ACT vs SAT- Which is Better

Choosing between the ACT and SAT can be daunting, but it's a crucial decision for those who want to pursue undergraduate studies abroad. I have seen a lot of my friends confused regarding ACT vs SAT. To make an informed decision, you should know which exam suits your strengths and goals better. 

Whether you are aiming for specific colleges or scholarship opportunities or simply want to showcase your skills, understanding each exam’s key differences and benefits will empower you to make the best choice for your journey. 
So, which one should it be? ACT or SAT? Here’s the lowdown.

What is ACT Exam

The ACT (American College Testing) exam is a standardized test for undergraduate college admissions in the United States. It assesses high school students' academic readiness for college across four main areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. 

The total score range of ACT is 1 to 36. The optional writing section is scored separately and is not counted. Colleges and universities use ACT scores for admission, often considering them alongside factors such as extracurricular activities, high school GPA, and personal essays.

What is SAT Exam 

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a popular entrance exam for college admissions. It evaluates a student's readiness for undergraduate studies. The test provides universities with a common data point for comparing applicants. The two primary components of the SAT are Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW).

The score range of each section is 200 to 800. Universities use the SAT scores for admission to evaluate candidates’ ability to study at their institution.

ACT vs SAT-Short Comparison

To understand the difference between SAT and ACT, take a closer look at the table given below: 

Parameters	SAT Test	ACT Test
Reasons for taking the examination	SAT scores are used by colleges for both merit-based scholarships and admissions.	ACT scores are used by colleges for admissions and scholarships, similar to SAT.
Structure of the Examination	Reading & Writing and Mathematics.	English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Essay (Optional).
Duration of Test	2 hours 14 minutes in total	2 hours 55 minutes without the essay and 3 hours 40 minutes with the essay.
Reading Section	5 passages for reading.	4 passages for reading.
Science Section	No science section	One science section focusing mainly on critical thinking.
Math Section	It includes Algebra I and II, Arithmetic, Trigonometry and Data Analysis, and Geometry.	It includes Algebra I and II, Geometry, Arithmetic, Probability and Statistics, and Trigonometry.
Calculator Policy	Calculator allowed for all Mathematics questions .	No calculator allowed for some Mathematics questions.
Essays	No essay is there.	The essay is optional for candidates.
How It’s Scored	400-1600 is the scale for scores.	1-36 is the scale for scores.
How frequently is the test held?	It takes place seven times every year in the USA and five times each year globally.	It takes place six times every year.
Examination Costs	Registration cost is $68 for the CAT exam and test center fee is $24.	Cost of the ACT (without Writing) is $68 and with Writing is $93.

ACT vs SAT: Exam Format

Although ACT and SAT are standardized tests used for college admissions, especially in the United States, they have certain key differences in the format.

Mode

• SAT: Online mode
• ACT: Both online and offline mode

Structure:

• SAT: The test has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Mathematics. 
• ACT: The test consists of four multiple-choice sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.  There is an optional writing section.

SAT & ACT Test Dates and Registration

Below are the upcoming test dates and registration details for both the SAT and ACT:

SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

SAT Test Date	Deadline for Registration	Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration
24-Aug-2024	09-Aug-2024	13-Aug-2024
05-Oct-2024	20-Sept-2024	24-Sept-2024
02-Nov-2024	18-Oct-2024	22-Oct-2024
07-Dec-2024	22-Nov-2024	26-Nov-2024
08-Mar-2025	21-Feb-2025	25-Feb-2025
03-May-2025	18-Apr-2025	22-Apr-2025
07-Jun-2025	22-May-2025	27-May-2025

ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

ACT Test Date	Deadline for Registration	Deadline for Late Registration (with late fee)
13-14 September, 2024	16 August, 2024	30 August, 2024
25-26 October, 2024	27 September, 2024	11 October, 2024
13-14 December, 2024	15 November, 2024	29 November, 2024
7-8 February, 2025	10 January, 2025	24 January, 2025
4-5 April, 2025	7 March, 2025	21 March, 2025
13-14 June, 2025	16 May, 2025	30 May, 2025
11-12 July, 2025	13 June, 2025	27 June, 2025

ACT vs SAT Timings

Understanding the timing of all sections of the ACT and the SAT is crucial for students to decide which test aligns best with their strengths and preferences. 

Section	ACT Timing	SAT Timing
Reading	35 minutes	64 minutes (Reading and Writing combined)
English	45 minutes	N/A
Math	60 minutes	70 minutes
Science	35 minutes	N/A
Writing (Optional)	40 minutes	N/A
Total (without Essay)	2 hours 55 minutes	2 hours 14 minutes
Total (with Essay)	3 hours 35 minutes	N/A

ACT and SAT: Costs

The costs associated with the ACT and SAT are as follows: 

Cost Component	ACT	SAT
Base Test Fee	$68  (without writing) $93  (with writing)	$68
			Late Registration Fee	$38	$34 (August 2024-June 2025)
Test Date Change Fee	$44	Cancel and register for new test
Score Reports (per report)	$18.50	First 4 score reports: Free (up to 9 days from test date)   Additional reports: $14 per report
Score Verification Fee	$ 58 ( For multiple choice section) $ 58 (For the writing section) $ 116( For multiple choice and writing sections)	$ 55  (Fee waiver available)

SAT or ACT: Scoring Systems

The scoring systems of the SAT and the ACT are as follows:

SAT Scoring System

• Score Range:
  • Score range of each section (Reading & writing and Maths): 200 to 800
  • Total score range: 400-600
• College and Career Readiness Benchmarks:
  • Reading and Writing benchmark: 480
  • Math benchmark: 530

ACT Scoring System

• Score Range:
  • Score range for individual sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science): 1 to 36
  • Total score range (Average of the four sections): 1 to 36
• Score Interpretation:
  • Below Average Score Range: 1-16
  • Average Score Range: 17-24
  • Above Average Score Range: 25-36

SAT or ACT: Which Test to Take

Is the SAT exam easy? Or is ACT easier than SAT?

Here are the circumstances in which the ACT may seem to be easier: 

• You work fast and do not run out of time while taking tests at the school level. You can also read and grasp quickly. 
• You have a natural flair for science along with data interpretation. 
• You can quickly decipher trends in graphs and charts. 
• You are more dependent on the calculator for Math questions. 

Here are the circumstances in which the SAT may be easier: 

• You are a deep reader without going too fast. 
• You like taking your time on complex and longer passages. 
• You can mentally calculate numbers very well without a calculator. 
• You have a knack for reading between the lines and finding hidden tricks. 

Which is Most Preferred at Foreign Universities: SAT or ACT

When settling the SAT vs ACT debate for foreign universities, it’s essential to know that both tests are widely accepted. Foreign universities do not prefer one over the other; they value both equally as indicators of college readiness.

The SAT (administered by the College Board) and the ACT (offered by the ACT organization) have distinct structures and timings. The SAT is transitioning to a digital format with adaptive testing and shorter sections, which may appeal to students who prefer more time per question. In contrast, the ACT includes a science section and may be preferred by those who excel under tighter time constraints.

Experts recommend taking practice tests for both exams to determine which aligns better with the student’s strengths. While some may perform well on both, most develop a clear preference. Preparation for each test requires different strategies, so focusing on one test rather than trying to manage both can be more effective.

Test Preparation

Preparing for exams like the SAT and ACT is essential if you want to reach your full potential and attain your goals. Here's how you can effectively prepare for these exams:

• Choose Your Test
• Read about the differences between the SAT and ACT.
• Take a quiz to determine if you should take the SAT, ACT, or both.
• Try a free practice test for each SAT and ACT.
• Find a Test Date
• Select a test date that allows for 3-6 months of preparation.
• Check SAT and ACT dates.
• Register for your chosen exam.
• If your school offers school-day testing, mark the test date on your calendar.
• Set Your Target Score
• Choose three or more colleges where you plan to apply.
• Find the average score ranges of the most recent entering class on the admissions pages of these colleges.
• Determine if your target school super scores the ACT and SAT.
• Set a goal score that falls within the middle score ranges of your chosen colleges.
• Prepare for the Exam
• Use in-person prep courses.
• Consider private tutoring.
• Study with SAT and ACT prep books.
• Plan for Both Exams
• Schedule the second exam about a month after the first one.
• Use the month to learn test-specific content (e.g., ACT Science or SAT No-Calculator Math strategies).
• Take the second test soon to build on the preparation from the first exam.
• Note that the SAT or ACT is offered every other month (except January).

Conclusion 

Choosing between the ACT and SAT depends on your personal strengths and academic goals. Both tests have their own benefits and can open doors to your desired colleges and scholarships. Take practice tests, evaluate your performance, and think about what you like. When you know the differences and relate them to your objectives, you will be in a good position to make the right decision for your future.