SAT and ACT are the most popular tests taken by UG applicants to study abroad primarily in the United States of America. Universities and colleges use either SAT or ACT scores for admissions and scholarships, and therefore, students normally question the preferences of one test over the other, and also, which test is easier or will increase their admission prospect.
Well, to begin with, no test is easy or hard but they are different. Students must identify the differences and understand their own liking or comfort zone to decide which test is right for them. The content and pattern of both the tests are the same, with some exceptions to be highlighted in this article.
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Let us take a look at how these tests differ:
| Criteria |
SAT |
ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus |
Reading Writing and Language Mathematics Essay (Optional) |
English Reading Mathematics Science Essay (Optional) |
| Test Duration |
3 hrs (without essay) 3 hrs, 50 mins (with essay) |
2 hrs, 55 mins (without essay) 3 hrs, 35 mins (with essay) |
| Score |
Scored on a scale of 400-1600 |
Scored on a scale of 1-36 |
| Calculator use |
Calculator can be used only on some math questions |
Calculator can 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 US Held 5 times a year internationally |
Held 6 times a year |
| 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 test?
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 lieu 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.
Picking the right test
Now that the major differences are clear, it should be easier for you to pick the right test. Carefully go through each section and try taking a diagnostic test of both the exams before making the final decision or choice of test. Compare the results and check which exam is more doable for you. There may be different scenarios. For someone who loves Science but is not comfortable with Mathematics without a calculator, the ACT may be the right choice. For a student who is not comfortable with rigorous or fast-paced exams and needs time to complete the paper, the SAT may be the perfect option.
Remember that colleges and universities do not prefer one test over the other. They will pick the best scores irrespective of the test. So, prepare early for the best results!
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
a year 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
a year 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
a year ago
Dear Ayush, you can give both the SAT and ACT exams.
V
2 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
2 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