Your Quick & Easy Guide to the SAT and ACT Exams for US Universities

Do you want to study abroad in the United States? Maybe you’re wondering about the difference between SAT and ACT exams and asking yourself, ‘Should I take the SAT or ACT’? Whether you are living in the United States or on the other side of the world, students who wish to attend an American college should consider taking either the ACT or SAT exam. Your scores influence not only the admissions decision, but also your chances of earning merit-based scholarships like athletics-based scholarships.

As you learn more about the ACT vs SAT, you’ll find that many colleges don’t give preference to one test over another, and students can choose to take both, or even just one. Statistics indicate that, on average, close to 2.2 million aspiring students complete the SAT while 1.7 million opt for the ACT. The objective of these tests is to evaluate a student’s college readiness, and this is achieved through different scoring systems. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know so that you know exactly how to study for the SAT and ACT!

Let’s Talk About Some Basic Details

While some parts of the tests, such as the difficulty level, are similar, there is more than one difference between SAT and ACT exams. The best way to know how to study for the SAT and ACT is by taking full-length practice tests to assess your capabilities. You’ll develop an understanding of how you’ll score percentile-wise and how well you handle the time pressure. Testing your knowledge and determining the questions you’re likely to find the most challenging will give you a better chance at preparing and scoring well. Now, let’s look at some details between the ACT vs SAT that will help you when you are wondering, ‘Should I take the SAT or ACT?’.

• Time Length: The SAT length is typically 3 hours, and the ACT is similarly 2 hours and 55 minutes. The ACT may include an additional 40 minutes for the optional writing test.
• Exam Length: Expect to answer 154 questions for the SAT while the ACT has 215 questions and one optional essay.
• Essay Section: In the ACT, you have the option of whether or not to complete the essay section. Although most colleges don’t require the essay, it is recommended that you take it. The extra data point could help your application. The ACT essay presents complex issues and tests how well you can evaluate and analyze them.
• Reading Section: The reading section in the SAT has five sections while the ACT has four.
• Science Section: The SAT does not have a separate section for science knowledge, but the ACT does. This section is designed to test your critical thinking abilities and not your specific knowledge of the concepts. If you’re taking the SAT, expect to answer science-related questions incorporated throughout the test.
• Math Section: Both tests have a math section covering arithmetic, algebra I and II, trigonometry, and geometry. However, while the SAT evaluates your data analysis skills, the ACT has questions on probability and statistics.
• Scoring: SAT scores are calculated from 400 to 1600, whereas ACT scores are added up from 1 to 36. There are charts which show you how these scores can roughly compare to each other.
• Cost: The cost of the two tests are very similar. The SAT is $55 with additional fees for international test-takers. The ACT fee is $60, and $85 with the optional essay portion.

To further understand the difference between SAT and ACT exams, you should know that both tests are divided differently. The SAT breaks down sections into timed portions, like the Reading Test that takes 65 minutes, the Writing and Language Test that takes 35 minutes, and the 80-minute Math Section. On the other hand, the ACT has a 35-minute Reading Test, a 35-minute Science Test, and an English Test that takes 45 minutes. The ACT’s Math Section requires 60 minutes to complete.

SAT or ACT - Your Choice as an International Student

Deciding on ACT vs SAT scores is a critical part of your candidacy as a study abroad applicant, and many international students choose the test they wish to take according to their proficiency. 

As the core subject areas of both exams are English, Reading, Math, and Science- focus on your strengths in these areas when planning on how to study for the SAT and ACT. If you belong to a non-English speaking country and hope to study abroad or train in a youth economic opportunity program, you might have to take the TOEFL iBT® test.

Between the ACT vs SAT exams, the latter is the most popular choice internationally. If you wish to take the test in your home country, you might find that there are more locations and dates available for the SAT. On the other hand, the ACT is known to be less linguistically-focused. If English isn’t your first language, the ACT’s greater emphasis on mathematics and critical thinking might better showcase your ability.

You Can Choose to Take the Test Multiple Times 

When sending an application to your preferred college, you can choose to send the scores that are likely to give you a maximum chance of getting accepted. This system is called 'Score Choice'. Keep in mind that some colleges expect to see all the test scores you’ve taken. 

To raise your odds of acceptance, check the average scores of the school where you’re applying. Calculating the 75th percentile SAT score for successful candidates will give you an estimate of the expected scores. Many colleges release the average scores of accepted applicants, so getting the information for ACT vs SAT exams at a school should be easy. There may be some difference between SAT and ACT scores at a school to give you a clue on which to focus. While you do have the option of sending in multiple scores, know that the school “superscores” your results. They’ll calculate the highest composite score by adding up your highest scores in each section. 

So, as you ask yourself, ‘Should I take the SAT or ACT?’, consider the small differences carefully! Getting good scores on either exam takes time and careful planning. You might want to start prepping on how to study for the SAT and ACT exams well in advance of college application submission dates and ensure you attach impressive scores to maximize your chances of getting a coveted acceptance letter.

About the Author

Pocket Prep believes that test prep should be affordable, accessible, and engaging for everyone. For close to a decade, the Pocket Prep team has been dedicated to providing the most effective, convenient, and engaging test prep for more than 100 standardized exams.