{"id":31084,"date":"2025-04-21T14:27:54","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T07:27:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etest.edu.vn\/?p=31084"},"modified":"2025-05-06T16:48:01","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T09:48:01","slug":"nen-thi-sat-hay-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etest.edu.vn\/en\/nen-thi-sat-hay-act\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I take the SAT or ACT? A detailed comparison to help you choose the right exam"},"content":{"rendered":"

The SAT and ACT are two important standardized tests accepted by most universities in the United States during the admissions process. Although similar in purpose, each exam has distinct differences in structure, content, and scoring. Choosing the right exam will help you maximize your personal strengths. The following article is from\u00a0ETEST English for Study Abroad<\/strong>\u00a0will help you compare details\u00a0Should I take the SAT or ACT?<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to make the most accurate choice.<\/p>\n

What is SAT?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

SAT<\/a>\u00a0(Scholastic Aptitude Test) is an academic assessment test for high school students, administered by the College Board. The test is administered in the form of a multiple-choice test on a computer. The purpose of the SAT is to measure the academic ability of high school students, especially skills such as reading comprehension, data analysis, and logical thinking.<\/p>\n

In addition, candidates also need to have a solid foundation in mathematics and the ability to express ideas clearly through essay writing.<\/p>\n

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SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is ACT?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

ACT<\/a>\u00a0(American College Testing) is a widely known multiple-choice test administered by ACT, Inc., in a paper-based format. The test focuses on testing students' academic abilities in four main areas: English, mathematics, reading comprehension, and science.<\/p>\n

Compared to the SAT, the ACT tends to assess students' abilities in a more practical and comprehensive approach. ACT results are not only used for admission purposes but can also be used for scholarships at some universities.<\/p>\n

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ACT (American College Testing) exam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is the difference between SAT and ACT?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Below is a detailed comparison table between the two exams.\u00a0SAT and ACT<\/strong>, helping you understand the differences and choose the right exam for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Criteria<\/strong><\/td>\nSAT<\/strong><\/td>\nACT<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Organizing unit<\/strong><\/td>\nCollege Board<\/td>\nACT, Inc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Exam format<\/strong><\/td>\nComputer-based test (internationally from March 2023, in the US from March 2024).<\/td>\nPaper and online test.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Time to do the test<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2013 Total time: 3 hours (not including essay).<\/p>\n

\u2013 If there is an essay: 3 hours 50 minutes.<\/td>\n

\u2013 Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes (not including essay).<\/p>\n

\u2013 If there is an essay: 3 hours 35 minutes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Average time\/sentence<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2013 Read: ~75 seconds<\/p>\n

\u2013 Write: ~48 seconds<\/p>\n

\u2013 Math: 75\u201387 seconds<\/td>\n

\u2013 English: ~36 seconds<\/p>\n

\u2013 Math: ~60 seconds<\/p>\n

\u2013 Read: ~53 seconds<\/p>\n

\u2013 Science: ~53 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Order of parts<\/strong><\/td>\n1. English \u2013 2. Mathematics \u2013 3. Reading \u2013 4. Science \u2013 5. Writing (optional)<\/td>\n1. Reading \u2013 2. Writing and Language \u2013 3. Math Without Calculator \u2013 4. Calculator \u2013 5. Essay (optional)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Exam structure<\/strong><\/td>\n1.\u00a0Reading:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Time: 65 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Number of questions: 52.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Writing and Language:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Time: 35 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Number of questions: 44.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Math:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 No calculator: 25 minutes, 20 questions.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Using computer: 55 minutes, 38 questions.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Essay (optional):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Time: 50 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Number of questions: 1.<\/td>\n

1.\u00a0English:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Time: 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Number of questions: 75.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Math:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Time: 60 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Number of questions: 60.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Reading:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Time: 35 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Number of questions: 40.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Science:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Time: 35 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Number of questions: 40.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Essay (Writing \u2013 optional):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Time: 40 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Number of questions: 1.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Scoring scale<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2013 Total score: 400 \u2013 1600.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Each Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math section uses a 200-800 scale and is combined for a total score.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Essays have three separate scores from 1-8 and do not count towards the final score.<\/td>\n

\u2013 Total score: 1 \u2013 36.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Each section of English, Math, Reading and Science uses a scale of 1-36.<\/p>\n

\u2013 The total score is the average of the four test sections.<\/p>\n

\u2013 The Writing section is scored on a scale of 2-12 and does not count towards the final score.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Average score<\/strong><\/td>\n1060 points<\/td>\n21 points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
English Test<\/strong><\/td>\nTests your ability to use academic language, analyze and edit sentences.<\/td>\nEvaluate grammar, sentence structure and argumentation skills in essay writing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Math section<\/strong><\/td>\nFocus on algebra, geometry, logical thinking and reading graphs.<\/td>\nThe test covers algebra, trigonometry, and statistics; requires quick calculations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reading section<\/strong><\/td>\nLong, academic text; requires in-depth analysis and reasoning.<\/td>\nShort, clear text; tests ability to grasp information quickly.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Science section<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2013 There is no separate Science section and it is often integrated into the reading section.<\/td>\n\u2013 There is a Science section, focusing on reading comprehension and chart analysis skills.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Essay test<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2013 Optional, duration 50 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Test reading comprehension, expression and analysis skills.<\/p>\n

\u2013 The question provides a passage and requires candidates to analyze how the author builds arguments, uses evidence and persuasive methods.<\/td>\n

\u2013 Optional, 30 minutes duration.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Tests the ability to evaluate and analyze complex problems.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Ask candidates to give their personal opinions on the issue or situation first.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Exam costs<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2013 About 60 USD<\/td>\n\u2013 No essay: ~50.5 USD<\/p>\n

\u2013 With essay writing: ~67 USD<\/p>\n

\u2013 In some other countries, the ACT test will cost around $150, with a writing section around $166.50.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Exam time<\/strong><\/td>\nHeld in March or April, May, June, August, October, November, December every year.<\/td>\nHeld in February, April, June, July, September, October, December every year.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Unit accepting test scores<\/strong><\/td>\nAccepted by all colleges and universities in the US<\/td>\nAccepted by all colleges and universities in the US.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Should I take the SAT or ACT?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most colleges and universities in the US accept both SAT and ACT scores equally, without giving preferential treatment to one exam or another.<\/strong>\u00a0Nowadays, many students choose to attend both exams to make it easier to assess their abilities before making a final choice.<\/p>\n

Choosing between the SAT and ACT depends entirely on the student\u2019s academic ability. The best way to make an informed decision is to take practice tests of both the SAT and ACT, evaluate your results, and determine your strengths and weaknesses, as well as choose the most effective study strategy.<\/p>\n

You should consider taking the SAT if:<\/strong><\/p>\n