An Overview Of The SAT Exam
The SAT is a standardized test widely used in admissions to US universities. The SAT comprises two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. These two sections are scored out of a total of 1600.
| Component |
Time Allotted (minutes) |
Number of Questions/Tasks |
| Reading and Writing |
64 (two 32-minute modules) |
54 |
| Math |
70 (two 35-minute modules) |
44 |
| Total |
134 |
98 |
All first-year applicants
Applicants with IB Diplomas
Applicants with a C grade or lower for:
Applicants without any of the following:
What score should I aim for?
Here are the average SAT scores of successful applicants to top-tier universities.
Here are the average SAT scores of successful applicants to top-tier universities.
Both tests are accepted by most universities in the US. However, as they have slight differences, it is recommended that candidates should take the test they would fare better in.
Should you be unable to decide which test might be more suitable for you, a good way to gauge your expertise is to attempt a full length practice test for both.
| |
SAT |
ACT |
| Scoring |
Composite score of 400–1600 |
Composite score out of 36 (average of all 4 sections) |
| Subjects |
(1) Evidence based Reading and Writing
(2) Math |
(1) English
(2) Math
(3) Science Reasoning
(4) Essay (optional) |
| Dates |
Offered seven times a year:
- March
- May
- June
- August
- October
- November
- December
|
Offered seven times a year:
- February
- April
- June
- July
- September
- October
- December
|
| Math formulas |
Contains data analytics |
Contains Statistics and Probability |
| Math formulas |
Geometry & Trigonometry formulas are provided. |
Formulas are not provided and need to be memorized. |
| Science section |
No |
Yes |
The types of questions in each section of the SAT and the ACT vary. Ultimately, the best way to know which test is a better fit for you is to attempt both.
| |
SAT |
ACT |
| Reading |
Questions are always in chronological order; a number line is provided. Students should take about 75 seconds per question. |
Questions are not in chronological order — being able to remember the location of exact details in passages gives you an advantage. You are given approx. 8 minutes per passage. |
| Writing |
More focused on questions about writing style, language precision and vocabulary. |
More focused on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and big idea questions. |
| Math |
Focus on algebra and functions, along with other topics such as geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis. |
Wider range of Mathematical concepts — such as logarithms, graphs of trigonometry functions, and matrices. |
| Science |
No Science section. Scientific data and passages are present in Reading and Writing sections. |
Familiarity with scientific terms and gathering scientific data from charts and graphs will give you a greater advantage on the ACT. |
| Essay |
No longer offered after June 2021. |
Analyze three perspectives on an issue and present your own. |
