SAT vs. ACT 2024: Which Exam Should You Choose?

The SAT and ACT exams are imperative for admission to undergraduate programs at prestigious universities in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and other well-known study abroad locations. Colleges use these standardized tests as a benchmark to assess a student’s aptitude and willingness for admission to an undergraduate program. Furthermore, gaining merit-based scholarships at esteemed universities frequently depends heavily on one’s SAT and ACT results.

The purpose of both tests is to evaluate a student’s knowledge and abilities, but they differ in terms of format, subject matter, and scoring guidelines. Understanding these differences is crucial for students who want to make well-informed decisions that complement their preferences and areas of strength.

This MSM Unify blog explores the subtle differences between SAT vs ACT, providing a detailed comparison of the two exams. This blog aims to shed light on the intricacies of these tests to help all aspirants navigate the testing process smoothly.

 

SAT vs ACT differences 

Area of difference	SAT	ACT
Full form	Scholastic Assessment Test	American College Testing
Year of introduction	1926	1959
Who administers it?	College Board	ACT
Duration	180 minutes	175 minutes without writing And additional 40 minutes for writing the test
Score	400 to 1600	1 to 36
Test sections	·   Reading ·   Writing and language ·   Maths	·   English ·   Maths ·   Reading ·   Science ·   Writing (optional)
Frequency of test (every year)	7 times	·   5 times around the world ·   7 times in the US
Use of calculator	The calculator can be used in SAT exams on the portion of the test labeled Math Test – Calculator.Â	The calculator can be used in ACT exams
Exam mode	Pen and paper-based	Computer-based
Test fees	USD 103	USD 181 without writing and USD 206 with writing

 

 

What is the ACT exam?

The ACT, or American College Testing, is a standardized entrance exam for universities in the U.S. It is employed to assess undergraduate applicants.
ACT test results are accepted by colleges and universities not only in the USA but also in the UK, Canada, Germany, and Italy. The ACT is also accepted by more than 200 universities outside of the United States. 

The test assesses your proficiency in English, math, reading, science reasoning, and essay (optional).

There are a total of 215 questions in the ACT exam, and the average time per question is 49 seconds. The components are mentioned below. The order of sections in the ACT exam are: English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing which is an optional section.

Sections	No. of questions	Time	Test details
English	75	45 minutes	It is more inclined towards questions that deal with grammar and idiomatic language.
Math	60	60 minutes	It covers topics of arithmetic, algebra I & II, geometry, trigonometry, and probability & statistics.
Reading	40	35 minutes	It tests the vocabulary and understanding of a candidate. There are four reading passages in ACT.
Science	40	35 minutes	Unlike the SAT, the ACT has an entire section to check a candidate’s scientific aptitude.
Writing (optional)	1 prompt	40 minutes	It measures writing skills.

 

What is the SAT exam?

The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test for college admission in the United States. Numerous other nations, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, choose to use the SAT scores in addition to the USA. In the United States, all four-year colleges use the SAT for undergraduate admissions.

The exam evaluates the aptitude and probability of joining a university program. It evaluates your proficiency in language, critical reading, and math.

Also read: Tips For Earning the Highest SAT Score 

 There are a total of 154 questions in the SAT exam. The components are mentioned below. The SAT exam has 65 minutes assigned to the Reading section, 35 minutes for the Writing and Language section, and 80 minutes for the Math section. The order of sections in the SAT exam are reading, writing & language, math without a calculator, and math with a calculator section.

Section	No. of questions	Duration	Test details
Reading	72	65	It tests the vocabulary and understanding of a candidate. There are five reading passages in the SAT.
Writing and Language	44	35	It is more inclined towards questions that deal with writing style and passage structure,
Maths	58 (Calculator portion- 38 No-calculator portion- 20)	80	It covers arithmetic, geometry, algebra I & II, trigonometry, and data analysis.

Tip: Negative marking is not applied to incorrect responses. So, answer as many questions as possible.

 

ACT score vs SAT score comparison

Both exams have different band scores. The table below shows the conversion of these two exams.

SAT Score Range	ACT Score Range (Approx. value)
590-610	9
620-640	10
650-680	11
690-720	12
730-770	13
780-820	14
830-870	15
880-910	16
920-950	17
960-980	18
990-1020	19
1030-1050	20
1060-1090	21
1100-1120	22
1130-1150	23
1160-1190	24
1200-1220	25
1230-1250	26
1260-1290	27
1300-1320	28
1330-1350	29
1360-1380	30
1390-1410	31
1420-1440	32
1450-1480	33
1490-1520	34
1530-1560	35
1570-1600	36

 Also read: 3 Tips To Improve Your SAT or ACT Score

 

SAT vs ACT fees

Fee type	SAT	ACT
Registration with essay	USD 68	USD 70
Registration without essay	USD 52	USD 70
Later registration	USD 30	USD 35
Change fee (test center change of test date change)	USD 30	USD 35
Additional score reports*	USD 12 for each report	USD 13 for each report

*There is no charge for the first four score reports. Reports that are requested after the first four will be charged.

Please note: The examination fees listed here are subject to change and are at the discretion of conducting bodies. For the latest updates, check the official website before applying.

 

SAT vs ACT: Which is easier?

There is no definitive answer to the question of ACT vs SAT, which is easier. Candidates are free to select the exam of their choice, though it is advised that they choose the one that is most appropriate for them. Candidates who are strong in Maths and Science can opt for the ACT exam, while candidates who are good in Maths, Reading and English can choose the SAT exam.

 Factors to consider before choosing the exam:

• Exam syllabus
• Time constraint
• Prior knowledge level

Read on Why You Should Take Both SAT and ACT?