ACT

The preparation for SAT and ACT depends on the applicants and how they plan to work on their syllabus. For those, who wish to submit either SAT or ACT scores will have to first check what suits them the best and then begin their preparations. The SAT preparation may seem easier for those who are more inclined towards reading and logical reasoning. Whereas, those who have a practical plus logical bent of mind will find ACT exam preparation easier. But again the ease of preparation completely depends on the applicant and on his/her previous knowledge. 

The ACT is faster paced. It has a Science section which SAT does not have. The SAT gives you more time per question but the math is trickier. If you are good at quick reading, pick ACT. Try a practice test for both. See which one feels easier for your brain.

The applicants must choose the standardised test for undergraduate admissions based on his or her choice. The only way to choose SAT or ACT is to first check their syllabus and exam pattern, understand which one is easier for you and then decide on one. Begin your preparation for SAT or ACT based on your research and knowledge and do attempt mocks before appearing for the main exam on the designated test date. 

The SAT tests students in the areas of English and Mathematics. There is no separate writing and Science sections on the SATs. But Science is tested in the reading passages of SAT rather than a separate and dedicated section. 

On the other hand, ACT tests students in the areas of English, Maths, Science and Reading. In this case, the Science section is a separate one unlike the SAT exam. The sections are four and tested on ACT with some time gaps between each section.

International students must aim for an ACT score of 17 or higher and a SAT score of 930 or higher for UNC-Chapel Hill admission. However, the university offers test options for standardized test scores for undergraduate admission. Also, it is mandatory to submit for students with lower than 2.8 GPA. In addition, undergraduate students must prove their eligibility by holding a secondary school report and submitting crucial documents including letters of recommendation, official transcripts and school reports, and English language proficiency.

For the 2025 college application cycle, a good ACT score generally falls around 24 or higher, with scores in the 28-32 range considered excellent for highly competitive institutions. 

Yes, if the applicant feels that they have been marked incorrectly on a correctly answered question on the ACT exam, they can raise a request for score verification. For this they will have to fill up a pdf form and attach a cheque for ACT Customer Support. Once the form is submitted, the applicant's responses will be checked as per the correct score key and match the answers, in case of essay also, they would be evaluated by independent plus qualified readers to check if assessment was done correctly. In case the scores increase or even if they decrease the applicant would get a new score from ACT in both cases.

No, ACT exam syllabus does not change frequently. The ACT syllabus has been the same for some time now and last minute changes are also out of question. Thus, whatever is given officially for ACT syllabus is final and students will be tested in and around the proposed topics only. There is nothing that is tested out of ACT syllabus. Thus, students must prepare for the exam keeping the ACT syllabus handy.

The ACT syllabus coverage timeline depends upon the student's previous knowledge. Some of those who have a good academic background and excelled in Maths can cover the Maths syllabus in a few weeks time, same goes for Science students. For English syllabus, it is a process and needs practice regularly to crack the section also includes Maths in this regard. Thus, overall a student should dedicate a month or two for the ACT exam preparation to be able to fully cover the ACT syllabus and practice as well.

If you want to do engineering, aim for a 30 or higher. For regular arts courses, a score of 25 to 27 is good enough. It depends on the college you apply to. Strong math scores help your total marks a lot. Practice geometry problems to boost the score.