How is the ACT Different from the SAT?

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 

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: 

Read more about: 

• ACT Prep Tips 
• SAT Prep Tips 

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: 

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.