Created in 1959, the ACT was designed specifically to compete with the SAT. While the SAT was originally intended to measure aptitude or "innate intelligence," the ACT focused on curriculum mastery —essentially testing what you actually learned in school.
A high school counselor in Maine tracked 10 years of data and found that students who took the ACT alongside the SAT qualified for significantly more merit-based scholarship awards—totaling over $1 million for her students over four years. Recent and Upcoming Changes (2025-2026) Created in 1959, the ACT was designed specifically
The ACT is currently being overhauled to stay competitive with the digital SAT: The New ACT and What to Expect - BWS Education Consulting Created in 1959