ACT

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.

The average math score for the ACT is 20.7, so anything higher than this is above average. However, at times above average may not be enough to get into a good college. Anything above 30 or more is a good math score.

The ACT test is a pen-paper test while the SAT is now digital. Students have to attempt questions on OMR sheets provided at their respective test centres, but those appearing for SAT can appear on their own laptops, iPads or Chromebooks. The new pattern of SAT exam is also different from that of ACT. For more details check out How is ACT Different from SAT?