In this article, DIG International will explain the major differences between the SAT and ACT to help you get into the university of your choice in the United States or any other university that accepts either the SAT or ACT for their admissions process! By knowing the differences between the ACT and SAT, you can decide which one suits you better and can prepare for it more smoothly. Let’s get into the school of your choice together!
Table of Contents
What is the SAT?
What is the ACT?
Four Main Differences Between the SAT and ACT.
What is the SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is one of two major standardized tests you can choose from as a component of your college application in the U.S. and for many universities worldwide. The SAT is designed to measure academic ability and is administered by the College Board. The SAT has two main subjects, a reading and writing section and a math section, and the whole exam is scored out of 1600 points (800 possible points for each section). For more detailed information on the SAT, you can visit the College Board’s official website here!
What is the ACT?
Similar to the SAT, the ACT (American College Testing) is the other standardized test one can choose from when applying to colleges in the U.S. and for many institutions worldwide. The test consists of an English, mathematics, reading, and science section with each section having a maximum of 36 possible points. The overall score is calculated by averaging the scores of all sections. For more information on the ACT, please visit the official website here!
Four main differences between the SAT and ACT
The following table shows the differences between the SAT and ACT. While it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the differences between the two tests, it might also be worth considering taking both the SAT and ACT practice tests to help figure out which one suits you more. By finding the exam that you are more comfortable taking, you can then give it your all in preparing for it thoroughly.
More detailed information for each test can be found on their official websites. The ACT website. The SAT website. You can also contact our DIG staff if you have any questions regarding the SAT and ACT here!
As shown by the table above, one major difference between the two standardized tests is that the ACT also has a science section. If you are good at science subjects, it might be worth considering the ACT since it might be easier for you to get a high score. However, it is also important to note that one does not need specific or nuanced scientific knowledge to score well in the science section. All of the information that is needed to answer the questions are given. It is more of a test of how well you can analyze and interpret data.
Another major difference for test-takers outside of the U.S. is the significant cost difference between the ACT and SAT. The cost of the ACT is almost double the cost of the SAT. The costs of the tests may affect the number of times you can afford to retake the test depending on your financial situation. You can take the SAT twice for essentially the cost of one ACT so keep that in mind when deciding!
In any case, each testing location has a fixed number of available seats for test-takers so be sure to register for your exam as soon as possible! It is also important to note that while there is a lot of pressure to get a high score on the SAT or ACT, the reality is that this is just one component of your college application. Your score on the SAT or ACT alone will not guarantee acceptance or rejection from the school of your choice. Getting a high score does not mean you can slack off with your school grades or your extracurriculars, but getting a high score may help make up for a weaker component in your application. Whatever situation you may be in, continue doing your best in everything that you will show to your school of choice!
For those of you who are
Still not sure whether to take the SAT or ACT;
Still wondering how to prepare for the SAT or ACT;
Still unsure how to register for an SAT/ACT account;
Still unsure how to find a test center or how to register for the test;
Wanting to study abroad, but don’t know which foreign university you want to attend,
please feel free to contact DIG International here and we will provide you with thorough support!
Also, for those of you who may already have these questions answered but want to take classes to fully prepare you for the SAT/ACT, consider checking out our SAT preparatory course. We recommend connecting with one of our staff here to assist you with any questions you may have!