The Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT and American College Testing or ACT are standardised tests used mainly by the colleges in the US and Canada to test your preparedness for college level education. The SAT or ACT score along with a student’s high school GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, interviews and personal essays make up the basis on which these institutions make their decisions on admitting the student to their college/university.
In between there was a trend towards SAT/ACT test-optional admissions, but several colleges have reversed their policies and are now reinstating them as a requirement towards their admission process. This article discusses the features of SAT vs. ACT and which one would rightly suit your aptitude and requirement, based on your choice of college/university.
SAT vs. ACT Comparison
Let us begin by clarifying that most colleges treat SAT and ACT with the same importance, as both these tests cover similar components and skills. There exists some differences between SAT and ACT, which we are going to bring out here.
- Test Structure
The SAT has a two module adaptive design. This means that based on your performance in the first module of each section, the difficulty level of questions will drop or increase. ACT, on the other hand, is a linear test and your performance in one section does not affect the questions in other sections.
- Number of sections in SAT vs. ACT
The SAT consists of two sections – Reading & Writing and Math, while ACT consists of four mandatory sections – English, Math, Reading, Science and an optional essay section.
- Length of the Tests SAT vs. ACT
The SAT is a shorter test that has 98 questions. These questions have to be completed in 2 hours 14 min. ACT on the other hand, has 215 questions to be completed in 2 hours 55 min. The breakdown of questions with allotted time is given in the table –
| SAT Test Format | ACT Test Format | ||||||||
| Sections | Reading & Writing (Module 1) | Reading & Writing (Module 2) | Math (Module 1) | Math (Module 2) | English | Math | Reading | Science | Writing (Optional) |
| No of Questions | 27 | 27 | 22 | 22 | 75 | 60 | 40 | 40 | 1 |
| Time Allotted | 32 min | 32 min | 35 min | 35 min | 45 min | 60 min | 35 min | 35 min | 40 min |
| Duration of Test | 2 hours 14 min | 2 hours 55 min (without the Essay) | |||||||
- SAT vs. ACT Scoring
SAT is scored on a scale of 400 and 1600 and ACT scores are between 1 to 36, which take anywhere between a few days to a couple of weeks to come out after the test date. There is no need to get flustered with this stark difference in the scoring system as colleges have conversion charts to compare both these scores on the same level while reviewing applications. It’s a percentile ranking system and you just need to be in the top percentile to be placed comfortably.
- SAT Reading vs. ACT Reading
SAT Reading – The SAT Reading & Writing have been merged and are a part of the same section now. It has been divided into two modules. The passages in this section of the SAT cover subject areas like –
- Literature
- History/Social Studies
- The Humanities
- Sciences
ACT Reading – ACT, on the contrary, offers ‘Reading’ as one section and ‘English’ as a separate section. The passages in the Reading section of ACT also cover subjects like –
- Social Studies
- Natural Sciences
- Prose Fiction
- The Humanities
The English section in ACT comprises –
- 29-32% of Writing
- 15-17% Knowledge of Language
- 50-55% Conventions of Standard English
| Aspect of the Test | SAT Reading & Writing | ACT Reading and English |
|---|---|---|
| Length of passages | Shorter passages | Longer passages |
| Number of passages | More | Less |
| Passage Topics | More varied | Less varied |
| Reading Level | Slightly higher | Slightly easier |
| Text Type | Prose and may include poetry | Prose only |
| Grammar | Tougher | Easier |
- SAT and ACT Test Prep For Science
ACT Science – ACT has a separate Science section that tests a student’s ability to analyse and interpret scientific data presented in tables, graphs and diagrams, and identify trends, translate tabular data into graphs, interpolate or extrapolate and reason them mathematically. It does not require students to memorise a plethora of scientific facts.
SAT Science – In SAT, a student’s aptitude and skills in Science are assessed in the Reading section. The SAT Reading comprises two Science-based passages, which test the candidates’ ability to interpret data. But Science-like analytical skills of the students are assessed throughout the SAT, without explicitly assessing you on Science, which means that the passages may be based on research studies, graphs etc. but the topics could be across various disciplines.
- SAT vs. ACT Math
Both SAT Math and ACT Math test high-school level Mathematics, but their topics and questions vary in some ways –
SAT Math – The SAT Math syllabus includes Algebra, Advanced Mathematics, Problem-Solving & Data Analysis and Geometry & Trigonometry, with a stronger focus on algebra compared to the ACT. Some higher level concepts like imaginary numbers and complex functions are included, which aren’t a part of the ACT syllabus.
ACT Math – Aside from basic topics like algebra, statistics, geometry and probability, the ACT covers a wider range of topics like number & quantity and functions, with more trigonometry and geometry-based questions that emphasise on visual problem-solving.
| ASPECT | SAT | ACT |
| Range | Smaller range of concepts tested that dive deeper | Wider range of concepts, straightforward questions |
| Content | Mainly algebra, problem-solving & data analysis | Mainly pre-algebra, algebra, geometry & trigonometry |
| Use of Calculators | Two sections – One with calculator and one without Calculator | One section – Calculators can be used throughout |
| Time Allotted | 80 Minutes 58 Questions | 60 Minutes 60 Questions |
| Question Type | Emphasis on word problems and data analysis | Straightforward questions with less emphasis on reading comprehension |
SAT And ACT Test Dates For Coming Months
Both the SAT and ACT are conducted 7 times in a year. We have listed the SAT and ACT test dates for the upcoming months for both U.S. and international students for them to be able to plan either of the tests better.
| SAT Test Date | Deadline for Registration | Result Date |
| 2nd November, 2024 | 18th October, 2024 | 15th November, 2024 |
| 7th December, 2024 | 22nd November, 2024 | 20th December, 2024 |
| 8th March, 2025 | 21st February, 2025 | 21st March, 2025 |
| 3rd May, 2025 | 18th April, 2025 | 16th May, 2025 |
| 7th June, 2025 | 22nd May, 2025 | 20th June, 2025 |
| ACT Date | Deadline for Registration | Result Date |
| 14th December, 2024 | 8th November, 2024 | 24th December, 2024 to 7th February, 2025 |
| 8th February, 2025 | 3rd January, 2025 | 18th February to 4th April, 2025 |
| 5th April, 2025 | 28th February, 2025 | 15th April to 30th May, 2025 |
| 14th June, 2025 | 9th May, 2025 | 24th June to 8th August, 2025 |
| 12th July, 2025 | 6th June, 2025 | 22nd July to 5th September, 2025 |
Choosing Between SAT And ACT
Some of the factors that you should consider before choosing to take one of these exams are –
- Content
- Format
- Test-Taking Preferences
- College Preferences
- Personal Strengths and Weaknesses
- Content – SAT focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, so it is recommended for clever thinkers. If you struggle with Math tests, SAT is easier to prepare for. ACT, on the other hand, emphasises on knowledge on specific content areas particularly in Math and Science. For e.g., if you are strong in geometry, go for ACT.
- Format – SAT Math section includes both multiple-choice and grid-in questions. ACT primarily includes multiple choice questions. Choose as per your preferences. Opt for ACT if you prefer long passages and easier grammar questions. SAT, although has shorter passages, needs a higher reading level and better command over the language.
- Test-Taking Preferences – SAT requires strategic thinking and less memorisation. ACT is more straightforward and requires you to focus on applying knowledge while answering.
- College Preferences – Some colleges prefer one over the other and some may accept either. Check the average accepted scores on SAT or ACT for college admissions into your dream university and work towards it.
- Individual Strengths and Weaknesses – Identify your strengths and weaknesses by taking up SAT and ACT practice tests. It’s wise to consider your academic strengths before choosing between the two. If Math and Science are your strengths, ACT might be a good choice, if your strength lies in reading comprehension and writing, we would recommend SAT for you. Your aim should be to achieve the highest possible score on the test that aligns with your strengths.
Consult with a college advisor or a guidance counsellor on Ascend Now right from the comfort of your homes. Our experienced tutors can weigh your options based on your aptitude, flair and mental faculty and recommend what is best for you. Get personalised advice, custom resources, writing practice, simulated practice exams and get tutored by the best SAT and ACT certified tutors.
