If you are looking for admissions to undergraduate courses at American universities, the SAT and ACT exams play a significant role in the admission process. Both are widely accepted and have a similar purpose of assessing the student’s academic readiness for university. These similarities can make it difficult for you to determine which exam is best for you. In this blog, we will explore the differences between the SAT and the ACT, providing you with a clear picture that may help you choose the right exam.
SAT vs ACT Comparison
Here is an overview of the SAT vs ACT exam:
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Overview of Test Structure: SAT vs ACT
Here is the breakdown of the SAT exam structure:
| Components | Time Allotted | Number of Questions |
| Reading and Writing | 64 minutes. Each section has been allotted 32 minutes. | 54 |
| Mathematics | 70 minutes. There are two 35-minute sections. | 44 |
| Total | 143 minutes (2 hours 14 minutes) | 98 |
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Here is the breakdown of the ACT exam structure:
| Components | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| English | 75 | 45 minutes |
| Math | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Reading | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Science | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Essay (optional) | 1 essay | 40 minutes |
| 4 tests and 1 optional essay | 215 questions | 2 hours 55 minutes for the ACT without essay and 3 hours 35 minutes for the ACT with the essay |
SAT vs ACT: Key Differences in the Syllabus
Here is the SAT vs ACT difference in terms of syllabus:
Math Section
| Aspect | SAT | ACT |
| Topics Covered | Arithmetic, algebra, problem solving, data analysis, probability, geometry, and trigonometry (limited). | Pre-algebra, algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, complex numbers, radicals, and trigonometry. |
| Skills Tested | Solving linear and quadratic equations, working with functions and expressions, applying ratios, and problem-solving using real-world scenarios. | Solving algebraic equations and inequalities, understanding and applying coordinate and plane geometry, and applying higher-level problem-solving and reasoning skills under time constraints. |
Reading Section
| Aspect | SAT | ACT |
| Passages | There are 4 reading passages. The passages focus on literature, history, social studies, and science | There are 4 reading passages. The passages focus on prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. |
| Question Type | Focuses on evidence & reasoning, analysis, and critical reading. | Tests reading comprehension and inference. |
Writing Section
| Aspect | SAT | ACT |
| Skills Tested | Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and style. | Grammar, sentence structure, rhetorical skills, and logical flow. |
| Question Type | Identifying and correcting errors in sentence structure. | Enhancing the overall structure of the passage. |
Science Section
| Aspect | SAT | ACT |
| Science Coverage | Doesn’t have a dedicated section for science. The science questions are included in the Reading and Math sections. | Has a dedicated section for science. |
| Skills Tested | Interpreting scientific texts. Additionally, analyzing graphs, charts, and tables. | Interpreting trends, identifying relationships in data, understanding experiment design, identifying variables and controls, and comparing arguments. |
Which Exam is Better for You?
Take the SAT exam:
- If you enjoy reading and writing.
- If you want to skip the Science section.
- If you want slightly more time to answer a question. The SAT gives more time per question compared to the ACT.
- If you are applying to multiple countries. In addition to the US, the SAT exam is widely accepted by universities in multiple countries, like Canada, the UK, and some European countries. That said, the ACT is also accepted by universities in other countries, although it is slightly less commonly taken than the SAT.
Take the ACT exam:
- If you enjoy science and are applying to STEM programs.
- If you can think quickly and answer questions under time pressure. The ACT exam is fast-paced compared to the SAT exam.
- If you prefer more, but shorter questions. The ACT questions are straightforward without lengthy passages. Therefore, you spend less time reading the passages and more time choosing the questions quickly.
- If you feel comfortable answering a wide range of Math topics.
Also Read: What is the Highest SAT score you can get?
Conclusion
Both SAT and ACT are widely accepted by the US universities for undergraduate admissions. They both enable international students to demonstrate their readiness for university-level study. While these exams are similar in purpose, they differ in many ways. Whether it is the exam duration, syllabus, or test structure, both have distinct features that set them apart. To choose the right exam, you need to understand your strengths, the testing style, and how comfortable you are with the content of both exams.
FAQs
Yes, international students can take both the SAT and ACT exams. They can take the tests at their nearest test location. The SAT and ACT have test centers across the world, including India.
Both the SAT and ACT exams are equally accepted by many universities in the US. When it comes to other countries, the SAT is a slightly better-known exam than the ACT due to the wider test centers.
It depends on the strengths of the test takers. For example, if you prefer more time per question, the SAT may be a better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer quicker reading with shorter passages, the ACT might suit you better.
Yes, calculators are allowed for the Math section in both the SAT and ACT exams.