Choosing between the ACT and SAT can be daunting, but it's a crucial decision for those who want to pursue undergraduate studies abroad. I have seen a lot of my friends confused regarding ACT vs SAT. To make an informed decision, you should know which exam suits your strengths and goals better.
Whether you are aiming for specific colleges or scholarship opportunities or simply want to showcase your skills, understanding each exam’s key differences and benefits will empower you to make the best choice for your journey. So, which one should it be? ACT or SAT? Here’s the lowdown.
The ACT (American College Testing) exam is a standardized test for undergraduate college admissions in the United States. It assesses high school students' academic readiness for college across four main areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section.
The total score range of ACT is 1 to 36. The optional writing section is scored separately and is not counted. Colleges and universities use ACT scores for admission, often considering them alongside factors such as extracurricular activities, high school GPA, and personal essays.
What is SAT Exam
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a popular entrance exam for college admissions. It evaluates a student's readiness for undergraduate studies. The test provides universities with a common data point for comparing applicants. The two primary components of the SAT are Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW).
The score range of each section is 200 to 800. Universities use the SAT scores for admission to evaluate candidates’ ability to study at their institution.
ACT vs SAT-Short Comparison
To understand the difference between SAT and ACT, take a closer look at the table given below:
Parameters
SAT Test
ACT Test
Reasons for taking the examination
SAT scores are used by colleges for both merit-based scholarships and admissions.
ACT scores are used by colleges for admissions and scholarships, similar to SAT.
Structure of the Examination
Reading & Writing and Mathematics.
English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Essay (Optional).
Duration of Test
2 hours 14 minutes in total
2 hours 55 minutes without the essay and 3 hours 40 minutes with the essay.
Reading Section
5 passages for reading.
4 passages for reading.
Science Section
No science section
One science section focusing mainly on critical thinking.
Math Section
It includes Algebra I and II, Arithmetic, Trigonometry and Data Analysis, and Geometry.
It includes Algebra I and II, Geometry, Arithmetic, Probability and Statistics, and Trigonometry.
Calculator Policy
Calculator allowed for all Mathematics questions .
No calculator allowed for some Mathematics questions.
Essays
No essay is there.
The essay is optional for candidates.
How It’s Scored
400-1600 is the scale for scores.
1-36 is the scale for scores.
How frequently is the test held?
It takes place seven times every year in the USA and five times each year globally.
It takes place six times every year.
Examination Costs
Registration cost is $68 for the CAT exam and test center fee is $24.
Cost of the ACT (without Writing) is $68 and with Writing is $93.
ACT vs SAT: Exam Format
Although ACT and SAT are standardized tests used for college admissions, especially in the United States, they have certain key differences in the format.
Mode
SAT: Online mode
ACT: Both online and offline mode
Structure:
SAT: The test has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Mathematics.
ACT: The test consists of four multiple-choice sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. There is an optional writing section.
SAT & ACT Test Dates and Registration
Below are the upcoming test dates and registration details for both the SAT and ACT:
SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
SAT Test Date
Deadline for Registration
Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration
24-Aug-2024
09-Aug-2024
13-Aug-2024
05-Oct-2024
20-Sept-2024
24-Sept-2024
02-Nov-2024
18-Oct-2024
22-Oct-2024
07-Dec-2024
22-Nov-2024
26-Nov-2024
08-Mar-2025
21-Feb-2025
25-Feb-2025
03-May-2025
18-Apr-2025
22-Apr-2025
07-Jun-2025
22-May-2025
27-May-2025
ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
ACT Test Date
Deadline for Registration
Deadline for Late Registration (with late fee)
13-14 September, 2024
16 August, 2024
30 August, 2024
25-26 October, 2024
27 September, 2024
11 October, 2024
13-14 December, 2024
15 November, 2024
29 November, 2024
7-8 February, 2025
10 January, 2025
24 January, 2025
4-5 April, 2025
7 March, 2025
21 March, 2025
13-14 June, 2025
16 May, 2025
30 May, 2025
11-12 July, 2025
13 June, 2025
27 June, 2025
ACT vs SAT Timings
Understanding the timing of all sections of the ACT and the SAT is crucial for students to decide which test aligns best with their strengths and preferences.
Section
ACT Timing
SAT Timing
Reading
35 minutes
64 minutes (Reading and Writing combined)
English
45 minutes
N/A
Math
60 minutes
70 minutes
Science
35 minutes
N/A
Writing (Optional)
40 minutes
N/A
Total (without Essay)
2 hours 55 minutes
2 hours 14 minutes
Total (with Essay)
3 hours 35 minutes
N/A
ACT and SAT: Costs
The costs associated with the ACT and SAT are as follows:
Cost Component
ACT
SAT
Base Test Fee
$68 (without writing)
$93 (with writing)
$68
Late Registration Fee
$38
$34 (August 2024-June 2025)
Test Date Change Fee
$44
Cancel and register for new test
Score Reports (per report)
$18.50
First 4 score reports: Free (up to 9 days from test date)
Additional reports: $14 per report
Score Verification Fee
$ 58 ( For multiple choice section)
$ 58 (For the writing section)
$ 116( For multiple choice and writing sections)
$ 55
(Fee waiver available)
SAT or ACT: Scoring Systems
The scoring systems of the SAT and the ACT are as follows:
SAT Scoring System
Score Range:
Score range of each section (Reading & writing and Maths): 200 to 800
Total score range: 400-600
College and Career Readiness Benchmarks:
Reading and Writing benchmark: 480
Math benchmark: 530
ACT Scoring System
Score Range:
Score range for individual sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science): 1 to 36
Total score range (Average of the four sections): 1 to 36
Score Interpretation:
Below Average Score Range: 1-16
Average Score Range: 17-24
Above Average Score Range: 25-36
SAT or ACT: Which Test to Take
Is the SAT exam easy? Or is ACT easier than SAT?
Here are the circumstances in which the ACT may seem to be easier:
You work fast and do not run out of time while taking tests at the school level. You can also read and grasp quickly.
You have a natural flair for science along with data interpretation.
You can quickly decipher trends in graphs and charts.
You are more dependent on the calculator for Math questions.
Here are the circumstances in which the SAT may be easier:
You are a deep reader without going too fast.
You like taking your time on complex and longer passages.
You can mentally calculate numbers very well without a calculator.
You have a knack for reading between the lines and finding hidden tricks.
Which is Most Preferred at Foreign Universities: SAT or ACT
When settling the SAT vs ACT debate for foreign universities, it’s essential to know that both tests are widely accepted. Foreign universities do not prefer one over the other; they value both equally as indicators of college readiness.
The SAT (administered by the College Board) and the ACT (offered by the ACT organization) have distinct structures and timings. The SAT is transitioning to a digital format with adaptive testing and shorter sections, which may appeal to students who prefer more time per question. In contrast, the ACT includes a science section and may be preferred by those who excel under tighter time constraints.
Experts recommend taking practice tests for both exams to determine which aligns better with the student’s strengths. While some may perform well on both, most develop a clear preference. Preparation for each test requires different strategies, so focusing on one test rather than trying to manage both can be more effective.
Test Preparation
Preparing for exams like the SAT and ACT is essential if you want to reach your full potential and attain your goals. Here's how you can effectively prepare for these exams:
Choose Your Test
Read about the differences between the SAT and ACT.
Take a quiz to determine if you should take the SAT, ACT, or both.
Try a free practice test for each SAT and ACT.
Find a Test Date
Select a test date that allows for 3-6 months of preparation.
Check SAT and ACT dates.
Register for your chosen exam.
If your school offers school-day testing, mark the test date on your calendar.
Set Your Target Score
Choose three or more colleges where you plan to apply.
Find the average score ranges of the most recent entering class on the admissions pages of these colleges.
Determine if your target school super scores the ACT and SAT.
Set a goal score that falls within the middle score ranges of your chosen colleges.
Prepare for the Exam
Use in-person prep courses.
Consider private tutoring.
Study with SAT and ACT prep books.
Plan for Both Exams
Schedule the second exam about a month after the first one.
Use the month to learn test-specific content (e.g., ACT Science or SAT No-Calculator Math strategies).
Take the second test soon to build on the preparation from the first exam.
Note that the SAT or ACT is offered every other month (except January).
Conclusion
Choosing between the ACT and SAT depends on your personal strengths and academic goals. Both tests have their own benefits and can open doors to your desired colleges and scholarships. Take practice tests, evaluate your performance, and think about what you like. When you know the differences and relate them to your objectives, you will be in a good position to make the right decision for your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SAT Exam Easy?
The SAT is neither easy nor hard. Some questions require solving without calculators, which can be challenging. However, Indian students, accustomed to mental calculations, may benefit from the practice. The initial questions in each section are usually the easiest, with difficulty increasing steadily. The SAT is manageable for those with a good grasp of basic Mathematics and English taught in school.
Which Exam is Easier- SAT or ACT?
The ACT includes Science Section and Optional Essay, which the SAT does not. The ACT provides less time per question and includes additional math components. The SAT does not allow calculators use (the ACT allows them) and has more logic-oriented and complex questions but gives more time for questions. Both exams have their easy and tough aspects..
Is SAT or ACT More Popular?
The SAT is more popular on the West and East coasts, while the ACT is usually favored in the Midwest. Recently, both exams have gained equal popularity in the USA and worldwide. Regional differences in popularity are minimal, and both exams are accepted by colleges in the USA.
Is SAT or ACT Math Easier?
ACT Math is considered easier than SAT Math due to additional mathematical functions and the allowance of calculators. SAT Math includes fewer components but features tougher, logic-based questions and prohibits calculator use. The difficulty is subjective.
Is it better to Submit ACT or SAT?
If you have given both exams, submit the one you scored higher. Colleges do not prefer SAT scores over ACT results. All institutions accept scores from either exam.
Should I take the SAT or ACT for Harvard?
Harvard accepts both SAT and ACT scores equally. Choose the exam that aligns with your study habits and strengths. Taking practice tests for both can help determine which suits you better.
Is SAT easy for Indian students?
The difficulty of the SAT for Indian students varies based on their knowledge of the subjects. With adequate preparation, including practice tests and targeted studying, Indian students can perform well on the SAT.
Which countries accept the ACT?
The ACT is widely accepted in many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and several European and Asian nations. Check specific university requirements.
How many times can you take the SAT?
You can take the SAT as many times as you wish. There are no official limits. Many students take the test multiple times to achieve their best score, but thorough preparation for each attempt is essential.
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