When it comes to the ACT and the SAT, both exams are equally recognized and accepted by Universities. Both are the most popular tests taken by UG applicants to study abroad primarily in the United States of America. These tests are used for college admissions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Students must identify the differences and understand their liking or comfort zone to decide which test is right for them. The content and pattern of both tests are the same, with some exceptions to be highlighted in this article.
Universities accept ACT Scores and SAT Scores for admission to different programs in the world. The colleges compare applicants before offering admission to their university using these scores. Therefore, students normally question the preferences of one test over the other and also which test is easier or will increase their admission prospects. Let’s look at the similarities and differences between the ACT and SAT.
| Criteria |
SAT |
ACT |
| Syllabus |
|
|
| Test Duration |
3 hrs. (without essay) 3 hrs., 50 min (with essay) |
2 hrs., 55 min (without essay) 3 hrs., 35 min (with essay) |
| Total Questions |
155 |
215 |
| Score |
Scored on a scale of 400-1600 |
Scored on a scale of 1-36 |
| Calculator use |
The calculator be used only on some math questions |
The calculator be used on all math questions |
| Mathematics Syllabus |
Algebra I and II Geometry and Trigonometry Arithmetic/Probability/Data Analysis |
Algebra I and II Geometry and Trigonometry Arithmetic/Probability |
| Reading Syllabus |
5 reading Passages |
4 reading passages |
| Science Syllabus |
There is none |
The Science section on ACT does not test knowledge on any particular science subject. It will test your science-based reasoning and critical thinking abilities. |
| English or Writing/Language Syllabus |
Grammar/Punctuation Vocabulary Editing skills |
Rhetorical skills Grammar/Punctuation Sentence Structure |
| Essays |
The optional essay section of SAT will test your comprehension abilities of a given text. |
The optional essay section of ACT will test your analytical and evaluation skills. |
| Frequency of Test |
Held 7 times a year in the US Held 5 times a year internationally |
Held 6 times a year |
| Test Dates |
March, May, October, and December |
February, April, June, July, September, and October |
| Examination Fee |
$101 (without essay) international testing fee $117 (with essay) + international testing fee For Indian applicants, the fee is around Rs.7,400 – Rs.8,700, depending on exchange rates. Check SAT official website for fee updates |
$150 (without essay) + international testing fee $166.50 (with essay) + international testing fee For Indian applicants, the fee is around Rs.11,100 – Rs.12,300, depending on exchange rates. Check ACT official website for fee updates |
What to do if colleges require SAT subject tests?
Almost every top-ranked university recommends taking at least two SAT subject tests. If you have decided to take the ACT and are confused with the SAT subject test requirement, be aware that universities accept the ACT + Writing (Essay) in place of SAT and SAT subject tests. If you are interested to apply to universities requiring SAT subject tests you may submit SAT + 2 subject tests or ACT + Writing (Essay). However, always double-check and confirm the admission requirements by visiting the university websites and communicating with them.
Exam Pattern: ACT vs SAT
| Basis |
ACT |
SAT |
| Total Questions |
215 |
154 |
| Sections |
· Reading: 40 questions · English: 75 questions · Maths: 60 questions · Science: 40 questions |
· Reading: 52 questions · Writing & Language: 44 questions · Maths: 58 questions |
| Formula Provided |
NO |
YES |
| Types of Questions |
Evidence-based, “real world” problems, Multi-step problem-solving. |
Straightforward, long but easy to comprehend. |
Related Reads
- SAT Subject Tests are no longer required at most American Colleges
- Take the SAT exam in India to study in US and Canada
- Indian teen gets perfect SAT scores, accepted to 7 top US universities
- FAQs for SAT Exam 2019
SAT vs ACT FAQs
Q. Is the ACT easier than the SAT?
Q. What do SAT and ACT stand for?
Q. Are ACT and SAT Math are same?
Q. Is SAT reading harder than ACT?
Q. How many times can you take SAT?
With a plethora of knowledge of the education domain, Piyush Kohli has been involved with study abroad for over 5 years and counting. He comes with prior experience on the complexities of the study abroad applicatio... Read Full Bio
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(14)
S
2 years ago
Hello.I am deeply passionate about pursuing my mechanical engineering undergraduate course at University of Michigan...Should I give SAT subject tests or resort to APs?
T
2 years ago
Hi all i did my 10+2 in 2014 and want to start my graduation in international business abroad now by 2021 . so can i apply for sat and act or else wt shd i do .
A
2 years ago
Hey I am Indian student and I have a doubt that can we pursue both tests act and sat pls reply asap
P
Piyush KohliStudy Abroad Expert
2 years ago
Dear Ayush, you can give both the SAT and ACT exams.
V
3 years ago
Hi I am a indian student studying in class 10 I want to persue my education in Georgia institute of technology for aerospace engineering what is preferred at Georgia institute of technology SAT OF ACT
V
3 years ago
I am an India and I want to persue my education at Georgia University of technology for aerospace engineering can I know that what Should I take SAT or ACT to get into Georgia University of technology