SAT vs ACT Test: Know the Key Differences and Which is Easier

SAT vs ACT Test: Know the Key Differences and Which is Easier

Edited By Jasmine | Updated on Jun 04, 2025 10:39 AM IST

When preparing to study abroad, several students face a common confusion about whether to appear for the SAT or ACT exam. One of the most crucial admissions requirements to study abroad is the SAT or ACT scores. Both of these standardized tests evaluate the candidate’s abilities and skills required to study in USA. These exams assess the high school knowledge of the candidate to assess their preparation for further studies. However, there are major differences between the SAT and ACT exams. According to a report by the US News, the SAT exam was taken by approximately 1.97 million test takers in 2024 whereas 1.37 million test takers took the ACT in 2024. This data elaborates on how popular both the SAT and ACT exams are. When it comes to standardized tests, the SAT emphasizes vocabulary and abstract reasoning, while the ACT emphasizes grammar and punctuation. Both tests cover similar math topics, but the SAT involves more advanced areas like trigonometry and higher-level algebra. Ultimately, deciding between the SAT and ACT depends on what you prefer and what the colleges or universities you are aiming for require. Read along to understand the difference between the SAT vs ACT.

This Story also Contains
  1. SAT vs ACT Highlights
  2. Difference Between ACT and SAT Exam Patterns
  3. SAT vs ACT Fees
  4. SAT vs ACT: Score Comparison
  5. SAT to ACT Conversion Chart 2025
  6. Which is Easier SAT or ACT?
SAT vs ACT Test: Know the Key Differences and Which is Easier
SAT vs ACT Test: Know the Key Differences and Which is Easier

SAT vs ACT Highlights

Particulars

SAT

ACT

Test Pattern

  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

  • Math

  • English

  • Math

  • Reading

  • Science Reasoning

  • Essay (Optional)

Test Format

Digital

Pen and paper

Duration

2 hours, 14 minutes

  • 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)

  • 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)

Scores

400-1600

1-36

Fees

$130.98

$186.50

Reading and Writing Section

2 modules

4 reading passages + 1 optional essay

Science Section

No

Yes

Number of Questions

98

215

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Difference Between ACT and SAT Exam Patterns

Even though both the standardized exams assess the preparation of the candidate for higher education in USA, the exam pattern differs for both the SAT and ACT exams. SAT vs ACT based on their exam pattern is mentioned below.

SAT Exam Pattern

The SAT test pattern is a fully digital setup that includes 98 questions assessing Reading & Writing and Math sections. The duration for the SAT exam is 2 hours and 14 minutes. The exam assesses the following topics.

SAT Syllabus

SAT Test Section

SAT Syllabus

Reading & Writing

Craft ad structure, information and ideas, standard English conventions, and expressions of ideas

Math

Algebra, advanced maths, problem solving, data analysis, geometry, trigonometry

ACT Exam Pattern

The ACT test pattern is a pen and paper setup that includes 215 questions assessing English, Reading, Science and Math sections. There is an optional Essay question as well. The duration for the ACT exam is 2 hours and 55 minutes.

ACT Syllabus

ACT Test Section

ACT Syllabus

English

Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure

Math

Algebra, geometry, trigonometry

Reading

4 long passages, detail and inference-based questions

Science

Charts, experiments, and scientific reasoning

SAT vs ACT Fees

While comparing the two exams, a popular distinction is the fees. The registration fees for both the SAT and ACT differ.

SAT Exam Fees

The SAT exam fees for Indian students are as follows:

Particulars

Exam Fee (in USD)

Exam Fee (in INR)

Total SAT exam fee

130.98

11,180

Late registration fee

34

2,900

Change the SAT test centre

29

2,475

SAT Exam cancellation fee

29

2,475

Late cancellation fee

39

3,330

ACT Exam Fees

The ACT exam fees for Indian students are as follows:

Details

Fees in USD

Fees in INR

ACT exam fees

186.50

15,920

ACT exam fees with optional essay

211.50

18,050

Late Registration

38

3,245

Test option change

25

2,135

Standby testing

68

5,805

Test Date Change or Test Center Change

44

3,755

Additional Score Reports

18

1,535

Score Verification

58

4,950

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SAT vs ACT: Score Comparison

The ACT and SAT are both standardized tests used for college admissions, but they have different scoring systems. Understanding these differences can help students decide between ACT vs SAT and which test suits them best.

Particulars

SAT

ACT

Total Score

400-1600

1-36

Good Score Range

1400-1500

31-35

SAT to ACT Conversion Chart 2025

The SAT score and ACT score ranges vary. Therefore, the following conversion chart elaborates on the SAT and ACT score equivalents.

SAT Score

ACT Score

610-590

9

640-620

10

680-650

11

720-690

12

770-730

13

820-780

14

870-830

15

910-880

16

950-920

17

980-960

18

1020-990

19

1050-1030

20

1090-1060

21

1120-1100

22

1150-1130

23

1190-1160

24

1220-1200

25

1250-1230

26

1290-1260

27

1320-1300

28

1350-1330

29

1380-1360

30

1410-1390

31

1440-1420

32

1480-1450

33

1520-1490

34

1560-1530

35

1600-1570

36

Which is Easier SAT or ACT?

Both the ACT and SAT are popular exams when preparing to study abroad. To decide which is easier between the SAT and ACT depends on your personal strengths and preferences. The average difficulty of the questions on both tests is quite similar. The following points will help you make a better decision between ACt test vs SAT test.

  • Format: You can take the ACT in both paper and computer formats, while the SAT is exclusively online.

  • Test Emphasis: The SAT focuses on analysis and deep interpretation in reading and writing, along with complex math, while the ACT covers a broader range of subjects in reading, math, and science, requiring a more straightforward approach to answering questions.

  • Digital Format: The new Digital SAT gives you 43% more time per question compared to the old SAT and 68% more than the ACT, which can help ease the pressure of time constraints.

  • Superscoring: The ACT allows for superscoring, which means you can combine your highest scores from different attempts. This can help increase low sectional scores without needing to retake the whole test.

  • Science Section: The ACT includes a science section, which is great for STEM students however SAT does not offer the same.

  • Writing Section: The ACT has an optional writing section, giving students a chance to highlight their writing abilities, which can set them apart in college applications.

Try taking practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to see which one is better based on your strengths and preferences. This will help you understand the format and style of both SAT and ACT exams better.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the SAT harder than the ACT?

The difficulty level of both the SAT and ACT exams varies based on each student's unique strengths and weaknesses. Neither test is harder than the other, as they cover similar topics. Some students might find the ACT to be more straightforward. A great way to figure out which test suits you better is to take practice exams for both and see which suits your skills.

2. Does Harvard prefer SAT or ACT?

Harvard University does not have a specific preference between the SAT and ACT exams. You can use either of the two standardised tests to fulfill the admission requirement. If you can not take either of the exams, you can submit AP exam results, IB scores, GCSE/A-Level results, or even national leaving exam results.

3. Is a 1200 a good SAT score?

Yes, 1200 is considered a good SAT score. It is an above average score that can help you get admitted to a wide range of institutions.

4. What ACT score is needed for MIT?

The average ACT score at MIT is 35 however an ACT score between 34-36 is considered good. MIT is a competitive institution therefore, a higher ACT score is required to get admitted.

5. Is SAT easy for Indian students?

The difficulty of the SAT exam can differ for each student. However, due to a strong foundation in mathematics, the maths section can be less challenging for Indian students. But with the right preparation and practice, Indian students can score highly on the SAT.

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