Choosing between two big tests may seem very difficult, but there is nothing to worry about! In case you are thinking of attending college, you must be aware of the SAT and ACT. These examinations are very crucial. Nearly every college is telling you that of either or both. But guess what? They are not the same at all! Knowing the difference between ACT and SAT will help you select the one that suits you.
This is the guide that will inform you about all the things concerning ACT vs SAT in very simple terms.
SAT is a test that is administered by a body known as the College Board. This test started way back in 1926! The SAT determines whether you are a good math and reading student. Your score goes from 400 to 1600.
The ACT came out in 1959. This is the test that is conducted by an alternative company called ACT, Inc. The ACT test looks into the fields of English, Math, Reading and Science. Your score goes from 1 to 36.
The two tests indicate to colleges whether you are able to work in college. The two tests are not superior to each other. They are simply doing things differently.
Something new is happening with ACT vs SAT that you should know about! For a few years, many colleges said you did not need to take these tests. They made them optional. But now, things are changing again!
Lots of really good colleges like MIT, Harvard, and UT Austin are saying students need to take the SAT or ACT again. Why? Since test scores allow them to observe whether the students are prepared to work hard in college.
Although there are some colleges that continue to claim that tests are optional, a good score can go a long way. It shows colleges you worked hard and you are smart!
Good test scores can also help you get scholarships. Scholarships are free money for college! Some schools give thousands of dollars to students with high SAT or ACT scores. That is, your family need not pay so much in college.
Even when a college might tell you that the test is optional, doing it and passing it will save you a huge amount of money, not to mention that your application will appear extremely convincing.
That is the reason why it is so important to comprehend the distinction between ACT and SAT and choose the correct test to take. A good score opens up lots of doors!
A big difference between ACT and SAT is how they are made.
The SAT Exam has two big parts: Math and Reading/Writing. You get to use a calculator for all the math problems! The whole test happens on a computer now.
The ACT Exam has four parts you have to do: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Some schools also want you to do a writing part. In 2025, you can pick if you want to do the ACT on paper or on a computer.
The ACT has a Science part that the SAT does not have. But here's a cool thing - you don't need to remember lots of science facts! The Science part just asks you to read charts and think about experiments.
When you look at ACT vs SAT, the way they count points is really different.
The SAT gives you points for Math (200 to 800) and points for Reading/Writing (200 to 800). Then you add both together. That gives you a number out of 1600. As we are talking about the scores, you must know the Average SAT Score.
The ACT gives each part a score from 1 to 36. Then it adds all four scores and divides by four. That gives you your final score. Like, if you get 28, 30, 26, and 32, your final score is 29.
Colleges have special charts to compare both tests. So don't worry about which one is easier!
Here is another difference between ACT and SAT - how fast you work.
The SAT gives you 134 minutes total. That is a little more than 2 hours. You get lots of time for each question. For math, you get about 95 seconds for every problem!
The ACT is 125 minutes without the writing part. That sounds faster, right? But wait - you need to work super quick! Some ACT parts give you less than one minute per question. The ACT has 215 questions if you do the writing part. The SAT only has 98 questions.
So, should I take the SAT or ACT if I work slowly? The SAT gives you more time, so that might be better for you and if you had prepared well with these easy SAT Prep. Tips, you can do much better.
Kids who love math, listen to this part about ACT vs SAT!
On the SAT, Math is half your whole score! That is 50 percent! If you are really good at math, you can get a high total score.
On the ACT, Math is one of four parts. So it is only 25 percent of your score. If math is hard for you, the ACT lets your other good skills help your score.
Also, the SAT lets you use a calculator for every math question. The ACT has some math where you cannot use a calculator. You have to do it in your head or on paper.
Still thinking, should I take the SAT or ACT? Ask yourself these things:
Are you fast or slow when taking tests? If you are really fast, the ACT is good. If you like taking your time, pick the SAT.
Do you like science and looking at charts? The ACT Science part can help you get a good score if you are good at this stuff.
Are you awesome at math? The SAT cares more about math, so being good at math helps you more.
Do you like tests on paper or computers? Right now, you have to take the SAT on a computer. The ACT will let you choose in 2025.
The best way to pick is to try practice tests for both! See which one feels easier and more fun.
For Indian students who want to study in America, these tests cost a bit. The SAT costs about $131 (approximately ₹11,000 - ₹12,000 INR), a combination of a $68 base fee, a $43 international fee, and GST.
Here's some good news, though! Fee waivers may be offered to some students, reducing the cost of the test or even making it free. Discuss the fees with your school counsellor and see whether you can get the help.
You register for the SAT at collegeboard.org and the Act at act.org. The two tests are administered numerous times annually; you should have ample opportunities! There are test centres in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai within India. You simply need to register a month or so prior to the actual day of the test so that you can receive a seat in the centre of your choice.
Important Note: The fees are subject to change rates and taxes, and therefore, when registering for the digital SAT, be sure to check the actual charges on the official College Board site.
Picking between tests is just one thing about getting ready for college. Kids in grades 9 to 12 have lots of hard choices to make. Sometimes you need to talk to someone who really gets what you are going through.
Mentrovert can help you! Mentrovert is the first place in India that helps students with career questions and mental health. If you feel confused about what the SAT and ACT exams are or are worried about your future, Mentrovert has counsellors who understand.
What makes Mentrovert really cool? They give you one-on-one help online for career stuff and mental health. Their counsellors know all about schools in India. They know that every kid is different and has different dreams.
Mentrovert is really good at helping kids in 10th and 12th grade. These are super important years! They even have free counselling for kids who want to try it or who don't have the money to pay. They also help parents understand what their kids are going through during big tests like board exams, IIT, and NEET.
Getting ready for college tests, choosing between ACT vs SAT, picking what you want to do when you grow up - that's a lot of stuff! Having a mentor who believes in you makes everything better. Mentrovert wants to help you on this exciting trip.
Go to Mentrovert today and get the help you need for a happy future!
Yes! Lots of kids take both tests. Then they see which score is higher. Colleges are happy with either test, so taking both gives you choices.
Nope! Colleges think both tests are the same. They don't care if you take the SAT or ACT. They just want to see if you can do college work.
You can take them as many times as you want! Most kids take them 2 or 3 times to get better scores. Colleges usually look at your best score.
It is also a good idea to begin in high school, 9th or 10th grade. Early practice leaves you time to become good at the difficult parts. The test can be repeated as well, in case you have to do so.
The tests stay about the same. What changes is how you take them - like the SAT being on computers now. The best thing to do is practice with new test papers so you know what to expect.
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