top of page
Search

SAT vs ACT. WHICH IS MORE PROMISING?

Updated: May 26, 2023

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests required to be taken by candidates willing to pursue their graduation from universities in the USA and other countries. Deciding which one to take is a tough call as both the tests are meant to evaluate a candidate’s suitability and potential and are equally competitive, so in this blog we’ll be discussing which one out of the two is a right fit for you.


UNDERSTANDING SAT AND ACT


SAT: SAT, short for Scholastic Assessment Test, is a widely accepted test for various scholarships and admissions into different universities and programs in the USA and other countries. The aim of the SAT is to measure an individual’s potential in different academic fields such as mathematical understanding, reading comprehension, writing skills.


ACT: ACT, short for American College Testing, is a widely used standardized test for admissions into various universities in the USA and other countries. It basically measures an individual’s potential in the areas of mathematics, science, and reading and writing ability.


SAT vs ACT: DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE

SAT

ACT

Sections

  • Math

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Math

  • English Reading

  • English Writing

  • Science

  • Essay

Duration


  • 2 hrs 14 mins


  • 2hrs 55 min (without essay)

  • 3hrs 35 min (with essay)

Number of questions


  • 98 questions



  • 215 MCQ type questions

  • 1 essay (optional)


Score range


  • Scored on a scale of 400-1600



  • Scored on a scale of 1-36 (Optional essay – 2-12)


Exam structure and section wise duration

Section Questions Time

  • Reading 27MCQ 30min

  • Writing 27MCQ 30min

  • Math 22MCQ 30min

Sections Questions Time

  • English writing 75MCQ 45 min

  • Math 60MCQ 60 min

Break

  • English reading 40MCQ 35min

  • Science 40MCQ 35 min

Break

  • Essay 1 long question 40 min (optional)

Examination mode


  • Online



  • Online


Examination dates


  • SAT is normally held 7 times a year.



  • ACT is also usually held 7 times a year.


AN OVERVIEW


Both SAT and ACT are given equal recognition and importance by universities while selecting students for undergraduation courses. However, there is an eternal battle going on between the two exams as to which is better and fetches a good score.

We believe that both the tests possess a similar level of difficulty and is almost equally challenging. There are some sectional differences and SAT is believed to be more maths oriented than ACT but ultimately, it depends on the student.

The best way to find out which test compliments your learning and examination style is to prepare for both and take up a couple of full-length practice tests. Once through, you can sit and evaluate - the scores, the mistakes and the time - and then decide which test is more suitable for you as a candidate.

We hope that whatever you opt for is a calculated decision which would lead you to your dream institution.



We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming; that's why we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From the preparations for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach us at Hello Study Global.





22 views

Related Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page