SAT vs ACT: Which Test to take?

08Mar,2021
By Editorial

SAT and ACT are among the most popular tests that are taken by the students who want to continue with their higher studies abroad mainly in the United States of America. The universities and colleges in USA usually consider SAT or ACT scores for admission and scholarship purposes. As a result of this, the students often question whether which test should they sit for and which test will increase their chances of getting admitted in an USA college or university.

To be very clear, no test is very hard or easy. They are completely different from one another. Therefore the students must have an idea of the differences between the exams and understand which test will be suitable for them. We have compiled a list of the main features of both the tests so that you can understand better.

 

SAT

Syllabus

  • Reading
  • Writing and language
  • Mathematics
  • Essay (optional) 

Duration of test

  • 3 hours without essay
  • 3 hours and 50 minutes with the essay

Score

  • The score is on a scale of 400-1600.

Use of calculator

  • The calculator can also be used for only some mathematics questions.

Mathematics Syllabus

  • Algebra I and II
  • Geometry and Trigonometry
  • Arithmetic/Probability/Data Analysis

Reading Syllabus

  • 5 reading passages

Science Syllabus

  • There is no syllabus.

English Syllabus

  • Vocabulary
  • Editing skills
  • Grammar/Punctuation

Frequency of test

  • The exam is conducted seven times every year. 

Fees for the exam

  • $46 (without essay) international testing fee
  • $60 (with essay) + international testing fee
  • For Indian applicants, the fee is Rs.6000 – Rs.7000, depending on exchange rates.

ACT

Syllabus

  • English
  • Reading
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Essay (Optional)

Duration of test

  • 2 hrs, 55 mins (without essay)
  • 3 hrs, 40 mins (with essay)

Score

  • The score is on a scale of 1-36.

Use of calculator

  • It can be used for the mathematical problems. 

Mathematics Syllabus

  • Algebra I and II
  • Geometry and Trigonometry
  • Arithmetic/Probability

Reading Syllabus

  • 4 reading passages

Science Syllabus

  • The Science section does not test the knowledge of the student on any fixed science topic. Instead, it tests the critical thinking abilities and science based reasoning abilities of the student.

English Syllabus

  • Rhetorical skills
  • Grammar/Punctuation
  • Sentence Structure

Frequency of test

  • The exam is organized six times every year.

Fees for the exam

  • $46 (without essay) + international testing fee
  • $62.50 (with essay) + international testing fee
  • For Indian applicants, the fee is Rs.6000 – Rs.7700, depending on exchange rates.

Picking the right test- ACT or SAT

In this article, we have highlighted on the differences between these two popular entrance exams. Hence, we hope that it will be easy for you to choose one for your needs. One must keep in mind the fact that the USA colleges or universities do not have any preference for ACT or SAT. They will check the best scores irrespective of any test that one might take. Hence, choose well and prepare accordingly.

Read here : 13 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

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