How is the ACT Different from the SAT?
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While both ACT and SAT are standardised tests required for UG admissions abroad, they vary greatly. ACT and SAT are very different from each other in terms of scoring, pattern, syllabus, and testing modules. ACT is a longer duration test while SAT is shorter than ACT by just 41 minutes. Thus, ACT is different from SAT, let us understand more about this in this article.
ACT and SAT are standardized tests which are conducted to assess the knowledge and understanding of high school pass-outs applying for admissions abroad. Since most US universities and even Canadian universities prefer assessing international undergrads through ACT or SAT scores, it makes it mandatory for students to choose between ACT and SAT. With SAT going Digital last year, ACT and SAT have a few common things but vary majorly on different parameters. Check out New SAT Format 2024: Difference Between Old and New SAT Format
ACT vs SAT Highlights
| What are ACT & SAT |
Standardized Tests |
| Accepted for |
Undergraduate admissions abroad |
| Accepted in Countries of |
USA, Canada and the UK |
| Tests |
High school knowledge |
| Major Subjects Tested |
Math & English |
| How many attempts for ACT annually? |
12 |
| Total attempts for SAT annually |
No restrictions |
| Assessments at universities |
Made unbiased despite ACT or SAT score submission |
How is the ACT Different from the SAT?
Though both ACT and SAT are standardized tests aiming to assess high school students’ knowledge in various subjects of Maths and English, ACT varies greatly with the new Digital SAT exam. Check out how the ACT differs from the SAT:
- ACT assesses students in English, Maths and Science, but SAT excludes Science sections.
- The ACT exam is conducted on computers at centres while SAT Digital is conducted on students’ own laptops, Chromebooks or iPads at the SAT exam centre.
- Though SAT Digital has reduced its test hour by an hour, ACT still has a longer duration of testing in comparison to SATs by almost 41 minutes.
- ACT has fewer breaks between its different sections there is a 10-minute break in between the Reading & Math section and another 5 minutes before attempting the Writing section. SAT gives a 10-minute break after each module of each section.
- ACT gives the option for choosing the writing section. If chosen there is a fee else there is an ACT fee. Whereas, there is no essay or writing section available for Indian students on the SATs.
- ACT scores and results are released within a few weeks while SAT scores and results are released within a couple of days.
- Lastly, it is believed that ACT is a more curriculum-based test whereas the SAT moreover tests the student’s aptitude.
So those international students who have confidence in the ACT syllabus more than the SAT syllabus can opt for appearing for the ACT exam. Check out the latest SAT Exam Dates and ACT Exam Dates.
ACT vs SAT Common Parameters
In continuation to the above section, the following section throws more light on the important aspects of ACT and SAT, which may help students in choosing ACT or SAT:
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| Parameters |
ACT Exam |
SAT Digital Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Taken by Students in 2022 |
1.35 million |
1.7 million |
| Conducting Body |
ACT |
College Board |
| Full Form |
American College Testing |
Scholastic Assessment Test |
| Registration Fees for Indian Students |
ACT Registration Fee: INR 15,861.92 (without writing) INR 20,114.44 (with writing) |
SAT Registration Fee: INR 11,124 (approx) |
| Exam Duration |
2 hours 55 minutes |
2 hours 14 minutes |
| Conducted Annually |
14 times across 7 months |
7 times |
| Mode of Conduction |
Online |
Digital |
| Exam Syllabus |
ACT Syllabus: English Math Science Reading Writing (Optional) |
SAT Syllabus: Reading & Writing (RW) + Maths |
| Overall Score |
1 - 36 |
400 - 1600 |
| Scores Released |
Within 2 weeks |
Within 10 - 13 days |
Read more about:
Similarities in the ACT and SAT Exam
Despite numerous differences between the two standardized tests for undergraduate exams, there are still a few commonalities between the ACT and the SAT, read the following section for more details:
- Both ACT and SAT are tested at test centres despite one being offline and the other being online respectively. Read about: ACT Test Centres
- Both ACT and SAT students in Math and English subjects.
- There are MCQs with four options in all sections of the ACT and SAT.
- Also, calculators for the Math sections of both the ACT and SAT are allowed during the exams.
- Students submitting either ACT or SAT would be assessed unbiased and will be treated equally to each other.
ACT vs SAT Score Conversions
Since the ACT is considered equivalent to the SAT, students who submit either of the test scores can qualify in the following range:
| ACT Composite Score |
SAT Digital Score Range |
ACT Composite Score |
SAT Digital Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 |
1600 |
35 |
1560-1590 |
| 34 |
1520-1550 |
33 |
1490-1510 |
| 32 |
1450-1480 |
31 |
1420-1440 |
| 30 |
1390-1410 |
29 |
1350-1380 |
| 28 |
1310-1340 |
27 |
1280-1300 |
| 26 |
1240-1270 |
25 |
1200-1230 |
| 24 |
1160-1190 |
23 |
1130-1150 |
| 22 |
1100-1120 |
21 |
1060-1090 |
| 20 |
1020-1050 |
19 |
980-1010 |
| 18 |
940-970 |
17 |
900-930 |
| 16 |
860-890 |
15 |
810-850 |
| 14 |
760-800 |
13 |
720-750 |
| 12 |
630-710 |
11 |
560-620 |
| 10 |
640-620 |
09 |
610-590 |
Check out: SAT Cutoff
With the latest score range for the SAT exam, the conversion has also been updated as per the ACT scoring scale. The applicants can refer to this table in case they have given a certain exam and want to convert it to another exam's scale of scoring.
How ACT Differs from SAT?: Conclusion
To conclude, about how the ACT is different from the SAT, there are just these key pointers:
- There is an optional essay section on ACT which has been scrapped from SAT Digital.
- The Maths section on ACT holds 25% score on ACT since it is one of the four major sections of testing. In comparison to the SAT, where Math section holds 50% of the exam's weightage.
- While ACT gives applicants flexibility to change answers, SAT is not as flexible.
- ACT is both pencil and paper test and digital, whereas, SAT is only digital.
- ACT scores are not capped irrespective of the applicant's performance. But SAT can cap scores based on performance on first few questions, since it is computer adaptive.
- Finally, ACT is shorter than SAT which is even more beneficial for the test takers.
In the end, it's up to the students which exam suits them the most in terms of their previous knowledge. If the student’s Science and Maths are strong, they can think of appearing for the ACT and those who have strong points in the aptitude section can apply for the SAT exam.
Q: Is ACT easier than SAT?
There is no such comparison that can be drawn between ACT or SAT difficulty levels. While ACT focuses more on Maths section plus Reading and Writing with an analytical bend, SAT on the other hand is more about understanding and then answering the questions of Math & Reading + Writing. The difficulty of the exams depends upon the applicant's preparation and what choice they make between ACT or SAT. It is all about the applicant's knowledge and how he/she perceives the test they wish to take.
Q: Is Digital SAT harder than SAT?
Irrespective of the version of SAT exam, the difficulty level is more or less the same. So Digital SAT is not harder or less challenging than the previous SAT exam format. The new SAT online exam has definitely seen positive changes becasue of which it is being considered easier than previous SAT version. Some of the reasons are:
- Timing has reduced for SAT Digital by 46 minutes.
- There are no different Reading and Writing tests, it is a combined section.
- Use of calculators is permitted for all Maths questions.
- Since SAT has gone digital, SAT online exam is now comouter adaptive, which was impossible previously on pen-paper format.
Thus, these are some of the key takeaways which make SAT Digital slightly easier than previous version of the SAT exam.
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Is ACT maths syllabus easier than SAT?
Students who hold a strong hand in math and Science might find ACT math easier than SAT. Math in the ACT includes charts, graphs, and formulas and it's straightforward. Plus, maths section includes algebra, geometry, functions, etc. All major topics are tested as part of the ACT Math section syllabus. International students can prepare for ACT math syllabus based on class XII. However, SAT Math syllabus is though similar but the questions are more analytical in nature in comparison to ACT math syllabus.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: How good is the University of Chester (UK)?
University of Chester is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs.Below are some reasons why University of Chester is good:
Academics: The University of Chester offers over 200 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programs to international students. The University of Chester University offers undergraduate major and minor courses. Students can also pursue master’s or doctoral programs at the University of Chester University.
Location of the university - The University of is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives University of Chester students an additional mark to study at University of Chester.
Ranking: Many global ranking sources like THE (Times Higher Education), etc., have ranked University of Chester among the top universities in the world since 2021. These bodies consistently rank it among the top universities in UK.
Fees: : The cost of attending University of Chester for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at University of Chester are typically higher than for Uk citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending University of Chester.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
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