ACT vs SAT 2024: Determining the Exam for Easier Score Attainment

Despite the recent trend of universities waiving admission test requirements, experts suggest that an exceptional test score can still enhance the appeal of your application. The ACT vs SAT exams are widely accepted for undergraduate admissions in leading educational institutions across the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other sought-after study abroad destinations.

These test scores play a crucial role in helping colleges assess a student’s aptitude and preparedness for an undergraduate program. Additionally, admission committees use ACT vs SAT scores as a factor when awarding merit-based scholarships at some of the top universities.

ACT vs SAT: Key Differences

Both the ACT vs SAT exams are widely acknowledged standardized tests and are commonly a prerequisite for admission to international schools. Particularly in the USA and the UK, many top universities require either an ACT or SAT score.

However, you might wonder about the distinctions between the ACT vs SAT, as well as where, why, and when you should opt for one. Choosing the right exam for your study-abroad plans can be confusing, and various questions may arise. Let’s compare and contrast these exams to help you select the most suitable one for your needs.

What is the ACT Exam?

The ACT, short for American College Testing, serves as a standardized admission test for U.S. universities, assessing undergraduate applicants. Beyond the United States, universities and colleges in countries like the UK, Canada, Germany, and Italy also recognize ACT test scores. Over 200 universities worldwide, outside the USA, accept ACT scores.

In the year 2023, more than 1.38 million individuals took the ACT.

The examination evaluates proficiency in English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and includes an optional Essay section.

Now, as you requested, here’s the information in a table format:

• Administered By: ACT, a non-profit organization.
• Year of Introduction: The ACT exam commenced in 1959.
• Frequency of Conduct: Conducted seven times annually in Canada and the USA; in other nations, including India, the frequency ranges from 5 to 7 times per year.
• ACT Score Range: Scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high).
• Time Per Section: English section – 45 minutes, Math – 60 minutes, Reading – 35 minutes, Science section – 35 minutes, Optional writing section – 40 minutes.
• Total Time: 2 hours and 55 minutes without the writing section, and 3 hours and 35 minutes with the writing section.
• Total Questions: A total of 215 questions, comprising 75 in English, 60 in Math, 40 in Reading, 40 in Science, and 1 optional writing essay.
• Order of Sections: The ACT exam follows the sequence: English, Math, Reading, Science, and concludes with an optional writing section.

ACT Test Fee: 

Note: The given figures are under a conversion rate of 1 USD = 83.13 INR.

When applying for the ACT, you have the option to select up to four colleges to receive your test reports, and this cost is covered within your exam registration fee. However, if you wish to send your test report to more than four colleges, an additional score report fee is required for each additional institution.

Upcoming test dates for ACT:

What is the SAT Exam?

The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized exam used for college admission in the USA. In addition to the United States, many other countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, also consider SAT scores in their admissions processes. All four-year universities in the USA utilize the SAT for undergraduate admissions.

In the year 2023, over 1.9 million students took the SAT.

The test evaluates your aptitude and potential to enroll in a university program. It assesses your language skills, critical reading abilities, and mathematical aptitude.

The test components are below:

• Administered By: The College Board oversees the administration of the SAT exam.
• Year of Introduction: The SAT exam was first introduced in 1926.
• Frequency of Conduct: The SAT exam is conducted seven times annually.
• SAT Score Range: Scores on the SAT range from 400 to 1600.
• Time Per Section: The SAT allocates 65 minutes for the Reading section, 35 minutes for the Writing and Language section, and 80 minutes for the Math section. The Math section is further divided into a 55-minute calculator portion and a 25-minute non-calculator portion.
• Total Time: The SAT exam has a total duration of 3 hours.
• Total Questions: There are a total of 154 questions, distributed as follows: 52 in the Reading section, 44 in the Writing and Language section, and 58 in the Mathematics section. The Math section consists of 38 questions for the calculator portion and 20 for the non-calculator portion.
• Order of Sections: The SAT exam includes sections in the following order: Reading, Writing & Language, Math without a calculator, and Math with a calculator.
• Types of Questions: The majority of questions are multiple-choice, with a few mathematical problems called grid-ins. There are 8 grid-in questions in the calculator portion and 5 in the non-calculator portion.
• Marking System: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers, encouraging attempts at most questions.
• SAT Test Fee: The SAT registration fee is $60 (INR 4,988) plus a $43 (INR 3,574) regional fee, resulting in a total cost of $103 (INR 8,562).

Upcoming  March – June test dates for SAT:

The anticipated test dates for the August-December period are below:

• August 24, 2024
• October 5, 2024
• November 2, 2024
• December 7, 2024

ACT vs SAT: Major Differences

Type of Questions:

• In the SAT, there are fewer questions, allowing more time per question. The test includes both multiple-choice questions and grid-in questions.
• The ACT has a greater number of questions, but less time is assigned per question. ACT questions are text-based and consist solely of multiple-choice questions, with an optional essay.

Cost:

• For the SAT, the registration fee is $60 (INR 4,988), with an additional $43 (INR 3,574) regional fee, totaling $103 (INR 8,562). The late fee for the SAT exam is $30 (INR 2,494).
• For the ACT, the registration fee is $206.50 (INR 1,717) with the writing section and $181.50 (INR 15,097) without.

Test Scores:

• SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, while ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. The total score is the average of all section scores.
• A competitive SAT score for top colleges abroad is generally between 1200 and 1600, while most top-tier universities seek an ACT score between 27 and 32.

Conversion:

• ACT vs SAT score conversion can provide a comparative overview of scores between the two tests.

ACT Vs SAT Composite Score:

Essay Requirement: The essay requirements for both the SAT and ACT are optional. Numerous top colleges may request an ACT vs SAT essay as part of the admission process. Both exams effectively evaluate the language skills of the candidates.

Math Section:

• The SAT math section is divided into two parts — one with a calculator and one without, constituting approximately 50% of the SAT score. It covers topics such as arithmetic, geometry, algebra I & II, trigonometry, and data analysis.
• In contrast, the ACT has a single math section that permits calculator use and makes up only 25% of the ACT score. The math questions encompass arithmetic, algebra I & II, geometry, trigonometry, and probability & statistics.

Science Section:

• The SAT lacks a dedicated section to evaluate a candidate’s scientific aptitude.
• The ACT includes an entire section devoted to Science.

Command of Evidence Questions:

• Both ACT vs SAT exams have a category assessing the reading skills of candidates. The SAT exam incorporates additional ‘command of evidence’ questions, which rely on answers to previous questions.

Reading:

• The reading section evaluates the vocabulary and comprehension skills of candidates. The SAT exam comprises five reading passages, while the ACT has four reading passages.

Choosing ACT or SAT: Key Points to Consider

Determining the better test for your undergraduate admissions can vary based on individual factors such as strengths, weaknesses, interests, and more.

Compare the tests:

Remember, the choice between ACT vs SAT depends on individual preferences, strengths, and other factors.

Both the ACT vs SAT aim to assess students’ readiness and proficiency in critical areas, including reading comprehension and problem-solving. These skills are deemed essential for success in college. The primary purpose of both exams is to demonstrate a student’s preparedness for higher education.

Other common comparisons you might encounter include:

• GMAT vs CAT
• TOEFL vs IELTS
• IELTS vs PTE

in Summery

The debate between ACT vs SAT is subjective, given their similar test fees, formats, durations, and study materials. Many students choose to take both exams to enhance their chances of admission to top colleges.

The significance of both ACT vs SAT exams is considerable, with the choice between them resting entirely on the student’s personal preference.

Several prestigious universities abroad that accept SAT scores include:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• California Institute of Technology

Meanwhile, ACT scores are accepted by:

• Yale University
• Cornell University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Northwestern University

However, recognizing the evolving landscape, over 1,900 four-year colleges, as per the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, have declared themselves test-optional or test-blind for fall 2024. This adjustment aims to accommodate eligible students properly.

If you find yourself still uncertain about admission tests, preferred universities, or other details, it’s advisable not to delay further. Gateway International can assist you in navigating the admission process and provide guidance on competitive exams for admission to universities abroad.