SAT and ACT Information
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a multiple-choice entrance, pencil-and-paper test, administered by the College Board. The SAT provides admissions officers with a common data point that can be used to evaluate all applicants.
SAT Details
| SAT Duration |
3 hours (plus 50 min with Optional Essay) |
| SAT Sections |
English, Math, Reading, Writing (Optional) |
| Highest Score |
1600 |
| Lowest Score |
1060 |
| Requirement |
Majority of colleges but not all |
What is the ACT?
The ACT is a multiple-choice entrance, pencil-and-paper test, administered by ACT Inc. It is used/accepted by the majority of undergraduate colleges in the US. Like the SAT, the ACT provides admissions officers with a data point that can be used to evaluate all applicants.
ACT Details
| ACT Duration |
2 hours 55 min (plus 40 min with Optional Writing) |
| ACT Sections |
English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (Optional) |
| Highest Score |
36 |
| Lowest Score |
1 |
| Requirement |
Majority of colleges but not all |
Should I take the SAT or ACT?
The majority of colleges in the U.S. accept either the SAT or the ACT, with no bias or preference for one or the other. It is possible to prepare for both tests and submit your best score! However, there are a few key differences in terms of content. For starters, the ACT includes a Science section and you are allowed to use a calculator in the Math sections (unlike the SAT)! Here’s a big picture comparison.
SAT vs ACT Comparison
| Feature |
SAT |
ACT |
| Duration |
3 hours (plus 50 min with Optional Essay) |
2 hours 55 min (plus 40 min with Optional Writing) |
| Sections |
English, Math, Reading, Writing (Optional) |
English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (Optional) |
| Math Calculator Policy |
Calculator allowed only in one Math section |
Calculator allowed in all Math sections |
| Science Section |
No |
Yes |
| Highest Score |
1600 |
36 |
| Lowest Score |
1060 |
1 |
| Acceptance |
Accepted by most colleges |
Accepted by most colleges |
Conclusion
Both the SAT and ACT are widely accepted by colleges in the U.S., and neither is inherently better than the other. The choice between the two depends on your strengths and preferences. If you excel in science and prefer using a calculator for all math problems, the ACT might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a test without a science section and are comfortable with limited calculator use, the SAT could be the right choice. Many students choose to take both tests to see which one they perform better on.
| Category |
SAT |
ACT |
| Structure |
Reading Writing & Language, Math, Essay (Optional) |
English, Math, Reading, Science, Reasoning, Essay (Optional) |
| Duration |
3 hours (without essay), 3 hours 50 min (with essay) |
2 hours 55 min (without essay), 3 hours 40 min (with essay) |
| Math |
Arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics |
Arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry & Trigonometry |
| Reading |
5 reading passages |
4 reading passages |
| Science |
None |
1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not knowledge) |
| Essays |
Optional – designed to test your comprehension of a text |
Optional – designed to test how you evaluate complex issues |
| Calculator |
Only on some sections |
Yes |
| Requirement |
Majority of colleges but not all |
Majority of colleges but not all |
| Score Range |
400 – 1600 |
(Not provided in the original content) |
| Average |
(Not provided in the original content) |
(Not provided in the original content) |
| 75th Percentile |
(Not provided in the original content) |
(Not provided in the original content) |
What score do I need for the Ivy League?
Do I need to sit the SAT/ACT?
It depends on where you’d like to study. Admissions officers recognise that the SAT/ACT don’t truly reflect the whole of a student’s accomplishments, especially those coming from a different academic system.
Over 900 colleges, including many prestigious ones, don’t require students to submit standardised test scores (sometimes referred to as “test flexible”). Educom consultants will help you navigate the entire application process.
