All About ACT and SAT

Throughout high school, you’ve been told repeatedly how important it is to score well on the ACT and SAT if you intend on going to college abroad. These standardized tests are used to measure key skills like reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression. In order to assess your readiness for college level work, the ACT/SATs are intentionally made to be difficult. While your score is not the sole determinant for college admissions, it is an important part of the set of criteria that colleges consider when making admissions decisions.

To get the best possible score, it is necessary to properly prepare for these exams. If you have yet to begin preparing for the ACT/SAT, or if you are unsure about how to start, then this guide is for you!

GENERAL OVERVIEW

ACT/SAT is accepted not only by all colleges and universities in United States but many universities around the globe including Canada, UK, Germany and many more. Every college in United States accepts both ACT as well as SAT test scores, most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Many students and parents begin the college prep process by comparing the ACT and SAT tests. The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and in some cases, awarding merit-based scholarships. You can choose to give multiple ACT/SATs and send your best score to the selected universities.

COMPARE THE STANDARDIZED TESTS

SAT ACT
Paper pencil test Computer based test
Sections English and Math English, Math and Science
Test Structure Reading Writing and Language Math Essay (optional) English Math Reading Science Essay (optional)
Length 3 hours (without essay) 3 hours 50 minutes (with essay) 2 hours 55 minutes (without essay) 3 hours 40 minutes (with essay)
Total no. of questions 134 questions 215 questions
Vocabulary Focus on vocabulary Vocabulary and spellings not tested
Calculator Policy No calculator allowed for Math 1 section Calculator allowed for all Math questions
Subject Tests SAT II subject tests NO ACT subject tests
Total Score Scored on a scale of 400-1600 Scored on a scale of 1-36
Test Results Results out in 2 to 3 weeks Results out in 2 days

Normally ACT takes care of both SAT I and II. However, few universities do ask for some SAT II subject tests. In which case you can give SAT II subject tests post ACT as well.

ACT or SAT? HOW TO DECIDE?

  • The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests, is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each test and get a feel of the real test to determine your comfort.
  • Since the style of the SAT and ACT is similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.
  • SAT is great if you are more comfortable with English, and ACT for data and analysis for the science part.
  • ACT tests speed and SAT tests endurance. Check which is your strength.

THE STARTING POINT

Whether you are months away from your exam, or weeks, your first test-prep step should be completing a practice exam. A simple online search will reveal that there are some free practice tests available online. Completing one of these tests is a good way to learn about the overall structure and format of the ACT/SAT, and a means to familiarize yourself with the content and question styles of each test. Additionally, the practice exam will also help you figure out your strong and weak areas. The ACT/SAT covers material from the first grade, to your second year in high school, so don’t be discouraged if you are unsatisfied with your practice exam score. Adjust your perspective and see this as an opportunity to learn!

WORK SMARTER, AND HARDER

To get good at anything, you must practice. Improve your scores by utilizing ACT/SAT prep books or online sites to learn about test taking strategies, and practice sample questions. It is important to note that there are a multitude of choices available on the market, so be sure to pick a good one. A key indicator of a good test-prep resource is one that shows you how to solve a question from step one. It is unhelpful to provide just the right answers to questions, without providing sufficient explanation as to why it’s correct and why the others are wrong. In addition to picking a good resource, also be sure to actually use it. Make a study schedule, and try to stick to it as much as possible.

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR ACT

  • TLog onto to www.actstudent.org and check the plethora of information given. You can download the free study guide, which tells you about all the four sections of the test, it also includes a full-length ACT test prep.
  • You can register for ACT question of the day on the same website; you will get asked 1 question everyday which will help you prepare for the ACT test.
  • The ACT official prep guide – includes 4 practice tests
  • Visit ACT academy online

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR SAT

  • Official practice tests by the College Board gives an aspirant a good idea about the structure of the test and is an excellent replication of the original.
  • Khan Academy is also an excellent resource, which is free, effective and official! The content has vast preparation material.
  • Princeton and Kaplan also provide free practice tests and study material.
  • The Official SAT Study Guide – As the name suggests, it is the “official” holy grail for SAT test-takers.

READ A LOT, AND THEN READ SOME MORE

Success on the ACT/SAT depends on your ability to think critically, focus, and interpret complex writing. To do well on these standardized tests, lots of reading is a must. In addition to the test prep books mentioned above, read dense non-fiction books; the more sleep inducing, the better. Going through tough non-fiction books will improve your vocabulary and get you accustomed to reading lengthy passages.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES

  • Practice two full-length tests (at least) in real test scenario. It is important to pace yourself during ACT/SAT as both are lengthy tests.
  • Read the directions very carefully, for example, English, Reading, Science tests ask for ‘Best’ answer while Math test asks for the ‘CORRECT’ answer.
  • Read each question carefully and answer EVERY question, as there are no negative markings for ACT/SAT. Answer all the easy questions first and use logic on more difficult questions.
  • Make notes for revision.
  • Devote 2/3rd of your time to correct past mistakes and 1/3rd of your time in learning new concepts. Don’t keep taking tests and making same mistakes.

ACT Test Dates for International Students

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
April 3-4, 2020 March 13, 2020 March 27, 2020
June 12-13, 2020 May 22, 2020 June 5, 2020
July 17-18, 2020 June 26, 2020 July 10, 2020
September 11-12, 2020 August 21, 2020 September 4, 2020
October 9-10, 2020 September 18, 2020 October 2, 2020
December 11-12, 2020 November 20, 2020 December 4, 2020

SAT Test Dates for International Students

No Late Registration for SAT

Test Date Registration Deadline
March 7, 2020 February 7, 2020
May 2, 2020 April 3, 2020
August 29, 2020 July 29, 2020
October 3, 2020 August 3, 2020
December 5, 2020 November 5, 2020

Top 20 US College Test Score Ranges

School Name US News Ranking Middle 50% SAT Score Range Middle 50% ACT Score Range
<Princeton/td> 1 1430-1570 31-35
Harvard 2 1460-1590 32-35
Columbia 3 1450-1580 32-35
MIT 3 1490-1570 33-35
Yale 3 1420-1590 31-35
Stanford 6 1390-1540 30-34
U of Chicago 6 1480-1580 32-35
UPenn 6 1420-1560 31-35
Northwestern 9 1420-1560 31-35
Duke 10 1390-1580 30-35
Johns Hopkins 10 1460-1580 32-35
Caltech 12 1530-1590 35
Dartmouth 12 1430-1560 31-35
Brown 14 1405-1570 30-35
Notre Dame 15 1370-1520 29-34
Cornell 16 1390-1550 30-34
Rice 16 1490-1580 30-35
UCLA 19 1240-1490 26-33
WUSTL 19 1470-1570 32-35

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