SAT vs. ACT: What Are the Major Differences?

SAT and ACT are tests used specifically in US education, therefore this text is focused accordingly. Before a student goes to college, he or she must take some type of assessment test, usually given during the last year of high school. Students may choose either one of these two tests.

Difference Between the SAT and the ACT

There is a difference between SAT and ACT tests and the one you take may depend on what part of the country you live in and which college you plan to attend. Understanding the differences can help you make the right choice to get you started on your college education.

SAT

The SAT is a content-based test that covers a variety of topics, including reading, math, grammar, context and analytical writing. The questions are given in several steps and are context and evidence-based.

Each section is timed, with 65 minutes for reading, 25 minutes for calculator math, 55 minutes for non-calculator math, 35 minutes for writing and language and 50 minutes for essay writing. Scoring is done on a scale of 200 to 800 there are two graded sections, adding up to a score of 400 to 1600.

You will not lose points for incorrect questions and the test increases in difficulty as you go. You can choose which scores to give to the colleges you’re applying to. The SAT is given four times per year and is most common on the East Coast and in private schools.

Differences Between GRE & GMAT

ACT

Both are content-based tests but one area of difference between the SAT and ACT is on the subjects covered. The ACT covers math, grammar, reading, science, and writing. The timed test is broken into segments, with the allotted times being 45 minutes for English, 60 minutes for math, 35 minutes for reading, 35 minutes for science and 40 minutes for writing.

Test scores are between 1 and 36, with the total being an average score among four test sections. You do not lose points for incorrect answers and are able to give your chosen set of scores to the colleges you’re applying to. The test questions are usually straightforward and are sometimes long, but simple to decipher.

The difficulty of the test questions in random and the ACT is offered six times per year. All United States colleges accept ACT scores, but they are most commonly used in public schools, the Midwest and the South.

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Let’s take a look at the key ways as to how the SAT and ACT differ:

Parameters of Comparison	SAT	ACT
Calculated scores	200 to 800 in 2 sections	1 to 36 in four sections
Question difficulty	Gets harder as you go	Random
How often can you take it	Four times per year	Six times per year
Where is it most popular	East Coast, private schools	Midwest and South, public schools
Can you choose scores to share	Yes	Yes
Subjects covered	Reading, math, writing and language, essay writing	English, math, reading, science, writing
How long is the test	Just under 4 hours	About 3 ½ hours

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