Table of Contents
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing) are amongst the most widely taken exams for undergraduate courses at leading universities in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and other famous international countries. Over 2.5 million students appear for the tests every year. These test scores help evaluate a student’s analytical skills to join the undergraduate programme they are applying for. This guide will examine the critical differences between ACT vs SAT, their unique features, requirements and more.
ACT Vs SAT: Highlights of the Tests:
Both these examination scores are required for securing admission to undergraduate programmes in the USA and other leading study destinations. The significant difference between ACT and SAT is showcased in the table below:
| Parameters | ACT | SAT |
| Administered By | ACT, a non-profit organisation | The College Board |
| Year Introduced | 1959 | 1926 |
| Content Areas | English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Writing | Reading, Writing & Language, Math (Calculator & Non-Calculator) |
| Emphasis | Science, Advanced Math | Vocabulary, Reading & Writing |
| Structure | Simple & Curriculum-based | Broader Reasoning & Problem-solving Skills |
| Score Range | 1-36 Composite Score | 400-1600 |
| Time | 2 hrs 55 mins (without Writing) 3 hrs 35 mins (with Writing) | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 215 (75 English, 60 Math, 40 Reading, 40 Science, 1 Writing) | 154 (52 Reading, 44 Writing & Language, 58 Math) |
| Time Pressure | More Time Pressure | Less Time Pressure |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice | Multiple Choice, Grid-ins (Math) |
| Scoring Penalties | None | None |
What Is The ACT Exam All About?
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardised admission test that is required for securing admission to US universities for undergraduate degrees. Universities and colleges in the USA and other countries such as the UK, Canada, Germany and Italy also accept ACT scores. More than 200 universities outside the USA accept the ACT score. The ACT vs SAT test includes major distinctions in the score range and the number of questions per section.
| What Is The ACT Exam All About? | |
| Administered By | ACT, a non-profit organisation |
| Year of Introduction | 1959 |
| ACT Score Range | 1 (low) to 36 (high) |
| Total Time | 2 hours 55 minutes (without writing), 3 hours 35 minutes (with writing) |
| Total Questions | 215 (75 English, 60 Math, 40 Reading, 40 Science, 1 Writing) |
| Order of Sections | English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional) |
The evaluation criteria are mainly for sections in English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Essay (optional).
Key Insights On The SAT Exam:
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardised test required to secure admission to US universities. The USA and many other countries, including the UK, Canada and Australia, also accept the SAT scores. Universities in the USA with four-year undergraduate programmes require SAT scores. One benefit while evaluating the ACT exam vs SAT is that there is no negative marking in SAT.
| Key Insights On The SAT Exam | |
| Administered By | The College Board |
| Year of Introduction | 1926 |
| Frequency of Conduct | 7 times a year |
| SAT Score Range | 400 to 1600 |
| Time Per Section | Reading – 65 minutes, Writing and Language – 35 minutes, Math – 80 minutes (Calculator 55 minutes, Non-calculator 25 minutes) |
| Total Time | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 154 (Reading 52, Writing and Language 44, Math 58 (Calculator 38, Non-calculator 20)) |
| Order of Sections | Reading, Writing & Language, Math ( No Calculator) Math Calculator |
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice, Grid-ins (8 in Calculator, 5 in Non-calculator) |
| Marking System | No negative marking |
ACT vs SAT: Exam Format:
Students looking to appear for either of the exams must know the primary format and structure. Here is a comparison of the ACT and SAT exam formats presented in a table format:
| Areas of Comparison | SAT | ACT |
| Sections | Reading + Writing | English, Mathematics, Reading, Science |
| Test Duration | 2 hrs 14 min | 2 hrs 55 min (without essay), 3 hrs 35 min (with essay) |
| Score | 400-1600 | 1-36 |
| Calculator Use | Permitted for all math questions | Permitted for all math questions |
| Mathematics Syllabus | Algebra I and II | Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Arithmetic, Probability, Data Analysis |
| Reading Syllabus | 5 reading passages | 4 reading passages |
| Science Syllabus | Tested through reading passages | Tests reasoning and critical thinking abilities, not specific subjects |
| English/Writing Language Syllabus | Grammar, Punctuation, Vocabulary, Editing, Rhetorical Skills | Grammar, Punctuation, Sentence Structure |
| Essays | Optional, suspended | Optional, tests analytical and evaluation skills |
| Frequency of Test | 7 times a year in the US, 5 times a year internationally | 6 times a year |
| Test Dates | March, May, June, October, December | February, April, June, July, September, October |
| Examination Fee | Around $103 for international testing | Around $181.50 (without essay) for international testing, plus $25 for an optional essay |
ACT & SAT Comparison of Scores:
The ACT Test vs SAT Test have a striking point of comparison in terms of the score range. The ACT scores range from 400 to 1600 while the ACT excludes the optional writing section. The score range for SAT is between 1 to 36.
ACT vs SAT: Score Conversion:
Since the ACT and SAT are both scored on different scales or ranges, here is the table below showing the ACT and SAT score conversions for prospective applicants:
| SAT Score Range | ACT Score Range |
| 610-590 | 9 |
| 640-620 | 10 |
| 680-650 | 11 |
| 720-690 | 12 |
| 770-730 | 13 |
| 820-780 | 14 |
| 870-830 | 15 |
| 910-880 | 16 |
| 950-920 | 17 |
| 980-960 | 18 |
| 1020-990 | 19 |
| 1050-1030 | 20 |
| 1090-1060 | 21 |
| 1120-1100 | 22 |
| 1150-1130 | 23 |
| 1190-1160 | 24 |
| 1220-1200 | 25 |
| 1250-1230 | 26 |
| 1290-1260 | 27 |
| 1320-1300 | 28 |
| 1350-1330 | 29 |
| 1380-1360 | 30 |
| 1410-1390 | 31 |
| 1440-1420 | 32 |
| 1480-1450 | 33 |
| 1520-1490 | 34 |
| 1560-1530 | 35 |
| 1600-1570 | 36 |
ACT Vs SAT: Which Is Better?
Deciding between the ACT and SAT can be a difficult choice for students. Colleges and universities across the United States and other countries widely accept both tests. Both these tests include their unique importance. There are critical differences in the sections and the score range. Students can apply for either of these two exams depending on the country, university and course they want to apply for.
Thus, this guide provides you with all the essential details and the differences between the ACT and SAT. While both these courses are required to apply for undergraduate programmes, the choice of the examination you want to opt for clearly depends on your field of study and the country you wish to study in.
Difference Between ACT & SAT:
Many colleges worldwide consider ACT and SAT scores when evaluating applicants for different programmes. This can leave students wondering which test is better for them. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Both ACT and SAT are accepted by universities: Colleges typically consider scores from either test for admission.
- Focus on choosing the test that best suits your strengths. There is no single “easier” test. The best choice depends on your strengths and weaknesses.
Registering For The ACT Vs. SAT:
Here’s a breakdown of how to register for the ACT and SAT exams:
ACT Registration:
- Visit the ACT’s official website and create an account (or sign in if you already have one).
- Complete the registration form, including your personal information, preferred test centre, and date.
- Pay the registration fee to finalise your enrollment.
SAT Registration:
- Head to the College Board website and create an account (or sign in).
- Start your SAT registration by filling out the required details step-by-step.
- Choose your preferred test centre and date when prompted.
- Pay the registration fee to complete your SAT enrollment.
FAQs
1. What is the full form of SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardised test that is required to secure admission to US universities. The USA and many other countries including the UK, Canada and Australia also accept the SAT scores.
2. What is the full form of ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardised admission test that is required for securing admission to US universities for undergraduate degrees.
3. What is the score range of the ACT exam?
The SAT scores range from 400 to 1600. The basis of the test remains in evaluating your aptitude in English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Essay (optional).
4. What is the score range of the SAT exam?
The score range for SAT ranges between 1 to 36.
5. Is the SAT tougher than the ACT?
Some might find the science section difficult, while others may find the maths section difficult. Thus, this depends on individual preferences.
We hope you liked this article and read similar articles on everything international students look for. Check out these links here:
