SAT vs ACT: Which Entrance Exam Is Better for You to Study in the US?

The SAT and ACT are the common university entrance exams that some US institutions use in the application process to measure university readiness. US high school students typically take these exams in their 11th year and may take one or both multiple times.

Applying to study abroad in the US can differ from that in India.  Unlike Indian universities, where departments often help screen students, US undergraduate admissions committees review applicants holistically. Your application typically includes digital forms, test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL), secondary school information, essays, and letters of recommendation to evaluate your overall strength as a candidate. 

In recent years, a growing number of US schools have dropped exam requirements to make the application process more equitable. However, some universities may require an English proficiency test if you decide not to submit SAT or ACT scores. Other universities still require scores, and even when they don't, including above-average or high scores can bolster your overall application.

Since the College Board—the organisation that oversees the SAT—recommends spending anywhere from six to 20 hours preparing for that test, it's worth figuring out which entrance exam you should take: the SAT or the ACT. Discover what each exam covers and how they’re scored to determine the best option for you.

SAT vs ACT: Sections and content

The SAT and the ACT involve similar subjects in reading, language comprehension, and mathematics. More than finding out what you know, the aim is to understand your ability to comprehend information, think critically, and solve problems. Let's go over what you can expect from each test section.

SAT sections

The SAT is typically formatted into two sections—a maths section and one designed to measure your ability to read and write. Each section is further broken down into two modules, with the first having a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. The second module will adjust its difficulty depending on your performance in the first module. 

• Reading and writing: Review and analyse passages

• Maths: Algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry

ACT sections

As of 2025, the enhanced ACT has three total sections, with optional science and writing sections. Like the SAT, you're tested on your ability to understand information, think critically and logically (like the science section), and complete maths questions.

• English: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetoric

• Maths: Algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry

• Reading: Review and analyse passages

• Science (optional): Review science-based passages and answer questions

• Writing (optional): One essay

As you can see, the SAT tends to be more maths-heavy. At the same time, the ACT incorporates an optional science section that seeks to understand your logical and critical thinking abilities by asking you to review passages with graphs, charts, and other data.

SAT vs ACT: Questions and length

Completing the SAT takes two hours and 14 minutes, with a 10-minute break between the two sections. The SAT allows the use of a calculator throughout the entire maths section. Here’s how each SAT section breaks down:

It takes two hours and 55 minutes to complete the ACT, and you take mandatory breaks between some of the tests. Here’s how each ACT section breaks down for the enhanced exam available in 2025 and 2026:

SAT vs ACT scores

The SAT and ACT have different scoring mechanisms: The SAT has a total score between 400 and 1600, while the ACT is a composite score out of 36. The scoring of the exams breaks down as follows:

SAT scoring

Your SAT score reports include two types of scores: your total and section scores.

• Total score: This figure ranges from 400 to 1600 and represents the sum of the two section scores: Reading, writing, and Math.

• Section scores: Section scores for Reading, writing, and Math range from 200 to 800. The SAT considers a Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher and a Math score of at least 530 university-ready.

The SAT does not penalise students for incorrect answers. This means you should answer every question even if you are not sure about the answer.

ACT scoring

ACT composite score is the average of the three test scores—English, Math, Reading, and Science—and is rounded to the nearest whole number, between 1 and 36.

If you complete the science or essay portion of the ACT, you'll receive a separate overall score between 2 and 12. The three main domain scores, ranging from 2 to 12, are Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organisation, and Language Use and Conventions.

University and career readiness scores vary across the ACT's test sections:

• English: 18

• Maths: 22

• Reading: 22

• Science: 23

Like the SAT, the ACT does not penalise test takers for incorrect answers. You can guess even if you are unsure about the answer without losing points.

Why you might want to take the SAT or ACT 

Historically, most universities in the US required the SAT or ACT as part of their admissions process. However, many schools have adopted a test-optional policy, meaning you do not have to take either exam.

That being said, not every school has a test-optional policy, so reviewing the application requirements for every university you'd like to attend is best. If you can decide whether to take the SAT or ACT, check out why you might want to take either standardised test and submit your scores.

• Bolster your admissions portfolio: If you submit test scores, admissions officers will consider them alongside the rest of your application materials to develop a well-rounded idea of the type of student you are, your interests, and your strengths. Submitting your scores may enhance your application if you score in the top 50th (or even better, above the top 25th) percentile compared to previously admitted students.

• Access classes that fit your educational needs: Admissions committees may use test scores to decide which courses you should take if the school offers different levels, such as developmental and honours.

• Qualify for merit scholarships: In India, you can apply for a merit scholarship if you are an income-eligible student and score 1300 or higher on the SAT. 

• Keep your options open: Having test scores ready to submit as part of your application will keep your options open, even if your first choice is test-optional. You may change your mind and want to apply for a school with a testing requirement.

Which test is right for you? 

If you're applying to a university that requires the SAT or ACT, consider which test best aligns with your strengths. It may be helpful to take free practice tests online and see how you feel about completing each with little to no preparation. That can be a good indication of how you'll do with additional study time.

What to consider when choosing between ACT and SAT

Some additional factors that may help you determine which test is for you are:

• Number of questions: The ACT has 171 questions compared to the SAT's 98 questions.

• Subject strength: While the SAT and ACT subjects are similar, they have notable differences. Think about which subjects you enjoy and do well in. If maths is not your strong suit, consider that you can use a calculator on all portions of the ACT maths section. If you do well in science, the ACT has an optional section that might be worth your time.

• Availability: Your area may have different test centres and schedules for each test. You can know when each test is available by visiting The College Board's website or the ACT's test centre site.

• Cost: The SAT costs 68 USD, with an international fee of 43 USD, making the total cost 111 USD. The ACT for international test takers costs 186.50 USD. If you have the optional essay writing or science sections, the cost is 211.50 USD. These prices don't include additional fees like late registration or cancellation. *Fees as of January 2025

• Mode: As of late 2023, the revised SAT is now fully digital and revamped, while the ACT only offers digital testing at select locations

If you're still unsure which test is right for you, consider taking both of them officially and seeing if you do better on one than the other. You can submit your higher score as part of your university application.

Next steps for entrance exams with Coursera

The ACT and SAT are entrance exams required by some universities in the US. As an international student, you may need to take additional exams like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If you want to prepare for the TOEFL, try the TOEFL Preparation Specialisation from UC Irvine on Coursera.

When applying, consider earning your degree online from top universities such as Georgetown University or the University of London on Coursera.