SAT VS ACT : DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAT AND ACT
Embarking on the journey to college often involves navigating standardized tests, and the SAT and ACT are two prominent contenders. Understanding the key disparities between the SAT and ACT is crucial for students aiming to make informed choices. From structure to scoring, this blog explores the nuances of both exams, shedding light on the differences that can influence your test-taking strategy and ultimately impact your college admissions journey. Dive into this comprehensive guide to unveil the contrasts that will empower you to approach these assessments with confidence. SAT VS ACT : DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAT AND ACT The answer to this question lies in the understanding of these two tests. Now we compare one test with another to get better clarity on this topic
S.No. SAT ACT Why Take It Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Test Structure Reading English Length 2 hours (2 hours 14 minutes with breaks) 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages Science None 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) Math Covers: Arithmetic Covers: Arithmetic Calculator Policy You can use a calculator on all math questions. You can use a calculator on all math questions. Essays None Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. How It's Scored Scored on a scale of 400–1600 Scored on a scale of 1–36 If you want to know which test is best for you then, the simplest and the best way to find out is by doing a trial run of both exams. TestprepKart offers you free practice tests for the Digital SAT test under the same conditions as actual exams. Explore the SAT Course Book a Free Trial Session Your overall grade will be given out of 1600. This score is created by combining your math and evidence-based reading and writing scores (each section is graded on a range from 200 to 800). The optional Essay is not counted toward the final grade. For the essay, you will receive three grades—Reading, Analysis, and Writing—on a range of 2 to 8. No penalty for wrong answers. Which score is forwarded to colleges is up to you. Note: All test results for the date you choose are received. SCORE EQUIVALENCE CHART : ACT COMPOSITE SCORE VS SAT TOTAL SCORE Because the tests have somewhat different portions, ACT and SAT scores aren't exactly comparable, but knowing how you did on one can help you predict how well you'll do on the other. Both the SAT Total Score vs. ACT Composite Score chart and the ACT Composite Score vs. SAT Total Score conversion table are available from ACT on their website. SAT VS ACT CONTENT BREAKDOWN On paper, the two tests can appear to be comparable, but there are some significant content differences to consider before choosing which test to take. Reading Analysis in History/Social Studies and in Science Math Problem Solving and Data Analysis Science Science content is not tested on the SAT, but the test does measure your ability to interpret charts, infographics, and data on scientific topics in other sections. A Science Insight Score, based on these abilities, is provided. Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results English/Writing and Language Analysis in History/Social Studies and in Science Essay Separate score, not included in overall score Topic comes from a 750-word passage to be read on test day Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills SAT VS ACT COST BREAKDOWN The costs of the SAT and ACT are equal. The price breakdown for each exam is detailed below. $0 from Writing to No Writing (Writing fee refundable upon request), $15 from No Essay to Essay SAT eBook It is very important to know minor to major facts when starting your preparation for an aptitude-based exam like SAT, with updates that can help with your SAT preparation. We are pleased to announce the release of TestprepKart's free SAT study guide for the new SAT. This free SAT ebook gives you everything you need to know about the test, from content to content mastery, among the top practice goals you need. FAQ Q1. Is the ACT or SAT Harder? Ans. Both tests are equally challenging. However, you might naturally be more suited to one exam than the other depending on where your personal skills lie. In addition, the SAT features a No-Calculator Math component, which the ACT does not, and the ACT does not have a Science section. The SAT gives somewhat more time per question than the ACT, but the SAT's questions also demand more logical thought, so that extra time is required. Math concepts like matrices and logarithms are tested on the ACT more than they are on the SAT, but the ACT math problems are also simpler than those on the SAT. You should take practice exams to determine which test you are strongest in because the differences between exams are very evenly distributed. Q2. Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT? Ans. No. Both the SAT and ACT are accepted by all universities that accept scores from standardized tests. However, in general, universities do not favor one exam over another. You can check the admissions statistics of previous freshman classes at the universities you are interested in to see what proportion of incoming students took the SAT vs. ACT and use that information to decide which test you take. Q3. What is the Diffrence between SAT or ACT? Ans. Although the ACT and SAT share many similarities, there are a few key differences to be aware of as you choose which test to take and start your preparation. The ACT will challenge you to assess several perspectives, including your own, on a particular subject indicated in the question. The essay prompts are slightly diverse as well. You'll be required to read a passage on the SAT and evaluate the author's position. The SAT gives students a little bit more time for each question than the ACT, but SAT questions need more logical thought than ACT questions do. The timing breakdown chart shown above contains more timing details. The SAT is scored between 400 and 1600, while the ACT is scored between 1 and 36. The score equivalent chart above can be used to learn more about SAT vs. ACT scoring. Q4. Is it worth taking both the SAT and ACT Ans. It's not a bad idea to take the SAT and ACT if you have the time and finances. You might perform better on one examination than the other due to variations in topic and approach between the two exams. Q5. Should I take the ACT/SAT Writing test? Ans. Although the SAT and ACT both have an optional essay section, it is strongly advised that you take it. Even though many colleges need the essay as part of your application, some don't, so writing the SAT/ACT essay will give you more possibilities. Q6. Does SAT have more questions than ACT? Ans. The ACT is two hours and 55 minutes long while the SAT is three hours long; however, the ACT's 40-minute optional writing test would make the ACT's duration somewhat longer than three hours. Compared to the ACT, which has 215 questions, the SAT has 154. Q7. Is SAT and ACT syllabus same? Ans. No, the SAT and ACT have slightly different syllabuses. The ACT has a Science section, whereas the SAT does not have a specific Science section. There is an optional essay writing question on the ACT syllabus, but there are no essay-type questions on the SAT. Q8. Is SAT exam easy for Indian students? Ans. Since every student has a distinct baseline level of proficiency in SAT subjects, it is impossible to generalize about how simple the SAT exam is for Indian students. However, strategies like taking plenty of practice exams and going over and improving weak ideas might assist students in getting high SAT scores. Q9. What is the fee for SAT exam in India? Ans. Taking the SAT costs $55 (INR 4514.51). Additionally, candidates from India must pay a non-US regional fee of $49 (INR 4022.02), bringing their total exam cost to $104 (INR 8536.53). Candidates must pay an extra price of $26 (INR 2134.13) per subject for the SAT subject test. Q10. How many Indians take SAT every year? Ans. Indian students make up a sizable cohort of the over one million test participants worldwide, with over 25,000 of them taking the SAT each year.
Writing & Language
Math
Math
Reading
Science Reasoning
Essay (Optional)
3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Algebra I & II
Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Analysis
Algebra I & II
Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability & Statistics
SHOULD I TAKE THE ACT OR SAT?
Scoring
ACT
SAT
Score
On a scale from 1 to 36, you will be given a composite score. This score is an average of your performance on the four sections of the multiple-choice test (each component is graded on a scale from 1 to 36).
The composite score does not account for the optional Writing Test. For the Writing Test, you will earn 5 results: 1 overall score on a scale of 2–12, and 4 domain scores, also on a 2–12 scale, based on an analytic scoring rubric.
Wrong Answer Penalty
No penalty for wrong answers.
Sending Score History to Colleges
Which score is forwarded to colleges is up to you. Note: All test results for the date you choose are received.
ACT Composite Score
SAT Total Score Range
36
1570-1600
35
1530-1560
34
1490-1520
33
1450-1480
32
1420-1440
31
1390-1410
30
1360-1380
29
1330-1350
28
1300-1320
27
1260-1290
26
1230-1250
25
1200-1220
24
1160-1190
23
1130-1150
22
1100-1120
21
1060-1090
20
1030-1050
19
990-1020
18
960-980
17
920-950
16
880-910
15
830-870
14
780-820
13
730-770
12
690-720
11
650-680
10
620-640
9
590-610
Topics Covered
ACT
SAT
Key Ideas and Details
Command of Evidence
Craft and Structure
Words in Context
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Preparing for Higher Math:
Heart of Algebra
Number and Quantity
Algebra
Passport to Advanced Math
Functions
Additional Topics in Math
Geometry
Statistics and Probability
Integrating Essential Skills
Modeling
Interpretation of Data
Scientific Investigation
Production of Writing
Command of Evidence
Knowledge of Language
Words in Context
Conventions of English
Expression of Ideas
Optional Writing Test (essay)
Optional final section, 40 minute testing time
Optional final section
Separate score, not included in composite score
50 minute testing time
Topic presents conversations around contemporary issues
Tests ability to argue a point of view in a clear way, using concrete examples
Type of Fee
SAT
ACT
Registration (without Essay)
$52
$55
Registration (with Essay)
$68
$70
Test Option Change Fee (from Essay to No Essay or vice versa)
$0 from Essay to No Essay, $16 from No Essay to Essay
Late Registration
$30
$35
Change Fee (Includes Test Date or Test Center changes)
$30
$35
Waitlist/Standby Fee (Charged only if admitted to the test center on test day)
$53
$56
First 4 Score Reports
$0
$0
Additional Score Reports
$12 each
$13 each
The SAT has a No-Calculator Math component, whereas the ACT features a Science section. Each has one section that the other does not. The ACT tests on a greater array of math topics than the SAT does, including matrices, logarithms, and graphs of trigonometric functions, despite the absence of a No-Calculator Math block. Additionally, the ACT includes a lot more geometry than the SAT does.