Table of Contents
Overview
Framework of the Paper
Exam Content Guide
General Tips
Overview
As many students might be confused about the SAT and ACT exams, this article serves just that purpose. SAT stands for Scholastic Aptitude Test, and ACT stands for American College Testing. Before discussing the differences, let us explore the similarities between these two exams. Both tests are standardized exams used for college admissions in the United States of America. They are treated equally by colleges and universities in the United States, so the decision of which exam to take depends on the student. It is advisable that students take both tests initially to determine which aligns better with their strengths and interests.
Framework of the Paper
SAT | ACT |
Online testing method | Paper based test |
Two subjects- English and math | Three subjects- English, math, science |
Max marks:1600 marks | Max marks:36 points |
2 Hours 14 minutes | 2 Hours 55 minutes |
98 questions | 215 questions |
Exam Content Guide
The SAT is made up of two subjects: English reading and writing, and Math. The ACT, on the other hand, includes English, math, and science questions. There is a writing section that became optional for the SAT in 2016 but was discontinued in 2021. The essay section is offered only in specific states where it is mandatory for SAT School Day administrations. If you plan to take the SAT at school, consult your counselor to find out if the essay section will be included. For the ACT, if students believe that the college they want to apply to requires the essay section, they should take it; otherwise, they can opt out. The exam pattern in the SAT focuses more on command of evidence and quantitative questions, while the ACT includes more graphs and charts.
Since the SAT has gone online, it has introduced a new feature: adaptiveness. The SAT has two modules, and your performance on the first module will determine the difficulty level of the second module. With more difficult questions come more points, and less difficult questions carry fewer points. This can be both advantageous and disadvantageous, as it encourages students to strive for higher marks, but if the first module is not performed well, achieving full marks becomes impossible. The ACT, being a paper-based test, is linear, and the difficulty level of all questions is predetermined.
The math syllabus for the two tests differs slightly. The ACT covers a broader curriculum, focusing mainly on geometry and trigonometry, while the SAT's math curriculum is more specific, with an emphasis on algebra. The English reading section of the SAT comprises short passages that answer one question each, while the ACT English section includes full-page passages that answer multiple questions at a time.
Overall, both tests are competitive and push students out of their comfort zones. Serving as entrance tests to some of the most prominent universities and colleges, the SAT and ACT live up to their reputations. Ultimately, it is up to the student to decide which test to take.
The ACT, on the other hand, includes English, Math, and Science questions. There is a writing section that became optional for the SAT in 2016 but was discontinued in 2021. The Essay section is offered only in specific states where it is mandatory for SAT School Day administrations. If you plan to take the SAT at school, consult your counselor to find out if the Essay section will be included. For the ACT, if students believe that the college they want to apply to requires the essay section, they should take it; otherwise, they can opt out. The exam pattern in the SAT focuses more on command of evidence and quantitative questions, while the ACT includes more graphs and charts.
Since the SAT has gone online, it has introduced a new feature: adaptiveness. The SAT has two modules, and your performance on the first module will determine the difficulty level of the second module. With more difficult questions come more points, and less difficult questions carry fewer points. This can be both advantageous and disadvantageous, as it encourages students to strive for higher marks, but if the first module is not performed well, achieving full marks becomes impossible. The ACT, being a paper-based test, is linear, and the difficulty level of all questions is predetermined.
The Math syllabus for the two tests differs slightly. The ACT covers a broader curriculum, focusing mainly on geometry and trigonometry, while the SAT's math curriculum is more specific, with an emphasis on algebra. The English reading section of the SAT comprises short passages that answer one question each, while the ACT English section includes full-page passages that answer multiple questions at a time.
Overall, both tests are competitive and push students out of their comfort zones. Serving as entrance tests to some of the most prominent universities and colleges, the SAT and ACT live up to their reputations. Ultimately, it is up to the student to decide which test to take.
However, here are some general tips to help you decide:
General Tips
If you tend to take longer on standardized tests, the SAT provides more time per question, allowing you to thoroughly think about each one.
If you are not a strong reader or tend to lose focus quickly, the SAT might be a better choice for you, as it has shorter passages, which could be easier to manage.
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