Is The ACT Easier Than SAT? Best Decision To Make

Choosing between the SAT and the ACT is usually the first important step in the college admission process, and it can be daunting.

Also, giving a good answer to whether the ACT is easier than the SAT can be difficult.

There are some distinctions between the SAT and the ACT that can genuinely make one or the other easier or tougher for test-takers.

So, how can you know which test is easier for you: the SAT or the ACT? Continue reading to learn more about the SAT and ACT exams, including important differences, scoring patterns, and costs.

What is SAT

According to Wikipedia, is a standardized test commonly utilized in the United States for college admissions.

Its name and scoring have changed multiple times since its inception in 1926; it was first known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, then the Scholastic Assessment Test, then the SAT I: Reasoning Test, then the SAT Reasoning Test, then just the SAT.

While a lot of research has been done on the SAT, there are still a lot of doubts and misconceptions.

The SAT is utilized by researchers investigating human intelligence in general and intellectual precociousness in particular, as well as by some employers in the recruitment process, outside of college admissions.

What is Act

The ACT (which stands for American College Testing) is a standardized test used in the United States for college admissions.

ACT, a nonprofit organization with the same name, is currently in charge of its administration. English, mathematics, reading, and scientific thinking are the four academic skill areas included by the ACT test. There’s also an opportunity to take a straight writing test.

Furthermore, it is also recognized by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States, as well as more than 225 universities worldwide.

Read this: 10 Best Books For SAT Prep in 2024

What Are The Differences Between SAT And Act?

Despite the fact that both tests have the same goal, they differ in some ways. We’ve highlighted these differences in this section to assist you to pick between the two tests.

SAT vs. ACT – Type of Questions

The SAT and ACT differ in the following ways in terms of how the questions are written and how that plays out while taking the test:

	SAT	ACT
Nature of questions	Lesser number of questions but more time per question.	Has a greater number of questions with lesser time per question.
Structure of questions	May have tables, charts, or graphs. It has two math sections contributing to 50% of the total score.	Questions are text-based.

SAT vs. ACT – Timing

Time Allowed per Question

When it comes to taking a test, time is crucial. You can choose between the two tests based on your abilities and select the one you believe you will be able to complete efficiently and obtain your desired score.

Subject	ACT (Time per Question)	SAT (Time per Question)
Math	1 minute	1.81 minutes
Reading	52.5 seconds	1.25 minutes
English (ACT) or Writing and Language (SAT)	36 seconds	47.72 seconds

The table plainly shows that the SAT gives students significantly more time to complete the various sections of the test.

SAT vs. ACT – Cost

Exam costs might be a deciding factor when deciding which test to take. This is especially important if one intends to take the test numerous times in order to enhance their score.

As can be seen in the table below, the SAT exam is less expensive than the ACT for international candidates. So, if the expense of the exam is a concern, you might want to take the SAT exam instead.

Particulars	SAT	ACT
Registration Fees(In USA)	$55	$60 (without essay) and $85 (with essay)
Late Fee	$30	$36
International Fees (For test takers outside the USA)	$98-108 (Depends upon test-taking region/nation)	$168.5 (without essay) and $188.5 (with essay)

Sources: College Board and ACT, Inc.

SAT vs. ACT – SCORING

The table below gives an overview of how to convert SAT to ACT scores. Because both tests are graded on different scales, the table below can help you compare the two.

To stand out among the vast number of candidates to top institutions throughout the world, students must strive to get their best score.

Another important parameter to compare the two examinations is the SAT to ACT conversion (score).

ACT Composite Score	SAT Composite Score
36	1570-1600
35	1530-1560
34	1490-1520
33	1450-1480
32	1420-1440
31	1390-1410
30	1360-1380
29	1330-1350
28	1300-1320
27	1260-1290
26	1230-1250
25	1200-1220
24	1160-1190
23	1130-1150
22	1100-1120
21	1060-1090
20	1030-1050
19	990-1020
18	960-980
17	920-950
16	880-910
15	830-870
14	780-820
13	730-770
12	690-720
11	650-680
10	620-640
9	590-610

Also, check this: Can You Take the SAT After High School in 2024? Best Answer

Is The ACT Easier Than SAT?

The primary question now is: Is the ACT easier than the SAT?

It’s important to remember that the difficulty of a test is subjective to each student. Comparing the two tests can only help you figure out which one is best suited to your abilities.

One of the deciding factors in this scenario could be the subject of mathematics. One math part on the ACT includes a calculator.

While the SAT offers two subsections for math (with and without a calculator). The math part accounts for 50% of the SAT score but only 25% of the ACT score.

Thus, if Math is a source of frustration for you, this distinction may be worth considering.

It’s also worth noting that, when compared to SAT, test-takers generally find the ACT’s Math part to be a little more difficult.

Another distinguishing feature is the ACT’s Science portion, which has its own part. The SAT, on the other hand, does not assess the test takers’ scientific abilities.

It’s important to understand that deciding which test is easier (ACT or SAT) is a personal choice.

The study materials, format, and duration of the tests, as well as the test cost and other necessities, are remarkably similar, and both tests are administered once a year.

Whatever test you choose, try to prioritize and arrange your preparation well ahead of time.

Conclusion

In the end, neither the SAT nor the ACT is easier than the other, but each test is better for a particular type of student.

It’s also an opportunity for students to demonstrate their abilities to colleges, so it’s worth spending the time preparing to do well on at least one of them and adding a positive component to the college application.

Is The ACT Easier Than SAT? Best Decision To Make

What is SAT

What is Act