difficulty: Does your child thrive under time pressure, or do they prefer a slower pace?
- Test Length: Can they stay focused through a longer test?
- Strengths and Weaknesses: Are they strong in math, vocabulary, or data analysis?
- Accommodations: Which test better suits their unique needs?
Next Steps:
Start by having your child take diagnostic tests for both the dSAT and ACT. These practice tests are the quickest way to determine which format feels more natural to them.
With the right test and preparation, your child will be set up for success. You’ve got this—and so do they. Happy prepping!
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